Using traditional materials such as cob, lime, stone and oak we specialise in the sympathetic restoration, conversion, extension and repair of traditional buildings. Operating predominantly in mid/north Devon, we are also in the process of establishing an outpost in southern Cumbria.

Coming from a variety of backgrounds, we at Jack in the Green have the benefit of a number of specialist skills which have informed how we understand and approach the work we undertake. This is based on maintaining and conserving the vernacular buildings and other features which have made our rural landscapes what they are today.

From the restoration and conversion of barns and period buildings, often listed or located in conservation areas, to stonework and hedgelaying, we understand not only the importance and historical value of rural landscapes, but also how the requirements of modern living combine with current environmental and conservation considerations.

• Cob new build and repair

• Lime plastering, rendering, limewashing and breathable paints
• Roofing and structural carpentry in green oak and softwoods
• Stonework and repointing
• Hedgelaying

We will undertake projects large and small, from cob and lime repairs to full scale barn conversions, project management and consultancy. To get an idea of the spectrum of services we can offer, browse the website and visit our traditional barn conversion gallery.

The Jack in the Green logo symbolises our commitment to living with rather than against our local and global environments. We practice both ethical and ecologically sustainable building, and believe in the maintenance of local vernacular building traditions within regional landscapes. Living in rural areas with high property prices, we also support the construction of sustainable eco-housing and self-build projects for local residents. The maintenance of local vernacular traditions might seem to contradict the idea of eco-housing. However, the materials used in the construction of these buildings influence not only how they look but also their environmental impact and sustainability.

The Pre-industrial vernacular buildings which define many areas of the Devon countryside were low impact and sustainable, and their construction was based on maintaining local economies and community traditions. Many of the buildings we work on were originally built by local communities from materials which were readily available. Cob, stone, timber and thatching materials were often derived from nearby fields and woods. We try to maintain these traditions by using traditional and where possible, locally sourced and reclaimed materials and through supporting local businesses and craftspeople. With the availability of cheap mass produced building materials, the Industrial Revolution brought about decline of local building traditions. Today, the environmental effects of the past two centuries of large scale industry are beginning to hit home, and we are returning to an understanding of the importance of sustainable technologies and ecologically friendly lifestyles.

Natural materials such as cob and lime are beneficial to older and traditionally constructed buildings. Unlike inflexible modern materials such as cement mortars and gypsums, they allow buildings to breathe, circumventing damp problems and promoting healthier living environments. They are also much more eco-friendly than the heavily processed materials used in the modern construction industry.