February 2010
Garden shed – is this an alternative extension for your house?
Over the next week or so we will be running a series of helpful tips and ideas to help you choose the best shed for your work/pleasure and life for the garden. Well perhaps we should call it more than just a shed, more like a garden studio! 
Today the humble garden shed has loftier ambitions. It has come up in the world and these days can be quite a grand affair: It has graduated to become an office, private gym, chill out room - the alternative to an extension, adding much needed floor space to the family home.
Seen as an extra room it is a definite ‘plus’ when you come to sell your house, so using your shed as a dumping ground for junk may not be the best use of its potential. If you are considering upgrading think carefully about what you want and plan accordingly. Whether you have an existing structure or not, follow these simple guidelines to create the desired effect. Picture courtesy of the The Qube.
Here are a few things to think about before you get started.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
A shed or outdoor room is generally seen as a temporary structure by the planning authorities, but this does not mean you can build anything you want. Many garden rooms do not require planning as long as the structure is not higher than 4 metres, is more than 5 metres from existing structures and nearer the house than the public highway. However, it is ALWAYS best to check with your local planning department especially if you are going to install a multitude of services such as toilets, etc. Remember that to run an office from home technically you will require planning permission.
Check if you house is listed as the grounds may be part of that listing. Conservation areas also require planning approval. Again check with planning and likewise remember that some trees have TPOs (Tree preservation orders) and you may not fell them without prior approval if at all).
Substantial brick structures are best in larger gardens, as these can be considered “small houses”. These will most likely require planning permission and are the costliest of the three options. The granting of planning permission will always depend on intended use and a quick call to your local office may save you much time and money.
All garden rooms must comply with Building regulations – you will need to ensure that your outdoor room complies with structural strength requirements such as fire safety, insulation, ventilation, water and energy efficiency to name but a few.
FUNCTION
What will it be used for? Do you need a quiet area away from the kids and hustle and bustle of a busy home? Is the room to be used as a studio or craft making area? A home office? Gym? Once you have decided there are decisions to be made… Picture courtesy of The Qube. SIZE
The building should not overwhelm the garden. As a rough guide the structure should take up no more than 25% of the available garden area. Even small gardens can benefit from an outdoor room but remember to keep it in scale.
LOCATION
Size is not everything and location is just as important. Tucked away in a corner of the garden and lightly screened from the main house is perfect for a restful retreat. One of our current garden design projects incorporates our client’s L shaped room with large glazed walls allowing views over the garden as well as maximum light for their office and gym.
Placing the outdoor room at the bottom of the garden will create symmetry and allow a good interaction with the rest of the garden. Placing the room to the side of the garden creates more interest and is not so obtrusive.
Check the next blog for more tips for heating and lighting-this will ensure you use your garden studio throughout the year - so check-in soon ;-)
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