insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 20 - October 2016 | Page 113
PROPERTY
ACHIEVE ECO GREEN
CREDENTIALS IN STYLE
DARREN HOOK, DIRECTOR OF ENGLISH HERITAGE BUILDINGS, DISCUSSES WHY GREEN OAK
IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, REDUCES ENERGY COSTS, AND IS A GREAT INVESTMENT
FOR ANY STYLISH COUNTRY HOME.
When considering whether to build a home, or incorporate additions
to your current property, there is often a choice between creating an
eco home, that will reap the cost and rewards in savings down the line,
or opting for stylish opulence. There is in fact a middle ground option
however, and it has been around for thousands of years. That option is
green oak – or, rather, oak that’s been freshly cut.
Oak is an eco-friendly investment
Oak is more sustainable to produce than other manmade building
materials, but it’s important to choose green oak providers who know
how to craft this specialist wood. English Heritage Buildings is the only
constructor with a Timber Research and Development Association
Excellence Award. A prerequisite of this accreditation is that all timber
must be sourced from managed forests where more trees are planted for
each one that is felled. As more CO2 is absorbed by a growing tree than
a mature tree, this process actually assists in reducing greenhouse gases.
Oak is the heart and soul of British building and architecture, and has
featured in many forms in British homes over the years. What isn’t openly
known though, is that it’s also one of the most sustainable building
materials out there, making for a great long-term investment for your
home. Not only can oak be incredibly stylish, with its warm tone and
characterful knots and lines, it also improves the regulation of heat within
your home. So, why should you look into green oak as an option, and
how will it benefit you over other materials?
Comfortable in any weather
Due to oak’s natural insulation properties, oak-framed buildings remain
warm and cosy in the winter and cool on hot summer days. A typical
conservatory or garden room can maintain a constant comfortable
temperature, whatever the weather. In the long run, this saves money on
energy bills, as well as reducing the property’s emissions.
Centuries-old-craftsmanship
Wood is good, as the saying goes, and contemporary oak-framed
buildings are enjoying a revival across the country thanks to oak’s innate
sustainability. The same ancient building techniques that are used to
create exposed beams and vaulted ceilings at English Heritage Buildings
also built England’s centuries-old seafaring ships. Timber in property has
equally stood the test of time. There are still many oak-framed buildings in
the UK that date back to the 15th century, proving that oak is an integral,
long-lasting material, and a great long-term investment for your home.
Add resale value
With the unsure economy in post-Brexit Britain, many people are looking
to improve rather than move. Given the current market stagnation
and long-term investment considerations, it is important when adding
extensions to a building that the materials used are of the highest quality
so it adds value. Not only is green oak a higher quality material, but it is
also proven to stand the test of time.
Go bespoke with your oak
Bespoke design can be planned and cut to exacting requirements,
allowing customers to create their own dream space. Pricings typically
range from £12,000 to £90,000, but depend on the customised design
you develop with our architectural team. Find out how to design your
own oak building at www.ehbp.com/design-your-own-building/. For
more information please contact the English Heritage Buildings team on
01424 838 643, or visit www.ehbp.com.
Tradition with a green twist
The durability of green oak is one of its most undervalued and appealing
features. Oak-framed buildings are designed to last generations due to
the fact that oak actually hardens with age and exposure to water. One
of the best characteristics of green oak is that it strengthens as it dries,
twisting across its width, and adding a unique charm to your property.
113