Rupert Newman is a founder member of The Forest of Avon Wood Products Co-operative. He is also founder and Managing Director of Westwind Oak and has been actively involved in carpentry for over 30 years. Having completed a degree in Naval Architecture, Rupert began work as a carpenter and shipwright but very quickly came to realise his true passion was building house frames, roofs and other large structures.
Since then, Westwind Oak has gained in momentum and now has a team of 11 highly skilled carpenters, all sharing the same passion for quality design and craftsmanship. From initial concept to the full design and construction, the Westwind team are able to offer support and guidance, ensuring you get the best design for your requirements.
Guided by Rupert, Westwind Oak strongly believes in the importance of training and maintaining high standards in the industry.
As a result Rupert is chairman of the ‘Oak Frame Training Forum’ and vice chairman of the Carpenters Fellowship, and has been integral in establishing the NVQ in Structural Post & Beam Carpentry.
Rupert is also a published writer. His first book ‘Oak-Framed Buildings’ is a practical exploration of the techniques used in oak timber-frame construction for carpenters, builders and aspiring self-builders. A great source of inspiration and practical advice for anyone contemplating an oak-framed project, ‘Oak-Framed Buildings’ is available to buy here.
Westwind Oak are specialists in the design and construction of both traditional and contemporary green oak framed buildings.
With a team of highly skilled and accredited craftsmen, Westwind Oak employ a mixture of traditional carpentry techniques alongside modern design and finishing principles to create distinctive and high performing oak framed building. With a deep respect for their materials, all their timber comes from sustainable sources and they are able to offer a complete environmental service to help lower the carbon footprint of your project.
The aim at Westwind is to sustain the integrity of their craft whilst embracing innovation, ensuring their clients get a quality building that delivers on both aesthetics and functionality. Subsequently, Westwind is one of the first oak framing companies in the UK able to design and supply SIPs (structurally insulated panel system) envelopes to clad and insulate their frames.
Designed in-house and alongside the oak frame, Westwind can offer a high-tech and time saving solution, solving the problems of air-tightness and cold bridging whilst providing u-values as low as 0.1 W/m2.K.
Their office and workshop is based in North Somerset, however they carry out projects throughout the UK and Europe and have built many frames in the Channel Islands and the Alps.
Whatever your needs, their flexible and friendly services mean they will work with you to create a beautiful building with an intelligent design and consideration for the environment.
To request a free consultation call them on 01934 877 317 or click here to request their latest brochure.
