With the don't move, improve thought still uppermost in many people's minds, creating more space could be solved simply by adding a beautiful wooden building to the garden. Whether it's a working space, a pleasure zone or a play area, there are numerous options to choose from. Practical and technological developments in insulation, glazing and electronics mean that you can also kit out your space to a high standard and use it throughout the year.
If you've already extended your house you may have used up your Permitted Development rights, but usually garden buildings and sheds are considered to be outbuildings and as long as they fall within the size/height restrictions you won't need to apply for Planning Permission. Outbuildings should be single storey, with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of a metres with a dual pitched roof.
Traditional garden summerhouse.
A traditional garden summerhouse is the perfect space to retreat to and while away long summer days. They tend to have either a one-piece fibreglass, metal (lead or copper) or cedar shingled roof, have multi-paned windows, and often have built-in bench seating around the walls. Garden summerhouses can cost from a few hundred pounds for DIY versions from superstores; quality-wise these are on a par with a standard shed. More luxurious designs from suppliers such as Scotts ofThrapston, HSP Garden Buildings, Taylors Garden Buildings and The Garden House cost several thousand pounds and ane warmer; sturdier and designed to last The pressure-treated timber usually used can be stained or painted in your own choice of colour. Look out for lockable doors and toughened or laminated glazing. A garden summerhouse will need to be erected upon a solid concrete base. Most suppliers will specify the size of the base, do a site survey and may offer building and installation services.
Wood gazebo.
The perfect solution if you want to make the most of a beautiful view, a wood gazebo is generally open-sided and unglazed, and may have trellised sides ideal for growing trailing honeysuckle, climbing roses or sweet peas. Thatched and leaded roof styles are popular and add a colonial or classic look to your garden, the sturdier versions in solid oak or tropical hardwoods can act as open-air dining rooms with an integral table and bench arrangement and decked flooring. Look at designs by English Heritage Buildings, Breeze House and African Thatch Company.These cost several thousand pounds and will need to be installed on a solid base. Garden centres sell all sorts of gazebos that are straightforward to erect and may not need a structured base. For a more modern version of a wood gazebo, try Four Seasons Gazebos. Its designs can incorporate a barbecue, with canopy and chimney arrangements. It also offers luxurious'hot tub retreat' wood gazebos with remote-control lighting.
Pleasure zone.
In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in buildings that have hot tubs, gyms, games rooms or even cinemas. Look at designs from The Garden Escape, The Brookwood Barn Company, Courtyard Designs and Rapyd Rooms. Hot tubs can be installed within decking or a terrace, or they can be freestanding. An open-sided gazebo-style surround is often a good idea. Look at English Heritage Buildings, Orlestone Oak (below), Southern Spas & Saunas and Four Seasons Gazebos. Swimming pool buildings need suitable floor coverings, water supply equipment, safety surfaces and comfortable changing areas, so consult a specialist architect. For pool tables and games equipment, try a full-size slate-bed pool table in mahogany, around £2,300, from Snooker Billiards Pool. To get the room fully wired for media and internet, contact CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) to find experts and installers in your area.
