Oak Frame Types

Exploring the architectural diversity of timber-framed buildings, English Heritage Buildings presents a variety of structural designs tailored to accommodate different spatial needs and aesthetic preferences. From the classic Main Span configuration, where uniform height from front to rear supports spans up to 8m, to the versatile Aisled Barns designed to maximize internal floor space with high eaves and side aisles, each model showcases our commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering principles.

Options like the Main Span with Rear Aisle and various first-floor configurations, including those with and without central posts, highlight our ability to create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. Additional designs such as the Raised Plate, Sling Brace, Two Storey, and Lean-To, along with innovative solutions like the Monopitch and Flat Roof, offer unique solutions to meet specific project requirements.

Whether you’re looking for a building with expansive open spaces, additional storage, or a low-profile design to fit under height restrictions, our range of timber-framed structures ensures that every client can find the perfect fit for their vision.

Our Oak Frame Options

Main Span

This is where the building is the same height at the rear as at the front. We will normally go up to a maximum main span of 8m and any main span over 6m will need a truss roof construction.

Main Span with Rear Aisle

This is where there is an aisle on the rear allowing you to get a greater depth of building but also keeping the ridge height down. The roof pitch on the aisle is usually slightly shallower than the main roof and it can be as deep as is practical. We will normally go up to a maximum main span of 8m and any main span over 6m will need a truss roof construction.

Aisled Barn

The central main frame usually has a high eaves height and then there are aisles either side to increase the internal floor space We will normally go up to a maximum main span of 8m and any main span over 6m will need a truss roof construction.

Main Span with First Floor with Central Post

First-floor options can be fitted into most buildings but the larger the main span and greater the roof pitch, the greater the useful area upstairs. There is a central post under the tie beam to help take the load of the floor. We will normally go up to a maximum main span of 8m.

Main Span with First Floor without Central Post

This frame type gives you a first-floor area without the need for a central post under the tie beam but the heights are reduced upstairs as the tie beam has to be a lot bigger to take the floor load. Also with this frame type you need to increase the post sizes as more forces are being transferred to the posts than if you had a central post. The maximum main span for this frame type is about 6.4m.

Raised Plate with Central Post

This design gives you a little extra room in the roof compared with the Main Span with the First Floor. There is a central post under the tie beam to help take the load off the floor. We will normally go up to a maximum main span of 8m.

Raised Plate without Central Post

This design gives you a little extra room in the roof compared with the Main Span with the First Floor. The maximum main span for this frame type is about 6.4m.

Sling Brace

This design gives a 1½ storey building but you have the sling braces to incorporate into your space upstairs. The maximum main span of this design is about 6.4m. This frame type does not lend itself very well to going around corners in either an ‘L’ or ‘T’ shaped configuration as there are eaves beams at waist height.

Two Storey

This is a normal two-storey construction.

Lean-To

This is where there is a wall plate attached to an existing structure to pitch the roof on.

Monopitch

This is like the lean-to design except it is free-standing and self-supporting.

Flat Roof

This is a standard flat roof design and is used if you have low height restrictions. It is often used with glazed lanterns on top to give light inside.

Pitched Roof with Flat Roof

This is where a pitched roof is cut off with a flat top and is used if you have low height restrictions or you still want a view from an existing upstairs window. It is often used with glazed lanterns on top to give light inside.(as shown)