Westgate Lodge extension project

This, although not a big frame, was one of our more challenging. The frame is an extension to an old cottage in the heart of the city of Canterbury, and with space at a premium, it was to sit snugly in a site that on one side was flanked by the river Stour and on the other by one of Canterbury's many narrow streets. There was to be a jetted first floor over the river, with the frame sitting on the wall running along the side of the lane. In a normal circumstance the two sides would run square to the house but not here! We were therefore required to build a very odd shaped frame with tricky angles at practically all joints, and as an added challenge it was to have a double hipped roof.

Working closely with the architect and conservation consultant the frame was designed and built, with its arch braced truss roof, diamond hips and exposed stud work the first floor looks stunning. This is to be the new master bedroom with en-suite.

On the ground floor the new beamed ceiling looks great and gives the new sitting room real character.

We were told after the build that Norton Timber had displayed an "understanding and depth of knowledge of our craft" which had given the team working on the project the reassurance we could deliver what the client was looking for and secured us the contract. All in all this was a tremendously rewarding frame to have been involved with.