Jowled porch

This addition to a grade II* listed 15th century house adds function whilst mirroring some of the features common in the area. The original open hall house is an exceptional example of fine medieval framing in Essex, with features such as a crown post roof, decorative down bracing and jowled storey posts.

Sitting on a low plinth of bulmer bricks in lime mortar, this green oak porch has been designed to mirror the jowl posts from the house. The jowl post refers to the flared end at the top of the corner posts. The flared timber is carefully selected so the grain curves and creates a stronger joint. This type of joint is a standard detail in medieval framing, known as an English tying joint.

Inspiration for the down braces was taken from the nearby Thaxted Guildhall.

Thaxted Guildhall…

The panels will eventually be filled with wood-wool fibre board with a thick coating of Anglia lime haired chalk mix. The roof will be finished with hand made peg tiles to match the existing.