The best garden buildings are the ones that are completely bespoke to your needs.
Ideally, the decision should be based on 4 factors:
- Function
- Size
- Design
- Quality of Material
Garden buildings such as Garden Rooms or partially enclosed Pavilions and Gazebos create the perfect balance of retreat and privacy. Whereas fully open outbuildings are still functional but boasts decoration.
So which is better? Garden Room extensions or stand along buildings? Let’s find out.
Read our full Garden Room Guide here.
Garden Building Extensions
There are two main types of Oak-Framed Garden Buildings that can be built as an extension to an existing structure:
- Conservatories
- Orangeries
While they share common features and design, the functionality of the building is what matters.
Oak Orangery
As the name suggests, they were originally built to house citrus trees, giving extra warmth in summer and shelter in winter.
While they were a status of wealth due to the expensive glass (thanks King George II) in the 1700s, they are becoming very popular throughout modern day UK.
Presently, their make up has mostly stayed the same: Large glass windows, and flat roofing with a glazed lantern in the middle are still used. The frames of the Orangeries are also now mostly done in timber.
Choosing a type of timber to frame the building depends on a number of things. I.e. how long do you want it to last? Do you want minimal upkeep? Does value outweigh short-term cost-savings?
Oak timber is renewable, sustainable, and premium building material. Oak Frames last for hundreds of years, just ask the Tudors, and require little to no maintenance at all.
Plus, that natural golden Oak colour looks incredible when paired with almost any material.
2. Oak Conservatory
The main difference between a Conservatory and Orangery is simple: the amount of glass used.
Conservatory roofs must be about 2/3 glass with a glass wall ratio of 50%, whereas an orangery only features large windows and that glazed lantern in the middle.
Due to the amount of glass used in a Conservatory, insulation wasn’t always ideal. Heating the structure in the winter and cooling it down in the summer was nearly impossible. But now we have double glazing and central heating to thank for their massive improvements!
People use Conservatories for a number of things now:
- Maximise light into the home
- Sun-bathing
- Add value to the home
- Extra seating area
- Extra gardening area + storage
Garden Building extensions are fantastic ways to add space onto your home in a physical and functional sense.
Detached Garden Buildings
Garden rooms come in a host of different styles and uses.
While 48.6% of people in employment conducted at least some of their work from home in 2020, we’ve experienced a massive demand for Garden Offices with little signs of slowing.
They’re the perfect way to build work-life balance while still being a stone’s throw away from your house.
For the self-proclaimed chefs and BBQ masters only!
These additional (cooler) kitchens set in your garden are the gateway to ultimate cooking and feasting.
We find that our clients get extremely creative in their new set-ups. In terms of style, the options are endless from frame design all the way to interior design.
The choice is yours! From family activity rooms, home theatres, game rooms, at-home pub, a Garden Room can turn into truly anything. Which means it can also change throughout the years as your family grows.
Choose your size and style and create a hub that’ll host family activities for years.
Oak Gazebo
Gazebos are perhaps one of the most common garden buildings seen throughout private properties and parks alike.
They can be used for relaxation and as shaded sitting space in the summer. Depending on the style and material you choose, a gazebo can also make an incredible statement piece for your garden.
Additionally, they’re beautiful decoration for weddings and special events.
Oak Pergolas
Functional as outdoor seating areas but let’s be honest here, we want them because they’re stunning!
Made from almost any material, the designs are typically the same. The beams hold up a vertical slatted roof structure to let in light and allow even the most amateur gardeners grow ivy or flowers.
Choosing what to build your Pergola out of is again up to the lucky Pergola owner. Since these garden buildings are built primarily to sit and enjoy nature under, we like to recommend a similarly natural material like Oak.
Okay, that might be a bit biased. But Oak is one of a few hardwoods that has:
- Weatherproof properties
- High proportion of tannin, making it resistant to insects and fungi
- Requires little to no treatment
- Lasts for generations
Garden Buildings from Hardwoods Group
Whatever Garden Building you choose to dress up your property with this year, we can help. Send us your dream garden room ideas today and we’ll get started.
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