Buildings/structures
Using traditional skills and techniques, we can design and build structures from garden pergolas to extensions and new homes.
Timber frames can be made from Oak or local softwoods (Larch or Douglas Fir), and can also incorporate features such as carvings and round wood (straight from the tree).
We are trained and experienced in low impact building such as straw bale and cob. We can work for you, but we can also work with you (and your family, friends and neighbours), guiding you to create elements of your own home or structure. Natural materials such as cob and straw allow you much more freedom of expression than manufactured materials. You can use your hands to mould and sculpt, so you can be as artistic as you like. For a little inspiration, click here.
We can work with your architects and building contractors to build your new extension or home, or we can provide a design and build service to see you through the whole process.
Garden shelter made from round wood Yew and waney edged larch boards. The joints are pegged mortice and tenons, based on traditional oak framing techniques. It is a very time comsuming way of building as the 'shoulders' of the tenons have to be curved to match the specific shape of its corresponding mortice. The effect though, is stunning.
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Shelter made from unmilled local Larch. Larch boards were used on the roof, covered with a semi-intensive green roof. Designed and built by www.hectorandcedric.com
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An Oak framed curved walkway to connect two buildings on a new mental health hospital site in Derby. The roof was covered with Cornish Western Red Cedar shingles, and four Oak pergolas formed part of the landscaping inside the curve. Designed and built by www.handspringdesign.co.uk
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A traditional Oak cruck frame built to replace the original frame which was beyond repair. The curved legs were cut from straight sections of green Oak, and jointed using hidden 'splines'. Designed and built by www.hectorandcedric.com
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'Amelia Trust Farm', Cardiff, exists to support and educate vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. As part of the development of a campsite, we built a shelter and a cob oven and seating. We ran a course to build the oven and seating, in conjunction with 'Rounded Development Entreprises'.
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Straw bale classroom for Bute Cottage Nursery school, Cardiff. 'Eco' and 'low impact' were at the top of the list for this round house. Foundations of reclaimed car tyres, walls of straw, a roof of rubber conveyor belt from a power station, and plastered with lime Most of the wood and boards were reclaimed from local demolition sites, and waste polystyrene was used for insulating the floor. Doors and windows were seconds from a local manufacturer. Much of the labour was done by the local community, and even the nursery children helped out! Natural building Specialists managed the project, including running volunteer days throughout, and a weekend to erect the walls.
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Traditional green Oak framed extension for a Manor house in Dorset. The frame was part of a £1.5m renovation, and will become the master bedroom.
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Made from local larch, these shelters were based on Chinese lanterns. Designed and built by www.handspringdesign.co.uk
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Commissioned by the Lambeth Council, London, this project aimed to breathe some well needed life into White Hart Dock. The commission was advertised as a competition which was won by artists Handspring Design Ltd (www.handspringdesign.co.uk). Handspring designed a series of sculptures reflecting the past use of the dock. There were six rowing boats and six arches, all made from English Oak. Natural Building Specialists built the arches.
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Traditional green Oak framed garage, built from a ruined outbuilding attached to a large country farmhouse in Somerset.
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Natural Building Specialists attend a variety of local Farmers markets and art shows. Our stock is different every time, as no two pieces are ever the same! The stall is a traditional green oak frame, with one corner (post and braces) made from local Yew to demonstrate round wood framing. All joints are pegged mortice and tenons.
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