Custom Build Home in Ashburton, Devon

“A friendly and professional practice - a pleasure to work with. Impressive timber frame design knowledge and excellent communication made this project an absolute joy - we hope to work with you again soon. So successful was this partnership that we've been jointly shortlisted for 'Best Oak Frame' at the Build It Awards 2014 - fingers crossed! Photo Credits: van Ellen + Sheryn”

“We have worked with Woco on a regular basis for the past 4 years, on several projects ranging from bespoke furniture-making to much bigger architectural projects. The guys are a pleasure to collaborate with - extremely sharp, fast, excellent at finding out of the box solutions, and always working with the greatest attention to detail. We really appreciate their design + build ethos, which helps them to bring beautiful fully-fledged creations to life. If we need to commission work, and the Woco team can do it, then we will do our utmost to work with them. ---- Attached a photo of a bespoke basin stand made in 2015 by Woco for one of our project.”

“I own a listed thatched Devon Longhouse which is located in a conservation area where planners are notouriously strict with any planning applications. I decided that I would like a oak framed garden room extension to take advantage of the views and allow more light into the house. as well as a stand alone oak framed garage with integral Linhay and workshop, all of which I wanted to blend in with the surrounding period structures. I had previously applied for a garage which the Planners had turned down. The company I approached to build the oak frame recommended Hugh who at one time was one of their in house architects who they rated highly. I had not been involved in any building projects before so Hugh explained all the various stages and hoops we had to jump through to appease the planning department as well as English Heritage. We had several meetings with planners who appeared to respect Hugh as someone who they could trust to design something in keeping and sypathetic to the character of the original building. As with all bespoke projects we had some small problems but Hugh acted as a intermediary and smoothed these all out with the builder and planning department. The result is something I am extremely pleased with and have recommended Hugh to a number of friends, some whom have said that my extension is the best example they have seen to a period property.”

“GY Architects made a complicated project a joy to work on. They came up with some fantastic ideas that complimented our own wishes and helped us through the planning and listed building applications. The presentation of our planning and listed buildings application was exemplary and there were no objections from anyone - almost unheard of! They provided the service that we wanted and helped us through the fine details. We would happily recommend them as an architectural practise.”

“Excellent dialogue between client and architect throughout the project. Always attempting to incorporate client's ideas into the design. Constant follow up throughout the project and excellent dialogue with builders and other craftsmen involved in the project.”

“I used Simon from Lignum design on a new build project in Yealmpton, Devon. He was fantastic from start to finish. His fresh ideas and quirky designs really finished the house to a high spec. Every person who has had a look at my house and congratulated me on the design and layout and this is all down to Simon. Along with being superb at his job, he always responds to emails and phone calls at his earliest convenience and this therefore sped up the building planning and development process. I would highly recommend Lignum designs to any person looking to build a new property.”

“Our restoration project evolved into a very special experience for all the team involved. Kirsty Curnow Bailey was recommended to us by a local buildings surveyor and we arranged an initial 2 hour meeting. The 'cost' to us was a donation to Kirsty's favourite charity. We gelled almost immediately and the journey began. We were involved at every part of the design stage and our ideas were blended with Kirsty's practicality and imagination. She lead the negotiations with the National Park planners and the conservation officer with great professionalism. She introduced us to two building companies and we were pleased to award the job to RM Builders in Tavistock. I year later the works began. The restoration took 16 months and involved a complete reroofing , new external lime render, major lath and plaster internal restoration and a full replumb and rewire. Kirsty was ever-present and chaired site meetings every 2 weeks. The budget was observed closely and contingency added at 2 different stages. Underground drainage works were a major additional cost and could not have been fully predicted at the outset. The build quality was exactly as requested and Kirsty was adamant that the planned standards were fully met. Discoveries on the way included a 1500 carved granite fireplace in the main room, finding a 3rd staircase inside a 5 foot rubble wall and opening up the blocked cross passage in the centre of the house. The oldest timbers exposed during the works date back to the 1300's! Kirsty was pivotal in returning our home to its current condition, blending very old with contemporary and very modern. We are delighted with the result and we would recommend Living Space Architects to any prospective clients. Everything now works 100%, the building breathes again and will be on track for the next 100yrs for sure. Thanks Kirsty Geoff and Sue”

“Qube Design Ltd came highly recommended. Their knowledge and ability to liaise with us, the Local Authority and Conservation Planner was excellent, and made it easier for us. They regularly met with builders to ensure the smooth running of the project.”

“We have used Trotman Taylor; aka Clayton Taylor, on 2 occasions: The first time was for plans to build a 3 bay cart lodge - the plans produced were creative,comprehensive and instrumental in getting planning approval from Dartmoor National Park. Clayton guided us through the whole process. The second time was to integrate a separated upper floor from the main house and link it into the other floors. Again Clayton provided plans that were imaginative, innovative and maximised the use of the space. He also assisted with the application for Building Control to a successful conclusion. In both cases Clayton was thorough with several site visits, he communicated well at all stages of the planning with patience and full explanations of the different options for the build. His business plan was clearly set out. Clayton was able to recommend local builders and tradesmen all of whom said that ‘if you can't build off Claytons plans , you cant build off anything as they are so comprehensive and leave nothing to chance!’ We consider Cayton’s services to be excellent value for money and wouldn't hesitate to use this business again and we would recommend him to anyone.”

“Before writing this, I wanted to find out when we first approached Carpenter Oak and after searching my emails, found the first communication was 28th March 2012! Our frame has just been completed as of last week. What happened in between those dates was mainly searching for the right plot of land and going through the process of purchasing and planning. We were always sure we would use Carpenter Oak as we loved their ethos. The fact that the frames were really handmade and hand finished using the very best quality oak. Yes, we did get other companies to quote but not only were Carpenter Oak way ahead with their friendliness and customer service, when compared to others, their design included more oak than any other and that's what we wanted - a house that would show off the beauty of the wood. The actual week on site was amazing to watch and we couldn't stay away from site, wanting to soak it all in. The guys were amazing and SO calming to be around. We're not even halfway there with the build yet, but if we were to ever do this again, it would be Carpenter Oak I would speak to first and say - what shall we build next?”