Creating a spectacular outdoor room
“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” So says author and journalist, Michael Pollan, who has been writing for more than 30 years about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect.
Our gardens are just such a place and with the steadily rising trend of outdoor rooms, many more of us are seeking ways to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of our landscapes, immersing ourselves in green space whilst we work, exercise, entertain or create.
It’s easy to see the attraction of an outdoor room and with almost 40% of the population currently working from home, a contemporary garden office provides a soft separation for maintaining a good work-life balance, reducing both the commute and our collective carbon footprint!
Whether you’re reimagining the way you work, or you need a little extra space for working out, entertaining or pursuing your hobbies here are a few things you should consider to make the most of the place where you too can meet nature halfway.
Consider your purpose If you’re using it as a workspace for year-round use, it will need heating, lighting and connectivity. If you practise yoga, your flooring needs will be very different to someone lifting heavy weights or using gym equipment. If your outdoor space is your artistic space you’re going to need plumbing and significant storage. Think carefully about its purpose so that it serves you well.
What kind of aesthetic would you like? The options are almost infinite and, as with garden design, you need to consider how the garden room will sit within the landscape of your home. If you want it to sit proudly within your setting, the size, style and finish can all complement the character and location of your property. If you’d like it to be a little more discrete, it’s worth paying attention to its position. Outdoor rooms can be visually dominant, taking up a lot of space, so tucking it away, or screening it with planting is a good idea. If the site is south facing it’s likely to get hot in the summer which can be mitigated by planting trees or shrubs to cast a dappled shade across the area.
What kind of build do you need? The typical construction of an outdoor room uses an economical and more sustainable SIP (Structured Insulated Panel) system to speed up the process. This can then be wood-clad or even rendered. You might like more of a shepherd’s hut where guests could stay overnight, or even a summerhouse, though these are generally not insulated and you’ll feel the cold in winter.
Don’t take planning permission for granted Most garden rooms don't require planning permission. They’re classed as outbuildings, so you're allowed to build as long as you comply with certain rules which means having permitted development rights at your home or the area you live in. You might not have permitted development rights if your home is a listed building or it sits in a designated area, such as an area of outstanding natural beauty. As with any building project, it’s worth checking with your local planning office before you embark on your dream design.
How will you use the surrounding area? You might need an outdoor seating area, space for a firepit to sit out under the stars, some decking for teaching students or planting up, or even a bar! Don’t limit your imagination to the room itself. What else can you do to enhance your lifestyle? A pathway connecting your home and outdoor room is an essential ingredient so that the lawn isn’t worn away, and planting, water features and lighting will all add an extra touch of style to your project.
As the rhythms of life have changed for us all during the past two years, we have an even greater opportunity to make the most of our homes and gardens. Incorporating an elegant outdoor room gives you the chance to enjoy and invest in your green space, nurturing your own wellbeing as well as reaping the practical and ecological benefits.
If you have questions or you’re considering investing in your garden space, give us a call for a friendly consultation.