With the support of leading independent business advisory practice, ReSolve, the agreement was finalised on July 31.
Xylotek was founded in 2018 by directors Charley Brentnall, 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.
Operating internationally, the company’s team comprises experts in architecture and timber design engineering, with extensive experience in timber construction.
In 2022, the company achieved considerable success from various projects, including the ABBA Voyage arena in London, winning industry awards and subsequently doubling its turnover in 2023. Rapid growth led to working capital challenges which had knock-on effects in performance.
Driven by a shared passion for blending traditional construction techniques with contemporary design expertise, the acquisition levels up Carpenter Oak’s scalability for international growth in timber construction and preserves the future of a valuable timber specialist. 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.
“Xylotek has a unique proposition, serving an important gap in the UK construction market,” said Luke Copley-Wilkins, managing director at Carpenter Oak Build. “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.”
Carpenter Oak was founded in 1987 and pioneered the building of new structures developed from understanding of traditional green oak construction techniques gained through the renovation of historic buildings. Subsequently, the firm has built hundreds of timber-framed buildings and cultural projects, becoming the UK leader in the new emergence of timber construction based on traditional techniques.
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 pairing of the two companies within the Carpenter Oak Group creates a unique capability to combine deep understanding of wood as a material, with cutting-edge design and fabrication technologies.
