Creating a Multi-Purpose Garden Cabin: A Haven for Mother and Daughter

Jess recently returned to live with her mother to save money for her dream of owning a house. With Jess working from home and Alison about to retire, they had the need to expand the house for a quiet space to accommodate their individual needs.

Location, Portishead, North Somerset

Size, 3m x 2m exterior and roomy enough for a 1500mm full size desk and two seater sofa

Materials, All natural timber material construction for a sustainable cabin with a healthy living in mind

Cabin type, A small angled pent design to minimise rise above the adjoining fence boundary with the neighbour. Max height 2.5m high

Planning permission & regulations, not required. Designed and built within permitted development and not requiring building regulations by design

Cabin intended use, All year round work from home office, and social space

Creating a Quiet and Comfortable Workspace

Recognising Jess’ need for a quiet workspace, the garden cabin was designed to provide a quiet environment conducive to private conversations. The well-insulated walls and efficient heating system ensure that the space remains warm in winter, pleasantly cool in summer, and is very sound proof.

The cabin fits a standard full depth desk and a two-seater sofa, allowing for relaxation and uninterrupted video calls.

We both love the cabin. Thank you to yourself and Ed for being the most polite and best workmen ever [...] and proved you were dog lovers too! Finley misses his morning bark and treats!

Alison & Jess

Planning for the Future

While Jess currently enjoys the cabin as her home office, Alison had the foresight to think ahead. She envisioned the cabin serving as a social space in the future for entertaining and relaxing in the garden.

Sustainability at the Core

The design and construction of the cabin was guided by our commitment to sustainability. Every aspect, from design to materials, adhered to the highest standards. The use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems further minimised their ecological footprint.

Exterior materials & finishes

A selection of exterior cladding finishes have been applied. Chosen to compliment the garden planting and be low maintenance;

House and garden facing walls are clad in oiled British larch fixed with small stainless steel screws. The cladding is fitted with a seamless top to bottom face so no soffit or fascia was needed.
The fence facing is finished in dark grey metal cladding.

An EPDM rubber roof membrane is fitted for a long life solution.

Interior materials & finishes

Lined with custom FSC panels painted in Graphenstone lovely matte eco finish paint.

High quality aluminium double glazed windows are fitted throughout with the addition of a low-e coating to reduce UV heat build up. The French doors also have inset Venetian blinds for extra privacy.

A hard wearing laminate floor from Quickstep is laid on a sound deadening wool underlay.

Mains power is supplied via a new armoured cable from the main house.

Data supplied via a dedicated CAT 6 cable connected to the broadband router and a new WiFi mesh disc creates a reliable connection for home working.