inspired by these garden rooms that the best of indoors and out.
What is it about garden rooms that is so universally appealing? We're getting excited just thinking about the prospect of a secluded little spot somewhere - outdoors yet sheltered; removed from the house, yet familiar. We would even go so far as to say there is something rather primal about having a little space in the garden to retreat to. Whose first decorative instinct wasn't to go outdoors and build some kind of den? On a more fundamental level, to sit and eat outside is one of summer's greatest pleasures. Don't let temperamental climate spoil your plans. Come and be inspired by these garden rooms that offer the best of indoors and out.
QUICK NOTES
PLANNING PERMISSION:
Slightly different rules apply in different parts of the UK. A general rule of thumb is that you won't need planning permission for an outbuilding with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and a maximum roof height of four metres with a dual pitched roof. Even so, a structure that might not require planning consent in one set of circumstances might need it in another - for example, if your house is listed,. Whatever you are building, it's always worth consulting your local planning officer first.
INSULATION:
It's best to choose a garden room that has insulation in the floor, walls and roof - some of the cheaper log-cabin designs don't have wall insulation. Look for the U-value of the wall build-up, which most insulation suppliers will list on their specification.
HEATING:
Not all suppliers include a heating source in their specification, but however well insulated your building is, it's nice to be able to turn on a heater on colder days. Underfloor heating is a popular option, as are air-conditioning units offering heating in winter and cooling in summer. More basic options include wall-mounted electric convector heaters or portable oil-filled radiators.
PLUMBING:
Buyers are increasingly incorporating loos, showers and kitchenettes in their designs. This can be where planning permission gets more involved. Most bespoke designers will be able to offer customers conventional solutions, which tap into the mains sewerage, or off-grid solutions such as composting toilets. As with any electrical work, the plumbing must also comply with current building regulations, whatever the size of the building.
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