We are about to be featured in the Cornwall magazine Cornwall Living The editorial for the article is below….
The Cornish landscape is instantly recognisable by the beautiful traditional building materials and methods used. The pale grey of Delabole slate, blocks of hewn granite, thick stone walls, and whitewashed lime render are all characteristic of the county and make up a core part of its heritage.
And whether restoring an old traditional property or building a sleek new grand design, using traditional materials can ensure the building sits sympathetically into the landscape and maintains the vista for years to come.
There are many benefits of using traditional practices in building and restoring properties, aside from sustaining the landscape. For a start, they are environmentally-friendly, breathable yet durable, and they regulate temperature and humidity naturally. They can be crafted to bespoke finishes and are easy to maintain and repair. They also act as an effective acoustic absorber.
As Duncan Ridge of Oak Ridge Natural Build summarises: “In short, they are high performing and beautiful. Why wouldn’t you use them?”
And Duncan knows his stuff. His team at Oak Ridge Natural Build is passionate about using traditional craftsmanship and fit comfortably into the natural elegance of the surrounding landscape.
Duncan says: “Whether renovating heritage buildings or developing contemporary ecological dwellings or workspaces, we have a commitment to using abundant, sustainable raw materials to enhance the beauty of the projects we take on.”
Oak Ridge’s services include bespoke building projects, lime mortars, lime pointing, rendering and plastering, lath and plaster, clay plastering, cob building and restoration, traditional oak framing and timber work. The company can also arrange thatching, traditional natural slate roofing, cornicing and stone masonry.
Duncan continues: “Each and every project we undertake, large or small, is viewed by us as a privilege. You will see how much we enjoy what we do and how high standards are extremely important to us. Our team of skilled tradesmen will take you through your build from start to finish with thought and care, delivering fabulous results, on time and in budget.”
Heritage buildings deserve true care and attention. And if your home is listed you might be bound to certain restrictions too.
“Oak Ridge Natural Build has swathes of experience in working on buildings with historical or architectural significance,
many of which are Listed. We understand the importance of how these properties look and we plan meticulously to ensure we preserve them while maintaining their particular character and individuality.”
But, Oak Ridge is equally at home on contemporary and ecological buildings. “We are experts in developing brand new
buildings that are environmentally sensitive and high performance. Not only kind to our surroundings, the materials we use are 100% natural, biodegradable, non toxic, contain low embodied carbon and are known to decrease transmission of airborne bugs and viruses.”
Duncan continues: “The natural techniques we use such as clay plastering and lath and plaster are available in a range of colour tones and bespoke artisan finishes. They are also stunning in contemporary homes, injecting a natural feel and personality while maintaining high performance levels.”
So if planning a new project or renovating an old property, give Duncan’s team and call and see what they can do for you.