Based in Ballina, Co. Mayo, OX Timber Frame is a leading specialist in timber frame construction and pyrite remediation.
While the company is still a relatively new one, its owner Pat Doherty has over 25 years’ experience in construction, 12 of which were spent in the US erecting timber frame houses. OX Timber Frame has grown exponentially in the past 18 months with an expanding workforce and customer-base across the West of Ireland.
Outlining the company’s background, Pat – who is married to Laura – says: “It happened more by accident than design. In 2020, we discovered that our home had pyrite. We were one of many families in our area impacted by it, but were determined to rebuild it ourselves using timber frame. People saw the speed of the process which led to requests for us to rebuild their homes.
“Coming towards the end, we were inundated with enquiries and that’s how OX Timber Frame was born. We could see that there was an opening for a company like ours in the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim area. We’re NSAI-approved and compliant, and have gone from five employees at the start of last year to 18 now. So we’ve come a long way in a short space of time.”
OX Timber Frame has worked on projects that vary from small homes to large bespoke projects, including housing estates. Its highly-skilled and competent timber frame crew have completed complex and exciting design projects, delivering efficient builds for clients. The company is proud to offer practical solutions at what can be a stressful time. Pat and his team understand that every homeowner has different needs and knowledge of the construction process. You can hand the entire build over to them and trust in their experience and expertise to deliver project goals. Alternatively, they can work with input from the client or professionals on the client’s behalf.
“We manufacture and erect,” explains the affable managing director, who is a carpenter by trade.
“We offer a full service to developers and individuals alike. We offer a range of packages from the ground up to roof felt. For example, we can supply timber frame to customers who have their own erectors.
“There are huge benefits to using timber frame. The speed of the build – typically two-to-three weeks – gives a platform to get the house sealed so other trades can move in quickly. The timber frame used nowadays is a lot better and thicker than it used to be. Every timber frame goes to site with insulation fitted. We’ve also started to manufacture floor panels in our factory which makes for easier and safer installation on site.
“We provide a quality and efficient service that also has considerably less impact on the environment.”
Timber frame is an increasingly popular method of building. In the US, Canada and Australia, timber frame construction using standardised dimensional timber has become the dominant construction method due to the economy of the method – use of sustainable material allows builders to build a structure quickly and efficienty while achieving a wide variety of architectural designs. The structure of the timber frame walls is strengthened using OSB board to form a rigid panel which supports the roof structure.
OX Timber Frame panel insulations can be tailored to the client’s specification. The company’s typical wall build up will meet insulation requirements if your build falls under part L regulations (new builds and some extensions) with a U-Value of 0.15 W/m2k.
Furthermore, the Co. Mayo specialist uses a technologically-advanced vapour control membrane which prevents moisture from entering the timber frame structure and has humidity controlling and insulating properties. The membrane makes the building wind-tight and waterproof.
Weep vents are installed in the outer cavity wall to allow airflow within the cavity, removing any excess moisture. The exterior of the timber frame can be clad in a variety of materials, including masonry block with render, brick or stone, metal cladding such as zinc, copper and corten steel, wood fibre or cement board with a render system or durable timber cladding such as cedar or larch.
The company’s timber frames are designed to provide the required level of fire resistance and acoustic performance. Fire resistance is achieved through specified fire protective wall linings such as 15mm gypsum plasterboard, a cavity barrier system and fire stop.
As well as new builds, OX Timber Frame can act as the main contractor for deep retrofit and complete renovation to modernise old homes or buildings. It provides a sensitive and careful demolition process and can offer restoration of period features that may be uncovered during the renovation. And, of course, OX Timber Frame’s specialist team can also act as the main project contractor for the defective block scheme or can work with your builder to erect its timber frame which allows for a much quicker rebuild.
OX Timber Frame enjoys an excellent working relationship with its clients and suppliers, including Thomas Archer (Castlebar) Ltd which supplies it with timber and treatments / wood preservatives. The state-of-the-art workshop in Bunree Industrial Estate, Ballina is managed by Liam O’Sullivan with the help of his brother Stephen (production manager). OX Timber Frame’s site foreman is Brian McGrath.
“Our people are our greatest asset,” Pat enthuses.
“Liam and Stephen O’Sullivan have been involved in the business for as long as I have. Our growth can be attributed to our top-class team and commitment to quality products and processes, Health & Safety and value-for-money.”
Once the panel design drawings are completed, OX Timber Frame’s assembly team constructs the timber frames in controlled conditions, ensuring a quality product for the client. The frames are then packaged for delivery to site for installation.
OX Timber Frames is currently collaborating with Castletown Homes and Burke Builders on private home developments in Enniscrone and Ballina respectively. The Enniscrone project comprises five four-bed and two five-bed one-off homes, while OX Timber Frames is also providing frames to a development of nine detached homes on the Sligo Road, Ballina.
“We’re constantly reviewing our processes to ensure the quality is right in the factory and are streamlined. The feedback comes from our installers who are dealing directly with our clients,” Pat points out.
As OX Timber Frame continues to go from strength to strength and prepares to open a new office in IQ Ballina, which is a new innovation hub in the old Ballina Military Barracks, Pat would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their unwavering support as well as his team for their hard work, dedication and skill.
OX Timber Frames
Bunree Industrial Estate (factory)
Ballina,
Co. Mayo.
Telephone: 096 92111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.timberframe.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, November 2024, Vol 10 No 11
