Priory Hotel
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In 2016 we completed a new Oak frame extension to the restaurant of the 5* Priory Hotel in Wareham. Situated on the bank of the river Frome it is an ideally located get-away for exploring the Isle of Purbeck and the beautiful Jurassic Coast.
The frame is configured so as to form an arcade with a large overhanging eave to give protection from the weather. The Oak columns sit onto stone staddles to which they are connected via a stainless steel pin. Plastic must be used to protect the pale Portland stone bases until the tanins have stopped running from the oak, a process that can take several months.
The structure is in 3 bays and is fully hipped at both ends. Two large and elegant King post trusses straddle the central bay. Note the glazing is set into its own frame independent of the Oak frame and has a ply sheathed ‘box purlin’ above to support.
Diners enjoy the open ‘barn style’ space supplied by the sandblasted Oak of the frame. Note the wedged through tenons of the ‘half truss’ tie beams and King post bolts inserted through the foot of the posts.
As the frame is fully hipped and the purlins return around the hip ends of the roof, half trusses have been inserted to both support the purlin returns and tie the top plate / ring beam at its mid-point. Strength and elegance are the hallmark of a well-designed and executed King post truss.
You may disagree with the interruption of the trusses to form the arcade, however the building is well executed and makes a fine addition to the hotel infrastructure. The builders were Greendale Construction, with whom we are pleased to have collaborated on several projects.
“"We wanted to write to you to express our profound gratitude for the excellent work you have done on our building scheme. It cannot have been easy to pick up the project from another architect when there were still a number of issues unresolved, but you have done so brilliantly and remained calm throughout, even at fraught times. We really do appreciate that you have gone the extra mile for us. We have all enjoyed working with you and have been so impressed with the quality of your work."
Alastair, The Early Years Project
“"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
“"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
“"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