Holmsley Mill supplies superior oak products, and we turn them into something special. Thanks to the OakCraft Jointing System, we can take traditional designs and change them to provide greater versatility for our clients.
About OakCraft
Located in the scenic heart of the New Forest, OakCraft is a proud purveyor of bespoke oak buildings that are as functional as they are beautiful. We have closely studied the traditional woodworking techniques used during the last century and introduced our patented inventions to make the results even better. With the introduction of our patented (Patent Number 2338004) OakCraft Jointing System, we have been able to construct superior, more resilient buildings with increased headroom and finer aesthetics, due to the intuitive placement of eaves beams and ties.
The History of Holmsley Mill
Drawing on a rich heritage, our site at Holmsley Mill has been home to woodworking and craftsmanship for over a century. Historically, the mill played a crucial role during the Second World War, cutting oak railway sleepers that were essential for wartime defences. This storied past intertwines with our proximity to the now-disused Holmsley Railway Station and the Holmsley Airfield, which has been repurposed yet still showcases its historic runways.
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Our Ethos
Honouring the centuries-old art of oak framing, OakCraft builds exceptional structures that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation. Our skilled craftspeople meticulously handcraft each building using our patented OakCraft Jointing System (Patent Number 2338004) in tandem with time-honoured techniques, creating structures that embody sustainability and timeless beauty.
Our team will work closely with you, your builders, and our structural engineering partners, if needed, to ensure that every aspect of your oak frame project is meticulously planned, executed, and meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Oak Framing
Centuries of craftsmanship meet modern needs. We build exceptional green oak timber frames for any oak-framed building project. Our team honours tradition with freshly sawn oak and time-tested techniques, creating handcrafted structures that are uniquely beautiful and sustainable. Durability, design flexibility, and controlled off-site construction make green oak framing the choice for any build.
Bespoke Design
As the industry shifts towards mass-produced, machine-cut frames, OakCraft remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the art of handcrafted excellence. We are among the few companies that have continued to embrace the traditional techniques of our predecessors, investing in skilled craftsmanship rather than relying solely on automated processes.
At OakCraft, every frame is meticulously crafted by the hands of our master craftspeople, ensuring that each structure is a unique and bespoke creation. Our unwavering dedication to handcraftsmanship guarantees that no two frames are alike, reflecting the individual character and vision of each client.
Whether you envision a cosy oak extension for your home, a rustic stable, or any other elegant outdoor space, our team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Get a bespoke green oak timber frame that perfectly suits your lifestyle and architectural preferences.
Why Choose Oak?
Oak is renowned for its strength, durability, and timeless aesthetic appeal. Our skilled artisans use traditional mortise and tenon joinery, ensuring your building will stand the test of time.
Enduring Strength: Oak-framed buildings possess remarkable resilience against the elements and wear, ensuring a structure that stands proudly for generations.
Timeless Elegance: Oak’s natural warmth, rich grain patterns, and inherent character create spaces that are both visually stunning and inviting.
Our Buildings
We specialise in crafting a wide range of exceptional oak-framed structures designed to enhance your life and property. Our skilled engineers and designers ensure unwavering structural integrity, durability, and timeless beauty.
Each structure is a showcase of our commitment to excellence and the potential of oak:
Garages: Elegant oak garages that protect your vehicles while adding timeless charm to your home.
Home Offices & Garden Rooms: Inspiring and tranquil workspaces, nestled in the beauty of your garden.
Conservatories & Orangeries: Light-filled extensions that seamlessly connect your home to the outdoors.
Annexes: Comfortable and self-contained guest accommodations or multi-generational living spaces.
OakCraft Jointing System
We blend centuries-old oak framing traditions with our innovative, patented OakCraft Jointing System (Patent Number 2338004). This unique method delivers superior strength, resilience, and finer aesthetics in every handcrafted building – advantages you won’t find elsewhere.
Our system’s versatility allows us to transform traditional designs, offering unparalleled customisation that expands your creative possibilities. Every custom project is treated as a unique endeavour and does not rely on pre-built stock. Whether you desire a standalone masterpiece or a structure that seamlessly blends with its surroundings, OakCraft’s expertise delivers.
Direct Glazing
Our premier direct glazing system is the perfect complement to your green oak frame. With oak cover boards that secure the glass externally, maximising light and showcasing the frame’s beauty. This design not only allows for natural light to filter through the openings in the oak frame, but it also ensures complete weatherproofing, preventing any ingress of water.
Unparalleled Natural Light: Floods your space with sunshine.
Frame-Focused Aesthetics: Celebrates the beauty of your green oak structure.
Built to Last: Weatherproofing designed for green oak’s natural movement.
Joinery (Doors, Staircases and Windows)
Our service offerings extend beyond our exceptional green oak timber frames. We design and build beautiful doors, staircases, and joinery pieces that seamlessly complement our other work.
Ledge and Brace Doors: For outbuildings such as garages and sheds, we offer heavy-duty frame-ledged and braced doors. Manufactured using oak, other hardwoods or softwood, these high-quality doors are a beautiful finishing touch to any oak-framed structure, adding functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Staircases: Whether you desire an internal or external staircase, our skilled craftsmen are dedicated to transforming your vision into reality. We create staircases that are not only sturdy and functional but also works of art.
Joinery: Besides doors and staircases, we offer various joinery services. From single and double doors to bi-fold doors, opening windows, and general joinery pieces, we can source and install high-quality products that perfectly complement your oak frame.
Cladding
Our outstanding green oak timber frames are designed to integrate with several cladding options, allowing you to create a unique aesthetic which aligns with your needs for functionality and performance.
Primary Materials: Our cladding primarily uses softwood and oak, which are known for their natural beauty and durability. These materials not only complement the traditional oak frame but also provide excellent insulation and longevity.
Additional Options: Upon request, we can provide alternative timber options such as Douglas fir, cedar, or larch. Each offers unique characteristics, from the robustness of Douglas fir to the classic appeal of cedar and larch, allowing further customisation to suit your style.
Customisable Finishes: Enhance your chosen cladding with various stains and finishes that protect and preserve its beauty. These customisable options allow you to create the perfect visual statement that reflects your personal taste and enhances the building’s overall appeal.
Please be aware that we do not offer metal cladding. Our focus remains on high-quality timber options that best match the traditional and contemporary aesthetics of our oak-framed buildings.
Insulation
Oak, being a dense and robust wood, offers a natural level of insulation, sometimes reducing the need for extensive additional insulation in garages and similar structures. Insulation requirements can vary depending on the intended use and purpose of the structure. We design insulation solutions that perfectly align with your building’s purpose, geographical setting, and visual aspirations, ensuring an ideal fit for your unique requirements.
Our team of experts will provide guidance on suitable insulation and heating solutions for buildings intended for habitation or specific purposes, such as home offices or guest quarters. Solutions for habitable spaces need to ensure optimal thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
If you need insulation for a workshop, garden studio, or any other auxiliary structure, we will ensure that the chosen insulation strikes a perfect balance between functionality, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Sustainable Forests
OakCraft at Holmsley Mill works towards a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern environmental ethics. Our oak is meticulously sourced from forests managed with the utmost commitment to sustainability, ensuring that each oak-framed structure we create is not only of superior quality but also contributes positively to environmental conservation.
Our belief is that true craftsmanship involves a harmonious relationship with nature, which is why we prioritise timber from renewable sources.
Working With Architects and Builders
Crafting exceptional oak frame structures often requires a collaborative effort involving various professionals. Hence, we offer a partnership approach, leveraging our expertise to integrate with your existing plans.
If you are an architect and already have designed a project incorporating oak elements, our team of professionals can review your plans and provide expert advice. With extensive experience in identifying potential challenges, we propose innovative solutions to ensure the integration of oak components into your design.
For builders, we serve as a trusted companion, complementing your expertise with our specialised knowledge in oak framing. Our skilled CAD designers can produce detailed drawings for the oak-framed portions of the project, ensuring precise execution and a cohesive final product that exceeds expectations.
While we do not offer in-house structural engineering services, OakCraft maintains partnerships with reputable structural engineers. This allows us to provide the necessary structural calculations and ensure that our oak frames comply with all relevant regulations, giving you peace of mind and ensuring the structural integrity of your project.
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A skilled bunch of craftsman, will a friendly attitude .If you are after a oak building, these guys know their stuff.Also as the office is in the middle of the New Forest, it's quite a nice place to visit and do business.
Reasonably priced top quality product, delivered in no time! 10 out 10 experience.
Oakcraft installed an oak framed building for me in 2015. This year, 2020, I noticed some minor problems with an external door. After phoning through one of their directors called around, inspected and agreed that the issue should not have occurred. He then undertook to rectify the problem at Oakcraft's expense. I spent a lot of money with Oakcraft and have a beautiful oak office. But I did not expect them, five years after building, to call around so promptly and deal with the problem and at their expense. Very good service indeed and I have no hesitation in recommending them to others.
We had a two bay carport with garage and room over the top built last year. Oak Craft were prompt with their quote, they came and did a site visit and then the boys who erected the building were a delight to have on site. We can't recommend the company highly enough
