Carpenter Oak CPD Programmes

Carpenter Oak Continual Professional Development (CPDs)

Developing the way that architects and engineers understand both the role and potential of timber framing in today’s building design and construction

At Carpenter Oak, we believe it is key to work as partners.  Collaborating, sharing knowledge and supporting each other’s businesses.

As part of that ethos, we have developed a set of CPD courses.  Each is designed to offer insight and knowledge into oak, timber framing and pushing the boundaries with evermore creative and expertly engineered projects. We are constantly showing the diversity of wood and how it rivals many other materials.

Timber framing is one of our oldest construction methods, yet this very history often informs assumptions about the role of a timber frame in architecture.

Timber frames are often perceived as traditional structures, incorporated as aesthetic add-ons to a design rather than them fulfilling their real potential as a structural part of a building.

Carpenter Oak’s range of CPD programmes are designed to significantly enrich the knowledge of architects, engineers and construction professionals – showing how timber frames can play an important role in today’s architecture.

 

One-hour CPD programme – delivered in-person or online

Overview

A one-hour CPD for anyone involved in or considering the use of structural timber frames in a building project, and how timber provides a structural solution for any project. We offer a CPD on green oak and a CPD on other types of timber such as Douglas fir and glulam.

Location

This session is delivered by arrangement at architects’ or engineers’ premises around the UK and is dependent on the number of delegates. We can also deliver this online if this is more suitable to you.

Agenda

Find out how to utilise traditionally constructed timber frames through to cutting-edge timber engineering.

The session covers:

• The reasons for building in timber.
• Shrinkage and movement.
• The material.
• Interface detailing.
• Working with the idiosyncrasies of green timber.
• The design, fabrication and erection processes.

 

Half-day CPD programme

Overview

A half-day CPD session designed to provide architects and engineers with a detailed insight into timber-framing methods, construction, design and potential within today’s architecture, as well as a tour of the yard and Q&A with some of our skilled carpenters in the workshops.

Location

We deliver these CPDs at our Carpenter Oak timber yards in both Totnes, Devon or Kirriemuir, Scotland.

Agenda

Discover how to design a cost-effective, efficient-to-construct building, using sustainable timber while blending it with the latest technologies and materials to achieve stunning structural frames.

The session covers:

• Efficient layout processes.
• Designing for green timber construction – accommodation of shrinkage and movement.
• Typical spans and timber sizes – what is achievable in green timber construction.
• Typical interface detailing – what works and why.
• Timber frame encapsulation.

Our CPDs are informal, yet well-structured and provide an ideal forum for discussion and debate. We encourage you to raise questions and issues relating to your projects.

Sessions provided at Carpenter Oak’s framing yards allow delegates to see first-hand how frames are manufactured, giving the opportunity to speak on a one-on-one basis to experienced framers about the manufacturing and erection processes.

 

Presenters

Our presenters’ informal yet well-structured style provides an ideal forum for discussion and debate and attendees are encouraged to raise questions and issues relating to their projects.

 

Luke Copley-Wilkins

Luke is Carpenter Oak’s Managing Director.  Following studying architecture at Sheffield University, with a focus on environmental design, he went on to work on a number of high-end projects in the Cotswolds as well as experimental timber architectural constructions.

After a stint in New Zealand working on housing and innovative architecture, Luke returned to the UK and his passion for timber and design lead him to train as a structural framer, starting at Carpenter Oak as a carpenter.

Luke went on to join the leadership team who merged Carpenter Oak with its sister company Carpenter Oak and Woodland in 2017, allowing the company to bring together its combined skills and expertise and offer new services.

 

Adam Milton

Adam is a founding director and joined the timber and design world on leaving school. He gained a BA (Hons) in Furniture Design in 1984 and then trained as a fine cabinet and furniture designer producing highly finished pieces.

In 1987, Adam joined Carpenter Oak as a structural framing carpenter. He specialised in restoring and conserving historical timber frames.

In 1995 he opened the Devon yard with colleague Paul Kirkup. Adam collaborates with architects, main contractors and clients, guiding them through the technical details. He has a working knowledge of all aspects of the business. Adam is passionate about using structural timber framing in all building types from large challenging architectural and engineering projects through to small domestic projects.

 

Fergus Stuart

Fergus is a design and project consultant at our Scottish yard. First discovering the world of timber framing through Grand Designs, Fergus found that Carpenter Oak had an established base in Scotland and promptly made a career choice.

Fergus has been working in the timber framing industry since 2008, joining initially as an apprentice in the workshops. After 7 years learning the craft of traditional timber framing, Fergus has since been handling sales and conceptual design for our northern projects.

Having worked in both sides of our industry, Fergus enjoys nothing more than conveying our passion for timber framing.

 

About Carpenter Oak – the UK’s leader in bespoke timber frames

Carpenter Oak produces more bespoke timber frames than any other UK company.  This means that we are continually redefining the boundaries of what can be achieved when using a timber structure and have unequalled experience in solving new timber engineering problems.  This places us in a unique position to provide timber-framing CPD programmes, helping us to expand the knowledge of the architectural and engineering professions around the UK.

Carpenter Oak was founded in 1987 and developed from the roots of a small, timber-frame repair and conservation business.  We opened our first office in Wiltshire and have grown steadily ever since, opening our Devon branch in 1995, Scotland in 1999 and Cornwall in 2014.

The company has since diversified and grown into a leader in not just residential but commercial timber-framed buildings and historic frame conservation and restoration, gaining a reputation as the industry experts in this area.

In 2003 we opened a specialist division to concentrate on timber engineering for high-specification and difficult projects.  Built on our high levels of technical expertise and years of practical experience of complex design, exacting manufacture and erection methodology, we are now regarded by many as the leading authority in the UK.

Read more: The Carpenter Oak Timeline

 

How to book a CPD with us

All CPDs are looked after by our marketing department.  The department also supports applying for awards with partners on joint projects, PR and showcasing the spectacular buildings we create in collaboration with the skilled professional services.

If you would like to book a CPD with Carpenter Oak, contact us.

 

CPD TESTIMONIALS

 

 

‘This was a brilliant seminar: let’s have another one!’  Phil Parker, Woodside and Parker

‘Carpenter Oak Ltd have huge depth and breadth in both their knowledge and technical capabilities.  The presentation was clear, highly informative and gave an insight into the endless possibilities of what is possible with timber framing.’ George Batterham, Batterham Smith Architects

‘Best seminar I’ve been to in a long time. Very good talk and the framers were very helpful too – thanks.’  Ian Robertson, Kearney Donald Partnership

“We were all hugely impressed by the quality of your fabulous timber framing projects.  They were so imaginative and at teh very cutting edge of what must be possble.  You have opened our eyesto so much more than we thought ever possible with your timber framing for which I am extremely grateful.’  Jonathan Clarke, Energy Solutions

‘Thank you all again for a great afternoon yesterday, it was more than worthwhile.’  Darren Williams, Lodgecrest

‘Just a quick note to follow up your excellent seminar last Tuesday.  I have to say I learned a huge amount and was very impressed with your staff and the setup.’  Iain Wood, New Forest Timber Solutions

‘Thank you so very much for yesterday’s seminar – it was absolutely excellent. It was wonderful to see the workforce revelling in what they do and the company managing to successfully mix traditional materials and skills with modern technology. Well worth the drive and the time.’  Richard Post, Architectural Ideas

‘The most useful seminar I’ve attended in a long time. Other CPD organisers and speakers should sit in and learn from this excellent presentation.’  Pamela Fielder, Fielder Cruse Architects

‘We thoroughly enjoyed the day. The quality of your CPD certainly matched the obvious excellence and attention to detail of your work.  It’s apparent that the company is still innovating and building on its existing extensive experience.’  Lyndon Piper, Piper Architecture