Bespoke Garden Room: Guide To the Best Option for You
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Introduction
A garden room is a practical and cost-effective way to create additional space without disrupting the main living areas of a house. Unlike traditional extensions, garden rooms are typically standalone structures, offering versatility for various uses such as home offices, studios, or relaxation spaces. They are particularly beneficial for those with larger gardens that provide ample room for a dedicated outdoor retreat.
It is important to distinguish between a garden room and an annexe. While both serve as separate spaces from the main house, they are treated differently from a planning perspective—something we will explore further.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?
In most cases, a garden room falls under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is not required. However, there are strict conditions that must be met for this to apply.
A Garden Room is Permitted Development If:
It is single-storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and an overall height of:
4 metres if it has a dual-pitched roof.
3 metres if it has any other roof type.
It is located at least 2 metres away from any boundary (if over 2.5 metres in height).
It does not include a veranda, balcony, or raised platform higher than 30cm.
It does not cover more than 50% of the garden (including other extensions, outbuildings, and sheds).
It is not intended for residential accommodation (i.e., it cannot be used as a permanent living space).
When a Garden Room Requires Planning Permission:
If it is built in front of the principal elevation of the house (facing a road).
If the property is a listed building or within a designated area, such as a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or Conservation Area.
If it is larger than 30m² or intended for regular overnight stays (which may classify it as an annexe).
If the total height exceeds permitted limits or the placement violates boundary restrictions.
If the garden room is being used for business purposes that cause disruption, such as high client footfall.
Building Regulations and Compliance for Garden Rooms
While most garden rooms do not require planning permission, they may still need to comply with building regulations, depending on their size and intended use.
When Building Regulations Apply:
If the garden room is larger than 15m² and closer than 1 metre to any boundary, it must be built with fire-resistant materials.
If it exceeds 30m², it must comply with full building regulations for structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and electrical installations.
If the garden room will have plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen, building control approval is required for drainage and water supply compliance.
If it is intended for sleeping accommodation, it will need fire safety measures such as escape routes and smoke detectors.
Bespoke Garden Room or Off-the-Shelf?
One of the key considerations when choosing a garden room is whether to opt for a pre-designed, off-the-shelf unit or a bespoke-built, site-specific structure. The right choice depends on your intended use, budget, and the unique characteristics of your outdoor space.
Both options have their merits, but there are certain scenarios where a bespoke garden room may be the better choice.
When a Bespoke Garden Room is the Better Option:
Framing a Specific View or Aspect
If you have a stunning garden view, such as a sunrise over the hills or a picturesque tree line, a bespoke design allows you to strategically position windows and openings to frame that aspect beautifully.
Off-the-shelf models have fixed window placements, which may not align with your ideal sightlines.
Dealing with an Irregular or Challenging Garden Layout
If your garden space is awkwardly shaped, has unusual dimensions, or features slopes, corners, or obstacles, a bespoke-designed garden room can be tailored to fit seamlessly within the available space.
Standard modular units tend to follow rigid, box-like forms, making them less adaptable to complex garden layouts.
Matching Your Home’s Architectural Style & Materials
A bespoke garden room allows you to match materials, finishes, and colours to your existing home, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic.
This can be particularly important for heritage or period properties, where an off-the-shelf, modern design might clash with traditional materials and architectural language.
Enhancing Long-Term Property Value
Bespoke-built garden rooms tend to depreciate slower than modular alternatives, as they are often designed with higher-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Estate agents often view bespoke garden rooms as a true home extension, while off-the-shelf modular units can feel more like detached, temporary structures.
Think of it as the difference between a well-integrated single-storey extension and a standard conservatory—the former adds more value over time.
Selecting Specific Materials or Sustainable Building Methods
A bespoke-built approach allows you to control the specification if you have eco-conscious preferences, such as sustainable timber cladding, reclaimed materials, or high-performance insulation.
Most pre-fabricated models use cost-effective, lightweight materials that may not align with long-term sustainability goals or desired durability.
When an Off-the-Shelf Garden Room Might Be More Suitable:
If you need a quick and cost-effective solution.
If your garden is standard in shape and can accommodate a modular unit without issue.
If you do not have specific aesthetic or material requirements.
If the garden room is a temporary solution, such as for a short-term home office setup.
