Summer House
Garden rooms, studios, or hobby spaces - permitted or planned.
No obligation · Response within 24 hours
Benefits of a Summer House.
A garden room, summer house, or outbuilding provides flexible space separate from your main home. Whether you need a home office, art studio, gym, or simply a peaceful retreat, these structures can often be built under Permitted Development - delivering usable space without the complexity of extending your house.
What's Included
Every summer house project includes architect-led design and full technical documentation.
- Design options suited to your garden and needs
- Permitted Development assessment or planning application
- Construction drawings and specification
- Foundation and services design
- Builder-ready documentation
Why work with us?
- Architect-led from day one
- Fixed fees, no surprises
- Planning success rate over 95%
- Direct communication throughout
Permitted Development Rules
Garden buildings often qualify as Permitted Development if they meet these criteria:
- Height - Maximum 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary, otherwise 4m (dual pitch) or 3m (flat/mono pitch)
- Coverage - Total outbuildings must not cover more than 50% of the garden
- Position - Cannot be forward of the principal elevation facing a highway
- Use - Must be incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling (not a separate dwelling)
If you want sleeping accommodation, a bathroom, or use as a separate dwelling, planning permission is required.
Design Considerations
A well-designed garden building considers:
- Orientation - Position for natural light, views, and privacy from neighbours
- Insulation - Year-round use requires proper insulation, not just a timber shell
- Services - Electricity is usually essential; water and drainage depend on use
- Foundations - Ground conditions determine whether you need concrete pads, screw piles, or a full slab
- Access - Consider paths, lighting, and how materials will reach the site during construction
Common Questions
How much does a garden room cost?
Basic insulated garden offices start around £15,000-£20,000 for a 3m x 3m structure. Larger or higher-spec buildings with electrics, heating, and quality finishes range from £25,000-£50,000 or more.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
Garden buildings under 15m² with no sleeping accommodation are usually exempt. Buildings 15-30m² are exempt if more than 1m from boundaries and built of substantially non-combustible materials. Electrical work must still comply with Part P.
Can I use a garden room as an Airbnb or rental?
Using a garden building as a separate dwelling requires planning permission. Renting it out as accommodation would constitute a material change of use. Occasional guest use is fine; running it as a business is not.
How long does a garden room take to install?
Pre-fabricated garden rooms can be installed in 1-3 weeks once foundations are ready. Bespoke-built structures take 4-8 weeks. Allow 2-4 weeks for design and any planning approvals beforehand.