Xylotek was founded in 2018 by directors Charley Brentnall, Oscar Emanuel and Martin Self with the aim of bringing together our diverse experience and shared passion for wood, to serve projects seeking high ambition for the application of timber in architecture. We operate internationally with a remote design and management team, and a design and workshop hub in Bristol UK.
Our clients include cultural and academic institutions, commercial developers and private individuals. We are typically appointed as specialist consultants within design teams; as subcontractors to main contractors on large projects; or as design-build contractors in our own right. We are able to design, fabricate, assemble and install – in both conventional and unusual contexts.
Our specialism is in the delivery of non-standard timber structures that need innovative solutions. For every project we formulate the correct technologies, processes and supply chain for that job – working with industry partners to ensure the best offering of value and expertise in the market. Some projects are prototyped or fabricated in our workshops; others – often at a larger scale – are procured through our fabricator partners. In all cases, we seek to bring overall control to delivery through our expertise.
In seeking a well-designed low-carbon future, our driving motive is to change the world with wood.
As Xylotek’s Managing Director, Oscar brings a deep knowledge of the international structural timber industry gained over the last twenty years of working in the UK, Canada, US and France.
Charley Brentnall is an internationally recognised leader in timber construction and conservation.
Martin Self is an engineer, geometer and educator who has specialised in innovative timber structures since 2005.
Robin has extensive experience of working as a Finance Director with entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Richard began his career as an economist working with the World Bank and IFAD, then became a partner at KPMG.
Yvette Culbert has background in sports marketing and a passion for sustainable design and architecture.
Tom Dawson is a designer, carpenter and timber construction expert.
James Newcombe has experience in project and operations management spanning careers both in the Royal Navy and construction industry combining 13+ years of experience.
Jack Draper has a diverse background of working with timber from designing furniture for international fashion houses to delivering timber buildings of a high complexity.
James joined Xylotek in July 2020 as a workshop and onsite carpenter.
Since graduating in engineering from Durham University, Lindsey's passion lies in green and sustainable building practises.
Christof Lemka is experienced in the processes and logistics of workshop production.
Cristofer Barrios is a designer and project manager with 6+ years of previous experience in retail fit outs.
Rachel Wagner is an architecture graduate and has been working in timber design since 2016. Originally from São Paulo, she has a background in Glulam fabrication...
Mike has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, from framing timber houses, architectural concrete formwork, joinery of furniture and cabinetry.
Wilf has ten years of practical experience in a range of projects including large-scale stage set productions for UK and European festivals, music videos, adverts and awards ceremonies, as well as traditional joinery.
After graduating in Product Design Technology, Nate has spent several years building experience and developing his knowledge as a Technical Designer of high-end bespoke furniture.
Phoebe graduated in Quantity Surveying from Heriot-Watt University and has a wide range of experience working in cost and project management in consultancy and contractor settings.
James has a wealth of experience in timber construction, project management and building conservation. He has worked with community projects teaching carpentry skills and loves challenging the boundaries with timber.
Since graduating from The University of Sussex with BA Hons in English, Ellen has qualified with Level 3 RHS Horticulture and developed her interest in sustainability.
Steve studied Design at Brighton University, later working in antiques restoration, joinery, carpentry and prop fabrication.
Paul Wones trained in Fine Furniture Design and Making at The Building Crafts College in London.
After graduating from University of Bristol with BSc Hons in Mathematics, Luke has gained experience in accounts payable and bookkeeping at Bristol-based companies.
Erik started working with timber from age sixteen and has continued to hone his skills through 3.5 years of Project Management work building eco-friendly and healthy timber frame houses.