Garden Guide To Outdoor Rooms

Date Published:

09/06/2008

Here we look at the practicalities and decorations...

Practicalities

In most cases, you will need to install electrics and even plumbing in your garden escape, which can be connected via the main supplies in your house. You should hire a certified electrician or plumber to do this job (see www.118traders.com for a list of reputable tradesmen), although some suppliers will connect these facilities for you as part of the service.

To protect against the cold and damp you will definitely need some form of heating. Underfloor heating is the most cost-efficient option if you're going to spend a lot of time in your outdoor room, but if you are going to be in and out in short bursts, or if it's a relatively small space, heaters will probably suffice. Again, some suppliers install electric heaters or radiators as part of the service, but the structure should be well-insulated anyway to conform to building regulations on the conservation of energy and fuel. If you are designing your outdoor room yourself you'll need to swat up on these rules. Go to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website for more on building regulations.

Credit: Chris Tubbs/Media 10 Syndication

This dinky writer's cabin is a cheeky nod to the humble garden shed. Designed by architect Sarah Wigglesworth, it's perfect for getting down to some serious work, and there's even a nook set aside for sleeping (or a nap in between paragraphs). All the elements were pre-fabricated and then assembled on site. Approx £35,000.

Keep It Light

Obviously the bigger, and more plentiful, the windows, the better, but also try and keep the decor quite pale and neutral. Furniture should be as light as possible in both colour and construction (heavy upholstered sofas will look out of place), and if you can't guarantee that conditions will be kind to your furniture all-year round you need to invest in weatherproof designs.

Credit: Ray Main/Mainstream Images

An outdoor room can be little more than a shelter, if that's all you need. This one, designed by TV expert Diarmuid Gavin, comprises a concrete roof, two concrete walls and a decked floor, and yet it has the feel of comfy lounge. The downer is the lack of electric points, though you could just light candles and lanterns.