Vernacular architecture incorporates characteristic building materials and its own individual mix of styles. New houses can embody the spirit of older structural styles and create an enduring impression of comfortable maturity.

These concept design sketches were for clients who wanted to celebrate the art and inventiveness of the traditional carpenter. The lower one is in the form of a Wealden Farmhouse, complete with curved braces and flying bressumer, as well as a part jettied upper floor.

The jointing techniques used by the master carpenters of the past are not easy to replicate today, since they demand the highest levels of craftsmanship. As an alternative, Philip Lancashire can supply complete, historic, timber frames rescued from demolition to form the basis of an architectural project. If not rescued for re-use, these structures would have been completely destroyed. Instead they can live on, to be appreciated by a new generation.