Timber specialists combine months after death of the companies’ co-founder

Devon timber company Carpenter Oak Build has acquired the venture set up by its late co-founder Charley Brentnall.

Xylotek was founded in 2018 by Brentnall, and Oscar Emanuel and Martin Self, with the aim of bringing together their diverse experience and shared passion for wood, to serve projects seeking high ambition for the application of timber in architecture.

Charley Brentnall

Brentnall, who died earlier this year, was also the co-founder of Carpenter Oak Build, which has designed and made timber-framed buildings since 1987.

Xylotek had worked on projects internationally, and had enjoyed success and won industry recognition. However recently “rapid growth led to working capital challenges which had knock-on effects in performance”, the company said.

The deal with Carprenter Oak Build was subsequently agreed with the support of business advisors, ReSolve.

Luke Copley-Wilkins, managing director at Carpenter Oak Build, said: “Xylotek has a unique proposition, serving an important gap in the UK construction market.

“Many leading architects, engineers and clients want to build from wood to decarbonise the built environment and for aesthetic reasons, but prior to Xylotek there was a noticeable lack of suitable expertise in the supply chain.

“Xylotek filled that gap, and we are pleased that we will be able to preserve that skill and expertise to enhance our offer to customers.”

The move combines the experience of Carpenter Oak’s 30-year history in traditional timber construction with Xylotek’s expertise in the design and fabrication of modern engineered timber structures.

The acquisition comes as architects and developers shift towards more sustainable building materials and practices, with timber emerging as a frontrunner for its low-carbon, renewable properties.