The Bamford Library Building
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Scotts Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) was used for the construction of the structure in conjunction with carbon steel tendons. 6mm diameter hangers were installed to ensure the tie rods had a positive camber. The columns were shaped like ships spars by planing round, a process that can be simpler than turning where there is no shape to the columns. A saw kerf slot was cut down one side to act as a relief point for the shrinkage. (Photo courtesy of Harper Adams)
The Pine for this structure was supplied by a specialist timber merchant who specialised in, among other things, timber for Windmill Spars, where durability is a particular requirement as they are fully exposed to the weather. Slow grown Pine from the northern latitudes is ideal and constitutes the timber of choice for some of the worlds oldest structures such as the Loft Houses and Stave Churches of Norway. (Photo courtesy of Harper Adams)
Built in conjunction with Aedas Architects and Thomas Vale Builders for Harper Adams College and largely funded by John Bamford of JCB. The Green Oak Carpentry Company were appointed for the detailed design and installation on the basis of a negotiated contract as we were deemed most able to bring the necessary skills required for the project. External columns were over 8 metres long and particular attention was given to the connection detail at the foot to ensure longevity.
The main rafters set over the Y frames of the structure are stupendous pieces of timber, over 12 metres in length and 350 x 200mm in section each was sawn as boxed heart from a single tree of exceptional stature. This is a good illustration of exemplary forestry dedicated to the production of high quality timber.
With over 25 annual growth rings to the inch (often many more) this superb timber will last many years. Note that the column base is kept out of the splash zone ensuring many years of service. Coating the surface with a high quality cold pressed Linseed Oil also helps longevity, and in particular sealing the exposed end grain of the timber which is much more porous than cross-grain.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
Assembly sequence: scroll through the slides to get a feel for the enormity of assembling a structure of this size.
“"I wanted to drop you a quick note to show my appreciation for your guys efforts today; they were a pleasure to have around the house and worked hard to get the frame up today."
Paul, Contracts Manager
“"Thanks for the excellent job which has just been completed on the Oak Frame extension to the above property. Not only is the quality of the work faultless, it is a true work of art, which will bring endless enjoyment to me and my wife. The end result has surpassed our wildest expectations."
Ray Nicolaides
“"Everyone is very impressed with the finished result and I thought I would just take the opportunity of belatedly giving my thanks to you and your team for a job very well done. I have submitted the bridge for a Civic Society award for next year and have every expectation of its success."
P White, Northholt & Greenford Countryside Park Manager
“"Just to say that it looks fabulous, and all who survey it are wonder-struck. Best wishes and many thanks to you all."
Simon, National Trust
“"Thank you for the frame that you have just finished at Rogate. It was a miserable wet day, yesterday and John and team carried on regardless. We are delighted with the overall look and also the mouldings to the members. As usual, the frame was millimetre accurate and will be easy to take forward to complete the building."
Bob, Trembath Associates