Larch is a versatile timber that works well in exterior structures and cladding as its resin content naturally protects it from decay. Whilst larch is a softwood, it is renowned for its durability. Larch brings character to patios, porches and balconies, as well as building finishes such as cladding.
Larch blends particularly well with Douglas fir. These two timbers form a natural partnership for projects where timber design is key to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Western red cedar is a popular choice for cladding due to its excellent durability and stability alongside great thermal and acoustic properties. It has a low tendency to twist, shrink, check or warp. This low-density timber is light and relatively easy to install.
When left untreated the timber will fade to a beautiful silver sheen. As it contains no resin it can also take a range of paints, stains and to complement your building style.
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2007
When not in the yard what do you enjoy doing?
Going back into the yard.
If stranded on a desert island which three people would you take and why?
The most edible.
Biography
Martin works as a yardsman in the Carpenter Oak framing yard. He also has a BA in Animation. When not in the yard, Martin co-ordinates art sessions 3 days a week at Park School in Totnes (holistic/human scale education). He has spent over 15 years working in primary schools developing a whole range of art and craft skills as a technician of the animation. He is also a professional puppeteer working for Puppet Craft, Far and Wide Theatre, plus his own work. He is also involved with the Moveable Feast Workshop Company, which develops workshops as an art form.
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2015
What do you enjoy doing when not in the workshop?
Bird watching with my partner, I go locally but I’ve been bird watching all over the place from the Hebrides to the Scilly Isles.
What sort of music do you enjoy listening to?
I really like reggae and ska and also some older stuff like The Beatles and The Kinks.
Best thing about working at Carpenter Oak?
The people, everyone is great and the atmosphere here is really nice.
Biography
I started working for Carpenter Oak in 2015 after finishing 6th-form in Totnes. Since then I have been learning a lot about carpentry and worked on some amazing frames. The most interesting was on building I worked on with Ben which had a curved pitched roof like a segment of an amphitheatre which made for some complex geometry and carpentry.
I live near Stoke Gabriel with my wife Daisy and two little boys, Sollie and Casper. I like to spend time camping and being on the river with my family and friends. I also enjoy spending my out time looking for unusual birds and insects whilst out walking on the coast and moor.
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2018
At the age of 20 I went on a carpentry training course, allowing me to be self employed for 30 years before moving to Carpenter Oak in 2007.
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
Brixton Department Store – everything about the project was awesome and the end result was one of a kind.
When not in the yard, what do you enjoy doing?
Listening to music and cooking
If stranded on a desert island, which three people would you take and why?
Jack Dee for obvious reasons, myself to build shelter and Bear Grylls to do the hunting for food.
Which three people would be in your dream Carpentry team and why?
Jesus (he was a carpenter!) Noah (he built and ark so probably pretty good) and Tommy Walsh from Grand Force
What is the most embarrassing job you’ve ever had?
Delivery driver
What music do you listen to?
Rock, reggae and blues
What is the best comedy film ever made?
The Guard
What do you enjoy most about working with oak/wood?
Job satisfaction
Where is your favourite place in the world?
My garden
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2017
Favourite project you’ve worked on and why?
Raising a frame on the Isle of Skye! Stunning location, great team to work with, lovely people to work for, interesting nicknames on site, daily invasion of Scottish sheep at our accommodation, sweet local beers and plenty of rain to keep the midges at bay! Totally worth the lengthy road trip from down south up north and back.
When not in the yard, what do you enjoy doing?
Going for walks and swims in places that feel like nature, making things (and occasionally breaking them), growing greenness, poetry – and many other things that I rarely find time for.
Biography
Originally from the Netherlands, but gone in various directions in this world doing a variety of things over the past decade or so. A longstanding wish to develop woodworking skills started taking shape more and more a few years ago when I got involved in a furniture-making project with lovely people working on a big order for green ashwood lathback chairs in Wales. Then a short informal apprenticeship in timber framing using proper old school hand tools. I knew the crafty master from before, when working on a building site in Spain where we were renovating old pheasant farm houses and living the off-grid life in the beautiful rugged mountains of the Pyrenees. From there things really got going and now I am here at Carpenter Oak!
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2014
Favourite timber frame joint:
I’ve done some hips with dragon beams recently, which has been fun.
Best project you’ve worked on?
Moss – Great frame on an island on the Thames, with great weather and great clients.
What music are you listening to in the yard?
Tom K and I recently had an excellent 90s indie revival
When not in the yard what do you enjoy doing?
Surfing, triathlons, playing with my son.
Which three colleagues would you take to a desert island?
Assuming there’s great waves on this island I’d take Don to go surfing with, then Matt Q has got some pretty good outdoor survival skills so would come in handy. And Sarah to keep us in check and look after us all.
Which colleagues would be in your dream carpentry team?
That’s tough. Everyone’s great in different ways. Alan usually has biscuits with him so that’s always good.
What do you enjoy most about working with wood?
NOT leaving wood chips all over our house and getting in trouble with my wife
What is the best comedy film ever made?
Super Troopers
Where is your favourite place in the world?
Karijini, Western Australia
Biography
I was born in Perth in Western Australia but grew up in Cambridge. After studying Psychology at Swansea University I moved to North Devon in pursuit of waves. I worked as a surf instructor for seven years, allowing me to surf and travel all over the world. I began training and working as a carpenter in 2007. We lived in Australia for 4 years before returning to the UK to get married in 2013. While traveling in Canada I realised my passion for timber framing by completing a introductory training course. Upon our return I got in touch with Carpenter Oak and a month later we made the move from North to South Devon. We now live in beautiful Kingsbridge where we bought a house in 2016 and our son was born in 2017.
I love the fact that from the entrance you have no idea of what lies behind the door. When you open it up, the oak frame frames the view of the lake. A lot of people who come to the front door are surprised, from the outside you would not expect the space that you see upon entering the house.
The gallery at Tremenheere is a remarkable success. I believe this is a building in which everyone involved can take huge pride.
A green oak frame oozes character and, as with many of the fine things in life, gets better with age. As the frame seasons, the timbers are an enduring source of fascination as their tone and texture change and surface shakes appear.
Watching the oak frame go up was incredible, and within three days it was fully erected. I almost didn't want them to build anything around it because it was so beautiful...
The Carpenter Oak experience was, as expected, a sturdy and robust service, with style and enthusiasm, a team of skilled workers who truly cared about the journey of this sensational building.
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