Traditional or contemporary timber framed roofs and feature structural trusses
Jointed and pegged timber framed trusses will give any space the wow factor!
Heavy timber framed roofs and Oak or softwood feature trusses and purlins
- Tradition
- Strength
- Function
- Beauty
- Character
Of the many different regional styles of English historic roof timber framing, the King and Queen Post truss styles are the most widely recognised and used most frequently in renovations and new builds.
There are some other fantastic traditional architectural styles of timber framed roofs such as cruck frames, sling braces, scissor trusses and arch brace trusses, as well as the modern method of using stainless steel rigging to add a contemporary feel to traditional trusses.
Please scroll down for a variety of traditional and contemporary styled timber framed roofs and feature trusses.
Douglas Fir timber framed King Post Truss roof on an extension to a converted barn
This King Post roof provides character with a contemporary feel to a modern extension. Made from Douglas Fir, cut on our sawmill, planed on our beam planer and grown less than a mile from our framing yard!
Sling brace truss with mezzanine balcony
Green Oak timber framed sling brace truss
A sling brace truss allows for a vaulted roof space with huge character and avoids the need for a collar which can reduce head space in the upper floor.
Timber framed King Post trusses
Green oak timber framed King Post truss
The classic, familiar King Post Truss, also known as a Crown Post, consists of a central post which rises from the tie beam to support the ridge of the roof. The struts can be curved as seen above, or straight as in the photos on the right
Green oak king post feature truss with straight struts in a modern extension to a Devon farmhouse
Green oak king post truss and purlins
Timber framed Queen Post trusses and purlins
Green Oak Queen Post trusses in a riverside cabin
Green Oak Queen Post trusses and purlins in a Devon barn conversion
The pictures below show a Timber Framed Douglas Fir roof for a barn conversion. This project was a contract timber frame, designed on our 3D CAD programme and built for a local construction company.
Timber framed cut roof for a Cornish barn conversion shown on our 3D CAD CAM timber design software
Locally grown Douglas Fir timber framed jointed and pegged roof with trusses and purlins
Timber framed roofs are a perfect choice for vaulted ceilings and for preserving character in barn conversions
Timber Framed roof for barn conversion
Shown during construction just before the Cornish skies opened!
Timber framed green oak arch brace truss in a Dartmoor barn restoration
Another historic truss design is the Arch brace truss, the primary function of which is to create a large span without the use of a tie beam. Arch brace trusses are rather time consuming to make but they look great and offer amazing character! These trusses and purlins were made for a barn conversion on Dartmoor.
Replica scissor trusses for historic Devonshire barn restoration project
Tom used his hand hewing and scribing skills to carve these trusses from naturally curved Larch poles. The bespoke replica scissor trusses replaced decayed trusses in an historic Devonshire barn undergoing a very honest restoration and conversion.
Feature scissor trusses
Our lovely customers invited us back to visit the 18th Century barn that they recently converted. The conversion allows the character of the original barn to shine through. The hand scribed replica scissor trusses that Tom made from hand hewn local Larch provide a great feature in the main living area of the barn, which is now used as a holiday cottage https://www.higherkellacott.co.uk/
Green Oak traditional cruck timber frame in Cornwall
This green English Oak traditional cruck frame was recently raised at the entrance porch for the lovely new extension at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery in Cornwall.
Crucks are long curved timbers, usually two halves of the same trunk, framed together in pairs and joined by a tie beam or collar. There are over 2000 examples of historic crucks recorded in England and Wales, dating from around the early 13th century or later.
Many old farmhouses in the Devon countryside contain jointed cruck frames and several examples have been found in Cornwall and so we were delighted to have the opportunity to build a new cruck frame in the county.
Photos below show the cruck sections during the hand scribing and framing of the huge cruck blades.
green oak sawn heavy cruck posts being measured for timber framing
The cruck timber frame needs to be made to precise measurements.
cruck blades on trestles ready for framing to start
timber framed cruck nearly finished. This is the post cruck and the interrupted tie being framed.
Bespoke green oak timber framed trussed roof
Another unusual commission. This green oak bespoke trussed roof was made for a circular stairway in a Devonshire manor house