Self-build
The first construction phase of the UK’s largest new green oak building has now reached completion at a rural location in Isleham, Cambridgeshire.
The Ark is an ambitious and extensive community and church building. It was erected by the congregation of High Street Church, which has outgrown the current ageing building in the centre of Isleham.
When complete, the Ark will provide over 2200 sq metres of space for church and community activities. It is literally being built by the congregation of High Street Church.
Led by Paul Hedger, who has worked with wood for three decades, the congregation first built and equipped its own large sawmill on the outskirts of Isleham. It bought all the oak it needed for the project and cut the 1000 large oak logs required.
The large wooden pieces were then transported by road to the site. Mr Hedger said, ‘Although we have used some comparatively modern machinery to cut the timbers, the wooden frame has been assembled using joinery techniques that were developed centuries ago.
‘We are creating a building that will blend into the local landscape and take care of both the spiritual and community needs of the people around it'(www.arkproject.org.uk).
