Business Profile: Hewnwood Oak Frame
We spoke to Hewnwood Oak Frame about what they do…
When was the business started? 25 years ago.
Where are you based and what area do you cover? We are based just outside of Brecon, but we travel nationwide.
What training or experience do you have within the team? We are a small family firm. I have 35 years of carpentry experience and my eldest son Connor has 12 years experience. We are both heritage NVQ3 qualified. Mary has done courses in bookkeeping and is a professional cook. I have also trained many other apprentices who work along side us on large projects.
What type of projects do you specialise in? We specialise in the main structure of timber frame buildings such as houses, garages, extensions and various out-buildings.
Tell us about the methods you use in your work? We use traditional cutting and scribing techniques to create oak frame buildings that utilise the natural strength and beauty, within the grain and curves of the oak.
What courses will you be offering during 2023? April and May are now full, but we have opened up dates in June due to popular demand.
What makes your courses different to others? I enjoy sharing the love I have for my craft, but what makes these courses unique is the camaraderie between the students. A simple recipe of shared interest, in a beautiful location and Mary’s delicious food.
What is a ‘topping out’ ceremony? After the completion and raising of a finished oak frame, we hold a topping out ceremony. This stems from an old Norse tradition which involves a sprig of oak, a wee dram and a few well chosen words to bless the frame and its custodians.
How do you see the future of traditional timber framing? If the traditions of the craft are respected, and sustainable resources used contributing to replanting and forest management, the craft of timber framing should continue to thrive, as it has done for hundreds of years. However, like most things the more mass produced it becomes, through the use of CNC machines, the skill set of the labour force is reduced and we will quite possibly outstrip the resources at hand.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know? For an insight into the process, we sometimes have our clients work alongside us for part of their build.
Sum your business up in five words: Conscious woodland, folk, family, craftsmen.