The owners bought Wishanger in 2003 when it was little more than a cluster of semi-derelict buildings that had served as stables to the recently divided Wishanger Estate. The original L-shaped building was a two storey wooden shed with a corrugated tin roof, containing basic accommodation for a groom, with stables and tack/storage rooms attached either side. Due to its state of disrepair my clients decided a new build was required and while researching various new-build options a timber-framed modern barn-style building caught their eye. They contacted the manufacturer, Timberpeg, an American company, and then asked us to help them design their home and submit a planning application for a replacement dwelling. They wanted an open plan design including four bedrooms, with the timber framed structure exposed and visible internally.
One of the main advantages of a timber frame was that it was produced off site and arrived in 'kit form'. The Wishanger Lodge frame is made from eastern white pine, a sustainable Grade A timber. It is held together by oak pegs in traditional mortise and tenon joints. The timber frame was shipped directly from the USA to site and erected in just three days; within a month the weatherproof shell was complete. Wishanger Lodge was built in just 14 weeks from start to finish.