Engineered Fenestration
 If you could imagine a location with the ultimate wow factor and surreal location – endlessly rural, reminiscent of France in many ways, totally private, secluded and peaceful but with access to all main routes and only 37minutes from Central London by train – you would be forgiven for coming up with a very short list of candidates. But in this one-for-one boutique family home which replaces an original A-frame property of the early 1900’s, the forward-thinking owners have created a highly desirable, high performance four-bedroom house which has a Victorian/Edwardian feel. Evident is the faithfully replicated symmetry and elegant proportions of the period, introducing book-end garden rooms twinned with overhead decked balconies, a central entrance hall with efficient wood burner, a library, formal lounge, dining room and open-plan kitchen which extends into the garden-cum-day room. “If they got it right in antiquity then it will probably work now,” says Mr R.
Painstaking research and reference to period detail, passionate forward planning and essential collaboration with local craftsmen and suppliers, has dovetailed the success of this property which boasts the finest materials - oak, stone, granite – fixtures and fittings from Miele, Hansgrohe and Aga.
“We had a vision to create a home which will serve us for the rest of our lives and we have deliberately used only the best products, materials and services we could find. At more than double what we had budgeted for the build we know we have chosen products that are right for us in achieving a home with the style and elegance in which we like to live – there have been no compromises,” states Mr and Mrs R. Even the chimneys replicate elements of those you will find at St Pancras station.
Their intention was always to have a home full of natural light and introducing windows that would allow light from many aspects in every room has achieved that goal. “Having plenty of beautiful windows and doors allows us to take advantage of the stunning views of this location and its mature grounds – though sadly that means less wall space for our artwork.”
Double-glazed, energy-rated timber windows of elegant period style that combine today’s modern performance criteria, have played a big role in the design brief and complement perfectly the extensive insulation throughout. “We were particularly concerned about the quality of timber for the doors and windows,” say the couple. “We needed to be sure that the timber would be stable and strong, while providing us with security, comfort and great aesthetics. Our architect recommended Mumford & Wood for the quality of their timber, and with their bespoke manufacturing capacity we were assured the problems associated with poor timber wouldn't occur here."
Mumford & Wood’s products have been manufactured from laminated components for over 15 years and the company boasts an extensive knowledge of the material and its characteristics. “We were ahead of the industry,” says Dave Snowling, Managing Director, Mumford & Wood, “we were using redwood engineered components during the early ‘90s when our competitors were using solid redwood in fifth or unsorted grades.”
The timber used by Mumford & Wood is taken from the heart of the tree where the real strength lies. In quite a short time – weeks not months – it will start to curve and twist unless treated and kept in perfectly humidified conditions. The heart wood is scanned for defects early in the process, a computerised action, identifying resin pockets and knots which are cut out. The clear parts are then finger jointed and glued in six metre lengths to create top quality, clear grade timber.
“Independent tests have proven that a laminated component is stronger than a piece of solid wood in the same section size,” continues Snowling, “which ensures stability and overcomes the risk of mis-shape.”
The company purchases components direct from European suppliers and Dave is responsible for specifying the grain direction in each and every component size: “This further improves stability and significantly enhances the visual appearance and the performance of the paint finish. Paint simply won’t adhere properly to over-dry wood.”
Conservation™ casements and French doorsets specified in this project were manufactured from Mumford & Wood’s standard specification material, larch, which grows very slowly and typically produces timber that has tight growth rings and is darker in colour than sap wood. The logs are converted into vertical grain scantlings, finger jointed and then laminated into three, four and six part lamels. “Working closely with our paint supplier we have ensured that our standard three coat finish is evenly coated around each profile and joint; we also seal end grain and caulk Swedish joints to ensure longevity,” continues Snowling.
Mr and Mrs R purchased the original property which had been remodelled in the 1960s with little update or remedial work since. It wasn’t their initial intention to demolish the building – now the site of the garage block – but within a few years they decided to build from scratch and reposition the new house to take full advantage of the views and orientation. Mrs R, who has largely project-managed the two-year build, has enjoyed working with the many professional trades: “It soon became evident that we wouldn’t accept casual or careless workmanship but we haven’t made any enemies; on the contrary, we’re good friends and our builders enjoy our home almost as much as we do. It helped that I used the same disciplines as I would have done in my professional life.”
Mr and Mrs R visited Mumford & Wood’s Essex-based factories more than once and were impressed with the automated accuracy of the advanced plant and equipment as well as the automated atmospheric conditioning that ensures consistency of the timber from arrival of the material through all the manufacturing processes to delivery on site.
Mumford & Wood purchases timber from sustainable sources to ensure the material is covered by a recognised certification body. “We have a highly responsible environmental conscience, keep waste to a minimum at every stage of our processes, and have the greatest respect for the natural raw materials that make our products very special indeed.”
Mr and Mrs R believe they have created something for the future, a property that has been built with love and passion that will remain perfect for generations to come.
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