Built by Phil Gallimore of Alternus Spaces, the studio was placed at the back of the garden, where the shed had been. Had the shed not been there before, I think we still would have put the studio there. It’s surrounded by planting and gives you a real feeling of being in a separate place.
If you’re going for a bespoke option, there are ways of avoiding a concrete base entirely; putting the building on small stilts can help lessen its impact on your garden’s ecosystem, by allowing rain water to fun off into the soil still.
If you’re going to put a building in your garden I’d argue that you don’t really want it to feel just like an extension of your house, but as a separate destination where you can unwind (or buckle down and work, depending on the time of day!) On that note, think about the journey to the room; will you need a windy path that makes you slow down as you walk towards the building, transporting you to a different mental space? Or do you want a straight, easy direct route?
Think about aspect – and how to integrate the room into the existing landscape
If you have a larger garden think more about the light and aspect; if your outdoor building has decking outside then can you position it so you catch the evening sun? Equally if you need to work in it, do you want it to be somewhere that gets lots of light, or some more dappled shade so you aren’t roasted on a hot day?
When it comes to placement, it’s also wise to make sure you have plenty of plants between your house and the outdoor room, to save you from looking in either direction and just seeing more architecture. Hedging, small trees and even just beds of tall perennials can be used here to soften your view.
Next, think about aesthetics
Summerhouses, garden rooms, pergolas with retractable roofs and sides, pool houses, ready made studios, orangeries…there are so many options here and quite a lot of cross over between some of them, which can make things confusing!
For a more classic look an orangery or summerhouse is a good option. John Lewis and Crane Garden Buildings are amongst the best options for budget friendly summerhouses. Both offer reasonably priced options that are well insulated and with just a portable heater can become really snug little rooms you can use year round.
If you are after a greenhouse or conservatory, some of the popular suppliers amongst garden designers are Alitex and Hartley Botanic. For home offices and more of a studio vibe, Wohobo do three brilliant options of modestly sized rooms that they also install for you. All you need is to provide a solid base.
Building a bespoke garden room
However, if you have the time and a bit of creativity, I’d highly recommend looking for an architect or local carpenter/builder to work with. The results can be so rewarding, and leave you with a building that is really sympathetic and suited to its environment.
Phil from Alternus Spaces and I are currently working on another project where we have developed the concept of a Bird Hide; perched on the edge of a nature reserve this discrete building will be covered in cedar shingles and the cladding will be constructed in a way that it can host invertebrates, bats and birds.
Where the exterior is rustic and weathered to help it be camouflaged amongst the surrounding trees, the interiors are clean,modern and simple – in the hope that this will be a haven for wildlife and humans for years to come.
These sorts of designs don’t have to be hugely expensive, but with a little thought you can create something really special that adds to the garden, rather than detracting from it.
www.tjg-gardens.com | @tabijgee_gardendesign
