Oak framing has been used since the medieval era. The same basic techniques have been employed for hundreds of years - until now. Modern techniques married with ancient materials have produced some quite stunning and unique results.
It's surprising how much can be achieved with a bit of imagination. Take this contemporary house in Kilkenny, Ireland. Despite its modern appearance it uses a frame made of the same material as a typical home four hundred years ago. It uses naturally curved pieces of oak to provide a stunning arched roof.
Its owners were taken in immediately not only by the sense of space that the house creates, but also by the warmth that emanates from the wood, which is such an unusual trait in a modern house.
Perhaps perfectionists should avoid an oak frame, since one of its qualities will be that it cracks, stains and shrinks over time. This creates an amazing sense of character, but is not for everybody.
The oak house in Kilkenny was made using skills that have been honed by tradesmen over several centuries, but there are now newer, more striking approaches to the use of oak frames.
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