Bringing character and modern oak frame home Quantock Hills, Somerset

Bolts Barn

by Post & Beam Ltd

Set within the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bolts Barn is a modern interpretation of the traditional oak-framed barn. Designed by Roderick James Architects and built by Post & Beam Ltd, the property is based on the BAARN® Lofthouse concept, an adaptable, cost-effective design that combines contemporary living with the warmth and integrity of traditional materials.

The house is defined by its exposed green oak frame, open-plan layout, and extensive glazing that takes full advantage of panoramic views over the Bristol Channel. Internally, the oak structure forms the backbone of the design, visible throughout the main living areas and carefully detailed around the staircase, mezzanine and gable window.

Hewins supplied the oak for both the structural frame and the internal joinery elements. This included the primary beams, posts and connecting members of the exposed frame, along with the oak used for the staircase and internal joinery details that help define the building’s character.

The frame required a consistent, high-grade specification to meet both structural and visual standards. Working closely with Post & Beam, we ensured accurate sizing, moisture control and reliable scheduling to align with the demands of their workshop and site programme. The combination of careful selection and precise machining helped maintain the accuracy and clean finish essential to this type of exposed frame construction.

Post & Beam’s in-house carpentry team assembled and finished the frame using traditional pegged joints, supported by SIP roof and wall panels for energy performance. The project reflects a long-standing collaboration between Post & Beam, Roderick James Architects and Hewins Oak, built on shared attention to detail and an understanding of how good material preparation supports efficient on-site work.

As Tom from Post & Beam explains: “We’ve worked with Hewins Oak on many of our frames, and the consistency of their timber is key to what we do. For Bolts Barn, every beam had to fit perfectly into a highly visible structure. The accuracy of the supply made that possible, and the final result shows the value of working with oak of this quality.”

Bolts Barn demonstrates how a well-detailed oak frame can bring structure, warmth and identity to a modern home. The collaboration between architect, frame builder and material supplier ensured that the design intent was fully realised, producing a building that is both simple in form and rich in craftsmanship.

More information can be found on the architects website here, and you can book your holiday in this property here!

Photos: Pete Helme