Multi-Functional Garden Room in a Conservation Area
Room 8.0m x 3.0m
Store 1.5m x 3.0m
Arden Garden Room with Store
Warwickshire
Helen and Robb approached Henley Garden Buildings with a clear vision for a versatile garden room that could serve multiple functions: a dedicated office space, a chill-out area, a toilet, a kitchenette, and a separate storage section. Their property, however, presented a few challenges, it was located within a conservation area and surrounded by trees under Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). This meant the project required careful planning, both in terms of design and groundworks, to ensure full compliance with local regulations.
Building on conservation land necessitates a formal householder planning application, a process we fully manage on behalf of our clients. For complex cases like this, we work closely with a specialist planning consultant to develop a robust application. This includes a comprehensive planning and heritage statement that clearly outlines the reasons the proposed build should be approved.
Once the design was finalised and submitted, we entered the planning phase. After several months, we were thrilled to share the good news with Helen and Robb, planning permission had been granted, and we were ready to move forward with the build.
The end result was nothing short of stunning. The bespoke design thoughtfully addressed all the client’s needs within a well-proportioned layout. A private WC was neatly tucked into a corner, with a small corridor leading to a perfectly placed kitchenette. The main space was cleverly divided to accommodate Helen’s desk and office furniture, while still leaving room for a two-seater sofa and a media wall complete with a built-in fireplace.
An externally accessed store room was also incorporated into the design. Fully insulated and fitted with electricals and lighting, it was ideal for securely storing files and other essentials.
A standout feature was the 4 metre bifold door, which opened up completely to blend the interior with the surrounding garden, perfect for enjoying the outdoor views and natural light. The exterior was finished in Ecoscape slatted cladding in a vibrant Spiced Oak Wood tone. The rich colour combined with the shadow gaps between slats added depth and detail, making the entire structure pop beautifully within the landscape.
We’re incredibly proud of this project and grateful to Helen and Robb for trusting us to bring our vision to life. The result is a truly fantastic garden room that combines functionality, style, and sensitivity to its unique setting
We are extremely happy with our multi-functional garden room, and with the work provided by Kevin and team from Henley Garden Buildings.
We looked at a lot of different suppliers before we decided on Kevin and team. From our first visit with Kevin and Jackie at their show site we felt they understood our vision. Both listened well to our long and detailed wish list, making highly useful comments along the way.
We were in a complicated situation because our house is in a Conservation Area and there was a large pine tree near to the proposed build site with a Tree Protection Order on it. But Kevin fixed us up with an excellent arborist who worked out how we could build our garden office without upsetting the roots of the tree.
We went through the planning process and were given the green light much quicker than we thought would happen.
Kevin was able to accommodate nearly 100% of our design wishes. This included extras like a media wall with a 1.8m long built in living fireplace, and a toilet and basin. He then produced a detailed work timetable that he kept to. His team of builders, plasterers, electricians, plumbers etc were all highly professional and courteous. And the result was a gorgeous 8x3m garden office with four large glass doors looking into the garden. I often spend twelve hours a day in the garden office.
It has transformed my working life in wonderful ways. Our cat loves to sit with me in the garden office and watch all the birds and squirrels outside. I have set up a wildlife feeding station in front of the garden office. Jays and paraquets are regular visitors. The squirrels and their antics are hilarious. The various creatures are getting through ten kilos of nuts and seeds a month.
Thank you, Kevin. And of course we highly recommend you to anyone who might ask.
