The Brief

This is one of many projects we are doing for Elberry Properties on a new development in Summersdale, Chichester.

We were asked to make the decorative porch frontage/structure to the plans submitted by Elberry Properties. It was to have a paint finish so the hardwood sapele was chosen, which lends itself perfectly to being very hard wearing when paired with a good decoration and finishing touch.

Action taken

The large curved beam was the most time-consuming part to make as this needed many glued laminations to be made to achieve the final thickness of 100mm. We began by making a former for the laminations to bend and be clamped round. The next step was we could then machine the sapele into thin strips so they could bend easily around the radius.

The other parts were fairly straight forward! The best part was we were able to break out my grandfather’s old lathe to help turn a small piece of oak, which was needed for a small round detail hanging from the centre of the curve.

Outcome

The finished components came out well and were all given a coat of primer ready for decoration by other companies. We are looking forward to seeing the finished porch and we can’t wait to complete the front door, communal staircase and furniture that we have lined up for this house. Keep an eye out for an update!

If you want to check out our other work in progress projects, click here!