About
Crafted by hand,
Created with care
We’re a team that has spent decades reviving and
refining the centuries-old skill of oak frame
carpentry, making it relevant for modern living.
Based in Liss, Hampshire, we work across the UK,
designing traditional & contemporary timber structures.
From a single porch to a full house frame, from a canal lock gate to a public building, every structure we make is unique and built to meet the needs of your individual commission.
Rooted in tradition
We began, as all the best stories do, by chance. Andrew, our founder, had been working as a jobbing carpenter, followed by a spell as a conservation carpenter, when a fortuitous conversation led to something new.
That ‘something new’ was an oak framed three-bay library barn, led by two carpenters who had trained with the Compagnon du Devoirs (the French Carpentry Guild). They’d learnt the historically correct way to make an oak frame and invited Andrew to take part. Together, they built the barn with its carved Crown Post roof trusses by lofting the frame at 1:1 scale on the framing floor, scribing the joints, cutting, fitting the mortise-and-tenon joints, and applying datums and assembly marks.
Andrew was hooked – slowly, surely, he took on further work – becoming a core part of an oak frame revival rooted in the Arts & Crafts movement. Winning a tender for the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum changed everything. The resulting building went on to win a raft of prizes and placed Green Oak Carpentry on the map.
Celebrating 30 years
30 years on, and we’re faithful to our origins. The fundamentals of appreciating our craft, investing in those who learn it and nurturing long-term relationships have served us well so far – and are something we’ll continue.
Andrew has since retired, handing the reins over to Jamie and Rob, both of whom have been part of Green Oak Carpentry for much of our history and played a huge role in our recent success. We’re looking forward to continuing our legacy while exploring the growing potential for sustainable, innovative construction.
“Right from our first meeting we knew we had made the right choice. It’s the details, with so much experience they know exactly what works & what doesn’t. Everyone & we mean everyone, who comes to our home just goes “WOW” this is stunning. Makes us soo proud.”
Mark & Catherine, Petersfield
The people behind
the projects
Our team is at the heart of everything we make and do. Many have been with us for years, bringing a depth of knowledge and continuity you’ll notice from the first time you talk to us to how we assemble your frame.
A culture of care, craft & collaboration
When done properly, timber framing is one
of the most enduring & beautiful ways to
build. That’s what we think, anyway.
We use the same jointing techniques you would find in one of Wellington’s warships or a grand Jacobean manor – scribing the timber, fitting the mortise-and-tenon joints, applying assembly marks. Our restoration work breathes new life into historical architecture and building techniques – an increasingly valuable link to the past.
We’re proud to combine centuries-old techniques with modern structural engineering and 3D design modelling.
By collaborating closely with architects and skilled contractors, we create buildings that are rooted in tradition but built for the way people live now – traditionally built, innovatively designed.
Working this way takes time, skill and care. We have never made the same frame twice, and never intend to
Everything we do is underpinned
by our core values:
/01
Craftsmanship
A dedication to mastery, precision and enduring oak structures.
/02
Collaboration
Working in close partnership with clients, architects, makers and each other to create buildings of lasting quality.
/03
Integrity
Acting with honesty, clarity, and respect in every relationship and decision.
/04
Stewardship
A deep respect for the land, our materials and the legacy we leave behind.
Working with the
world around us
We treat the wood we use and the planet it grows on with equal respect.
Oak and timber are naturally sustainable building materials, grown specifically for this use and carrying a fraction of the embodied energy of steel or concrete. But we recognise that our commitment to the environment does not end with the products we use.
What to expect when you work with us
Every project begins with a conversation. That’s
because getting to know you, how you live and what
you want to achieve, is as important as designing
and building your hand-crafted oak frame.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate cottage for two, a light-filled modern sanctuary or a spacious countryside retreat for the family, each timber frame structure we build is entirely bespoke and designed to fit your lifestyle. You could come to us with a full set of architectural drawings or nothing more than an idea. Either way, we can help.
We have our own in-house architects, and regularly work with external architects and structural engineers. We develop 3D models so you can see how your frame will look and how it integrates with the wider build – we then take it through design, fabrication and onto site. Our professional team support you through your build, keeping you fully updated on your project’s progress at every stage.
The same team of carpenters that build your frame in our Hampshire workshop also assemble your frame on site. This valuable continuity is something very few timber framers can offer, yet creates a stronger result because the team will know your frame, and all its quirks, inside out.
Once we’ve assembled your frame, we hand it over to your builder or contractor to coordinate external wrapping and internal fit-out. We’re available for the remainder of your project, providing technical guidance to your contractors as needed, so there’s always someone on hand who knows the frame inside out.
Partners & Accreditations
At Green Oak Carpentry we are proud to work with trusted partners and industry-leading
organisations who share our passion for quality, craftsmanship and sustainability.
Get to know us better
There’s only so much we can share on a website – to get a fuller sense of who we are and what we can do for you, we’d love you to get in touch. We can always fit in a friendly chat to answer your questions and help you decide on your next steps. Or if you’d like to see examples of our work, let us know – we will happily welcome you to our workshops or an upcoming event.
