Oregon Timber Factory Extensions

Oregon Timber Frame Ltd is one of the UK’s leading timber frame manufacturers. Following its acquisition by Barratt Developments, the company entered a significant growth phase, giving rise to major extensions at both its northern and southern production facilities. Planning consent was secured to expand the original factory footprint to support this development.

The project is located alongside the company’s newly constructed headquarters building, completed in early 2025. As part of the expansion, the site now benefits from increased external yard capacity for outdoor material storage, as well as a new staff car park and dedicated cycle parking facilities.

These works represent a key milestone in strengthening the company’s long‑term operational resilience by enabling a substantial increase in timber production.

From the outset, the client made clear the requirement for a streamlined design delivered within a defined budget and programme. As works were undertaken on a live site, minimising disruption to ongoing production was mission‑critical. This priority became the primary driver for both the design approach and delivery strategy, achieved through meticulous coordination across the full design team and the clear separation of construction activities from day‑to‑day factory operations.

Careful sequencing was planned in close collaboration with the client to understand daily production requirements and proactively mitigate any potential impacts, ensuring business continuity. The construction zone was effectively isolated by retaining the existing factory gable wall throughout the build, with the knock‑through to connect old and new structures reserved for the final stage.

Given the scale of the facility, a low‑maintenance construction solution was essential—particularly in response to the surrounding landscape and extensive tree coverage. The new buildings have been designed to remain fully in keeping with their industrial context, with the intention that the extension blends seamlessly with the original structure. The additions continue the established design language, incorporating insulated cladding panels, brick base courses, and roof lights to introduce natural daylight into the operational spaces.

The project is expected to deliver meaningful benefits to the local area, supporting job creation through the expansion of operations and generating additional economic value for the wider community.