Peter and Emma commissioned us to build an oak frame for their small family self-build, the result of years wading through the planning process, and coming out the other end with a Section 106 agreement for a “local connection” which aims to help local families afford homes in the area they grew up – you could throw a stone in both directions and easily hit Peter and Emma’s childhood homes on the northeastern edge of the Long Mynd.
The family, including dogs, chickens and 3 children have been living off-grid on the site in preparation for the build, and so it was with a great deal of excitement and apprehension that the raising day finally arrived. Just the most perfect conditions – dry, warm, sunny with the merest hint of a breeze.
The following pictorial record should give you an idea of our time spent on site and in their delightful and charming company. To be honest, it really didn’t feel like work! But work it was, and everybody mucked in to ensure that the whole frame, complete with 2 fully joisted floors, and common rafters on the roof, was “topped out” in just a shade over 2 days.
Special thanks to Paul “the crane” Stealey, to Matt the builder (for just wanting to be there), to Kai and Jake (the raising crew). And extra special thanks to Emma and Pete and the kids for not only choosing us to make their frame but joining in the fun too!
All ready to go. Timbers laid out, scaffolding looking tip top against an azure sky and the crane fully rigged
The family in the expensive seats
Some rustic shelving has been incorporated into the frame. You may remember the debate about whether to round off the corners…..or not
Starting to take shape
“Hand-balling” all the first-floor joists into their “pockets”. Each one individually scribed
Slotting together a wallplate scarf.
The wallplate scarf also secures and restrains the 2nd storey floor beam.
Helping out with the pegging
End of day one!
First truss on day 2 ready for lift-off
Flying in the truss…
…and lowering the truss carefully into the mortices
More willing helpers.
Quality control team hard at work!
Cutting the pegs off flush on the outside of the frame.
Fitting the purlins.
Measuring the rafters for cutting on site.
End of day 2!
Rob and Pete “topping out” the frame with an oak branch as a thank you to the tree spirits.
Sitting back and admiring the soft light on the frame.
Good luck with the rest of the build!