A Bespoke Five-Bay Garage and Barn Annexe for the Ultimate in Comfort and Storage
Nestled in the heart of the countryside, this remarkable five-bay oak-framed garage is a testament to what’s possible when traditional craftsmanship meets visionary design.
From the two-storey glazed entrance to the solar-integrated roof and solid oak staircase, every detail was carefully considered and completely bespoke. The result is a timeless addition to the property – crafted to last, and designed to be lived in.
Explore the images below to see how we transformed this space into something special for our clients.
Following Our Client’s Vision
The Leutners approached us with a clear goal: to create a structure that would provide elegant, practical vehicle storage alongside a comfortable, beautifully finished, modern living space. Our design was meant to blend effortlessly with the surrounding landscape while incorporating all the latest and most required comforts to support everyday use.
From the outset, it was important that the building remain true to traditional English design principles while embracing features such as solar panels and full plumbing, to meet contemporary needs. Equally, the client placed a high value on authenticity, longevity, and attention to detail. Fortunately, these are all qualities found in our Q-Mark-certified craftsmanship and bespoke approach.
Design and Customisation Needs
The ground floor features two fully enclosed garage bays with traditional doors – ideal for secure vehicle storage – flanked by two open bays for everyday access and convenience.
The fifth bay was adapted to serve dual purposes: an open-fronted area for additional storage, with a closed room to the rear offering more private, enclosed space.
At the centre of the façade, a dramatic two-storey glazed entrance draws natural light into the interior and offers a contemporary contrast to the traditional oak frame. Inside, a handcrafted solid oak staircase leads to the upper level, which has been designed to accommodate comfortable living. With space for multiple uses, whether as a guest suite, home office, or self-contained annexe, the upper floor is both inviting and functional.
The structure is fully plumbed and features a smartly finished bathroom, while solar panels integrated into the roof reflect the client’s commitment to sustainable, future-proofed living. This is a building made not just to meet immediate needs, but to adapt and serve for decades to come.
Our Manufacturing and Craftsmanship
The oak frame for this custom five-bay garage was crafted at English Heritage Buildings’ Sussex workshop. Using ethically sourced French green oak, the process began with rigorous timber grading. This means that the timber was checked and inspected by professionals from the initial delivery through to the final machining, to ensure only the finest cuts were used.
The focus and main system of our workshop is the Hundegger K2i, a state-of-the-art precision machine that interprets 3D models to cut each piece of timber with pinpoint accuracy. This ensures perfect alignment during assembly. However, our process still requires the hand-finished craftsmanship that gives each frame its timeless character after machine-cutting is complete.
Every joint is created using traditional methods, delivering not only structural integrity but also a distinctive aesthetic that celebrates English heritage. As part of the only oak frame manufacturer group in the UK to hold Q-Mark certification, we offer a level of quality and durability designed to last for generations.
Challenges and Our Solutions
As with any truly bespoke project, this build came with unique design challenges that required thoughtful solutions. One of the client’s key requests was to incorporate solar panels into the roof – an environmentally conscious choice that needed to be handled delicately to preserve the visual harmony of the oak-framed structure. The panels were carefully integrated into the rear-facing slope of the roof, maintaining a clean, traditional appearance from the main façade without compromising energy efficiency.
Another important consideration was how to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal across the five bays. The client wanted a mix of enclosed and open spaces to accommodate different types of storage.
Working closely with our design team, a layout was created that offered two secure garage bays with traditional doors, two open bays for quick access, and a final bay reimagined as a storage area with a closed room behind, ensuring both form and function were perfectly aligned.
The Finished Result
The completed five-bay garage stands as a striking example of how traditional design and contemporary living can be beautifully combined. With its classic oak frame, expansive two-storey glazing, and subtle integration of modern features, the building brings elegance and presence to the property, effortlessly blending with its surroundings while elevating the entire estate.
Functionally, it offers everything the owners envisioned and more: secure garage storage, open bays for everyday use, a dedicated storage area, and a fully equipped upper floor ready for work or relaxation.
But beyond its practicality, the structure holds deep emotional value. It’s a building designed
to be used, lived in, and passed down, while being crafted with such care and precision that it instantly feels like a permanent fixture on the land.
Bring Your Own Vision to Life
At English Heritage Buildings, projects like this reflect our passion for traditional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and enduring quality. Every structure we create is more than just a building; it’s also a homeowner’s legacy, designed to enhance their homes and stand the test of time.
If you’re ready to bring your own vision to life, our team is here to guide you from the first sketch to the final delivery. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a bespoke oak-framed building that’s uniquely yours.
