Breathing new life into
historic structures
Converting an old agricultural building into residential accommodation or a commercial space offers a rare opportunity to create an original property in a rural location.
Barn Conversions
Green Oak Carpentry brings
expertise and care to every barn
restoration and conversion project.
With over 30 years of conservation experience in domestic and public historic buildings, Green Oak Carpentry repairs, restores, and conserves historic timber-frame buildings, and performs structural timber repairs across the UK.
Why use oak framing specialists for your barn conversion?
Why use oak framing specialists for your barn conversion?
Barn conversions require specialist technical knowledge. Good design is rarely enough – these specialist projects require experienced conservation carpenters who understand the complex heritage and structural engineering considerations absent from more conventional situations. Skilled conservation specialists have the experience required to carefully adapt historic barns for modern use, balancing structural upgrades while preserving identity.
Custom oak frame barn conversions
Whether you already own a derelict barn or are considering buying one, we will support you through the twists and turns of your restoration journey, transforming it into a structure that will endure long into the future. Our team of architects and frame designers collaborates with our conservation specialists to ensure your completed oak barn conversion meets your brief as a place to live or work while honouring its historical significance.
Our oak frame restoration approach
Many guardians of historic buildings feel the weight of their responsibility. We believe protecting history shouldn’t feel like a burden, and we work to help you enjoy your role, whether that’s as a professional overseeing a high-profile heritage asset or a homeowner caring for a much-loved home.
Our approach is based on proven timber frame conservation techniques. We retain original material wherever possible, replace materials like-for-like, and use traditional joinery methods that respect your building’s construction. We prioritise traditional approaches, but if appropriate, we use modern techniques and materials to ensure your oak frame’s continued resilience.
Restoration projects have a bad reputation for unexpected costs. We work with you to stay within your budget, while protecting evidence of a 900-year-old craft – one that has supported our country’s history and can help define our future.
Put your oak frame restoration in the safest of hands
The process of oak beam
restoration can be expensive,
bureaucratic and emotional.
Know you can trust us to be a steady, practical voice of experience that places you and your oak frame first. We guide you through your project, allowing you to enjoy the unique process of commissioning an oak frame building restoration:
Deep technical knowledge. Our conservation team are experienced and well educated in all aspects of oak frame restoration. Many of our carpenters have completed an MSc in Timber Building Conservation at The Weald and Downland Museum, and we continue to have a close working relationship with our founder, Andrew Holloway, who now works as a specialist restoration consultant.
Well-informed. The regulatory and heritage requirements of listed buildings regularly evolve. We will help you identify the best course of action for your timber frame and support you throughout the project.
A proven track record. With over thirty years of experience in oak frame restoration and conservation carpentry, our clients include the National Trust, Historic England and Historic Royal Palaces, as well as many other public and private clients.
Commission your oak barn conversion
Learn more about beginning
your oak barn conversion
with Green Oak Carpentry.
We are here to answer your questions and explain more about what you can expect when commissioning an oak barn conversion with our team of experts.
A naturally
sustainable choice
Oak is a natural, renewable material with exceptional longevity. When properly detailed and crafted, an oak framed bridge matures beautifully, developing an individual character and long-standing structural integrity.
A Green Oak Carpentry barn conversion is built with sustainability at its core. All wood – whether oak or another hardwood – will be sustainably grown and harvested. Crucially, it will meet PEFC’s strict chain-of-custody certification requirements, demonstrating our sustainability commitment.
Experience our oak
framed buildings for
yourself
Join us at one of our open days or events – they’re the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of oak framing, see our oak frames up close and ask our knowledgeable team as many questions as you need.
Why choose us for your
oak barn conversion?
There’s no shortage of oak frame building companies to work with. So why choose us?
One-of-a-kind
Every project is a one-off – you won’t see a single templated design on our website or in our office. Whether a domestic porch or a high-profile commercial build, we begin every project the same way – by taking your brief and designing to your needs.
Integrity, longevity
Oak trees can live for hundreds of years. We honour these gentle giants by building structures that will last for generations to come. Our team skilfully designs, fabricates and assembles each structure to achieve structural integrity and a positive, lasting impact.
Transparent & available
It’s not just about the buildings we make. We’re good to work with, too. We’re readily available and happy to accommodate our clients throughout their projects. We work transparently and will be open about your project’s progress and any potential challenges.
Deep expertise
Having been in business since 1996, we’re timber framing experts, training up the next generation of carpenters in our business. Our renowned timber restoration experts allow us to support highly specialised projects.
Professionalism assured
We partner with architects, contractors and developers to create modern and traditional timber structures of all sizes.
Industry recognised
Our timber structures have been recognised by numerous awards, and we’re the only company to have been awarded the prestigious Gold Wood Award three times. No other company has achieved this more than once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your Barn Conversion
Do barn conversions need planning permission?
Many barn conversions don’t require planning permission, as they fall under ‘Class Q’ permitted development. However, Class Q permitted development doesn’t always apply, so it’s wise to confirm your proposed oak barn conversion’s status in the early stages. Our planning experts can support you with this
How long does it typically take to convert an agricultural building?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, as converting an agricultural building depends on factors such as the building’s size and the extent of conservation required. If you’re considering converting an agricultural building and want an idea of timescales, get in touch with us to tell us more about your project, and we’ll be happy to give you an idea of what to expect.
Do you offer site assessments or pre-purchase surveys for barn conversions?
Yes, we provide detailed assessments of historic timber structures, including pre-purchase advice. This helps identify any necessary oak frame repairs or conservation work early in the process and is essential for a realistic project plan and budget.
Every project is a one-off
No templates. No repeat designs. Every frame
we have ever made has started from scratch.
Never repeated.
Always remarkable
Explore our project gallery to inspire your oak frame restoration project. Take your time; each Green Oak Carpentry structure is unique and hand-built – you’ll never see the same project twice.
“It was a pleasure having Green Oak on site and refreshing to see that the team all took a real pride in their work. Despite many changing decisions, the team never complained when redrawing, recalculating and recosting. We now have a beautiful traditional oak frame garage, delivered on time and within budget.”
Robin
Great builds
begin with a chat
Historic timber structures need the right expertise to protect their legacy. Whether you are facing an urgent structural concern or planning a longer programme of conservation work, our team has the knowledge and experience to support you.
Our conservation team is always happy to talk – whether you have a clear brief or are unsure where to start.
