HOW WE BUILD

FOUNDATIONS

We offer different foundation solutions tailored to your location and garden surface. Options include ground screws, ground piles, or ground pedestals. Compared to traditional concrete, our system is faster to install, more affordable, less wasteful, and less messy. On top of this, if you ever decide to move or remove your garden building, these supports can simply be extracted, leaving your garden virtually undisturbed. We offer customizable options for securing structures of all sizes.

MAIN CONSTRUCTION

The main frame of your garden building uses structural insulated panels (SIPs) for maximum durability. As standard, we use 100/125 mm SIPs for garden rooms (U-value 0.27) and 125/150 mm (U-value 0.21) for livable spaces, for superior insulation over traditional framing. SIPs also allow for faster assembly, streamlining the construction process. To further reinforce the floor, 22 mm chipboards are laid on top of the SIPs, allowing them to support even the busiest everyday use.

OUTER SHELL

Once the main structure is up, we ensure it is very well protected from the elements. To protect the roof, we use high-grade EPDM rubber covering, which offers superior quality with a 25-year lifespan. We envelop the entire structure with a breathable membrane as an air and moisture barrier. If extra protection is needed for the undersurface of the building, we use heavy-duty landscape fabric to cover the soil and seal the bottom of the SIPs facing the ground with bitumen paint.

CLADDING

From standard British Redwood cladding to cement particle board, exterior wallpaper, rendering, and more, we offer a vast array of exterior finish options that can be tailored to your vision. On non-visible sides, we default to no-maintenance corrugated metal cladding. Our standard colour is anthracite, but other options are available upon request. When choosing what cladding to use, we recommend considering the maintenance requirements of the material, as well as your aesthetic preferences.

DOORS & WINDOWS

All of our windows and external doors are double-glazed, factory-sealed units with toughened glass complying with BS6206, that come with locks for security. Choose from uPVC, aluminium, or timber frames, and select a colour to complement your space. Opt for single, French, sliding, or bi-folding doors. Add tilt-and-turn windows for ventilation and comfort. Adding privacy or security glass is not a problem. We also offer skylights, integrated blinds, bug nets, and custom window treatments.

ELECTRICS

Our certified electricians will install all lights, sockets, switches, and other electrical points for complete peace of mind. They will also install a dedicated consumer unit, connecting your new garden building to the main house. As standard, we include double sockets (some with USB ports), LED Light panels, an Internet point, and smart Wi-Fi light switches. We can assist with heating and cooling solutions, hardwiring appliances, or special equipment. All of our buildings also come with an electrical safety certificate.

PLUMBING

If a water connection is needed for your new space, we will dig up a trench, 75cm deep, to install a pipe system, linking your main house water supply directly to your garden building. This will enable equal water pressure between the two buildings. The wastewater will be connected to the existing manhole. Depending on the ground level in your garden, a pump system may be recommended. We will also install a complete gutter system to channel rainwater down a drain pipe and lead it away from the garden building.

SUSTAINABILITY

Our buildings feature high insulation standards not just for comfort but significant energy savings over traditional structures. By using only quality components designed to endure years of use, we greatly reduce the need for replacement or repairs. This combination of sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and durability makes our structures an excellent long-term investment for your property and the planet.

STEP BY STEP

A detailed cross-section diagram illustrating the components of a garden building's ground construction. The layers from top to bottom are: OSB boards, floor insulation (SIP panel), timber beams (floor construction), DPM membrane for moisture protection, and a ground pile. - a room in the garden

FOUNDATIONS

A stable, durable foundation is key for any garden structure. We recommend using ground screws—galvanized steel posts screwed directly into the soil. The length of the screw will vary depending on the terrain type. In most cases, a meter-long screw will suffice. This no-dig method enables fast, uncomplicated installation, even on rough terrain and sloping sites, without disturbing the surroundings. Ground screws provide a reliable, long-lasting, and eco-conscious foundation solution. The result is a stable base that supports your new garden room while preserving your garden.

Ground screws offer many advantages:

  • Convenience: Installation is possible year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The process is rapid and, for most buildings, takes only a few hours. Once the installation is complete, the building work can begin immediately.
  • Damp-proofing: In most gardens, the building will be elevated 5-10 cm off the ground, preventing dampness and decay and prolonging its lifespan. 
  • No need for excavation or levelling:  This makes them ideal for remote, small, or eco-sensitive areas. Ground screws can be installed anywhere, including water-based environments. An interesting example is this garden room project we completed by using 8 m long screws, installed directly in the water. 
  • Eco-friendly: Unlike traditional concrete laying methods, ground screws can be installed with minimal disturbance to the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, if they ever need to be removed, no permanent trace will be left behind.
A green wheelbarrow carrying several large metal screw anchors with pointed tips and spiral threads stands ready for garden building on a gravelly surface. The screw anchors are marked with yellow and black labels featuring the word "STOP. - a room in the garden
A metal spiral ground anchor, ideal for garden building, is partially embedded in rocky soil. The surrounding area features a mix of small rocks, dry dirt, and white stone fragments. The sun casts a shadow on part of the ground anchor and the soil. - a room in the garden
A construction site with multiple metal ground screws arranged in a rectangular pattern. A green wheelbarrow filled with tools is positioned in the center, hinting at the beginnings of a garden building. The site is surrounded by lush foliage and a wooden fence in the background. - a room in the garden
A wooden foundation frame for a small structure is being constructed on a gravel bed. Elevated on metal brackets, the foundations are outlined by strings marking the boundaries around the structure. The surrounding area is grassy. - a room in the garden
A green wheelbarrow carrying several large metal screw anchors with pointed tips and spiral threads stands ready for garden building on a gravelly surface. The screw anchors are marked with yellow and black labels featuring the word "STOP. - a room in the garden
A metal spiral ground anchor, ideal for garden building, is partially embedded in rocky soil. The surrounding area features a mix of small rocks, dry dirt, and white stone fragments. The sun casts a shadow on part of the ground anchor and the soil. - a room in the garden
A construction site with multiple metal ground screws arranged in a rectangular pattern. A green wheelbarrow filled with tools is positioned in the center, hinting at the beginnings of a garden building. The site is surrounded by lush foliage and a wooden fence in the background. - a room in the garden
A wooden foundation frame for a small structure is being constructed on a gravel bed. Elevated on metal brackets, the foundations are outlined by strings marking the boundaries around the structure. The surrounding area is grassy. - a room in the garden
A diagram displaying the cross-section of a SIP (structurally insulated panel) used in garden buildings, with labeled parts: cladding, breathable membrane, battens, internal plasterboard, internal battens, OSB board, and wall insulation. Each part is highlighted with a description. - a room in the garden

MAIN CONSTRUCTION

We will construct the structural framework of your garden building using innovative structural insulated panels (SIPs). These prefabricated boards sandwich rigid insulation between two layers of structural OSB board. 

The floors, walls, and ceilings in your new garden building will be made with SIPs, effectively enveloping the building in one continuous blanket of insulation. This minimizes any thermal bridging and allows the structure to retain heat in winter and stay cooler in summer without heavy energy consumption.

All our mobile homes sit on a pressure-treated timber frame sealed with bitumen paint, for extra protection from moisture and added stability.

Some of the benefits of using SIPs for your project, as opposed to traditional building methods include:

  • Faster assembly: Depending on the size, the shell of your garden building, will be up in 2 to 7 working days.
  • Energy efficiency: Our standard 100mm thick SIP panels contain 75 mm of insulation material, giving far better thermal performance than comparable products. The thicker the SIP panel, the better the U-value of your garden building. A 250 mm SIP panel will give you a U-value of 0.1, very close to passive house standards.
  • No access limitations: Having the panels pre-manufactured and assembling them on site means that difficult garden access is not a problem and we can build unique structures in areas that might otherwise cause a real issue.
  • Durability: SIPs provide a very robust structural integrity. All of our garden buildings come with a 10-year structural warranty for complete peace of mind.
A partially constructed wooden garden building with oriented strand board (OSB) walls is shown. A metal step ladder stands in the center, surrounded by some construction materials and tools lying on the floor. Sunlight casts shadows inside the structure. - a room in the garden
A close-up of a garden building construction site where workers are installing an insulated floor. Several wooden boards are laid out with screws partially drilled in. Tools, including a drill, are scattered on the floor. One worker is kneeling in the background using a tool. - a room in the garden
A close-up of a tape measure spanning the width between two vertical wooden beams, perhaps part of a garden building project. The tape measure reads approximately 12.5 centimeters. The wood has blue markings, and the picture is well-lit. A person's hand is holding the tape measure on the right side of the frame. - a room in the garden
A partially constructed wooden garden building is shown. The left side is covered with a weather-resistant barrier and framing, while the right side is clad with vertical wooden planks. Lush green foliage is visible in the background. - a room in the garden
A partially constructed wooden garden building with oriented strand board (OSB) walls is shown. A metal step ladder stands in the center, surrounded by some construction materials and tools lying on the floor. Sunlight casts shadows inside the structure. - a room in the garden
A close-up of a garden building construction site where workers are installing an insulated floor. Several wooden boards are laid out with screws partially drilled in. Tools, including a drill, are scattered on the floor. One worker is kneeling in the background using a tool. - a room in the garden
A close-up of a tape measure spanning the width between two vertical wooden beams, perhaps part of a garden building project. The tape measure reads approximately 12.5 centimeters. The wood has blue markings, and the picture is well-lit. A person's hand is holding the tape measure on the right side of the frame. - a room in the garden
A partially constructed wooden garden building is shown. The left side is covered with a weather-resistant barrier and framing, while the right side is clad with vertical wooden planks. Lush green foliage is visible in the background. - a room in the garden
A labeled cross-section diagram of a garden building roof structure showing layers from top to bottom: EPDM membrane, OSB boards, 78 mm roof insulation, firrings (to create slope), LED panel, and ceiling plasterboard. Each layer is described with annotations. - a room in the garden

ROOF

The roof will be constructed using a minimum of 125 mm thick structural insulated panels (SIPs) which will be covered with an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber membrane. This durable, superior-quality material has a 25-year warranty for the roof’s waterproof seal. For flat roof buildings, at the design stage, we will account for a slight tilt in the roof to facilitate water drainage. This tilt will not be visible from the inside, as we will install a suspended aluminium grid ceiling system. This allows us to:

  • Conceal all cables neatly and create secure electrical connections
  • Install flush ceiling lights
  • Ensure the interior ceiling is level, despite the exterior slope

Adding a skylight is a popular choice that many of our clients opt for. We install skylights in a way that enables rapid rainwater drainage, prolonging their lifespan. As a finishing touch, we can also help with sourcing and installing standard or motorized blind options.

Additionally, we offer a “green roof” option – a layer of Sedum Modular Roof Tray

or meadow vegetation installed atop the EPDM membrane. This is aesthetically pleasing, encourages wildlife, and provides extra insulation.

Construction worker installing timber beams across a wooden frame on a garden building project. The beams are newly installed, and the sky and foliage are visible through the gaps. The worker's lower body is visible as they work on the structure. - a room in the garden
Close-up view of the edge of a wooden garden building roof under construction, showing layers of oriented strand board (OSB) for sheathing and blue vapor barrier tape along the seam. The background is blurred, featuring green foliage and part of the sky. - a room in the garden
A rectangular roof window with protective stickers, set in a black rubber roof, is shown on a garden building. The surrounding roof is made of black EPDM material. The window has a label with text and an object placed on top of it. Green foliage is visible in the background. - a room in the garden
A modern wooden garden building with an open doorway reflects the setting sun. The orange-hued structure is set against a background of lush green trees and a cloudy sky. The reflection of the sun in the glass creates a serene atmosphere. - a room in the garden
Construction worker installing timber beams across a wooden frame on a garden building project. The beams are newly installed, and the sky and foliage are visible through the gaps. The worker's lower body is visible as they work on the structure. - a room in the garden
Close-up view of the edge of a wooden garden building roof under construction, showing layers of oriented strand board (OSB) for sheathing and blue vapor barrier tape along the seam. The background is blurred, featuring green foliage and part of the sky. - a room in the garden
A rectangular roof window with protective stickers, set in a black rubber roof, is shown on a garden building. The surrounding roof is made of black EPDM material. The window has a label with text and an object placed on top of it. Green foliage is visible in the background. - a room in the garden
A modern wooden garden building with an open doorway reflects the setting sun. The orange-hued structure is set against a background of lush green trees and a cloudy sky. The reflection of the sun in the glass creates a serene atmosphere. - a room in the garden
A cutaway diagram of a garden building's flooring system reveals multiple layers: floor panels, timber beams, underfloor heating, floor insulation (part of SIP panel), OSB boards (part of SIP panel), EPDM membrane, optional floor boards, and a ground pile supporting the structure. - a room in the garden

FLOOR

Your garden building floor is constructed from sturdy, structural insulated panels (SIPs) to create a warm interior space. We install strong chipboards atop the SIP panels, for added support, followed by your choice of flooring coverings. All of our garden-building designs come with Howden’s commercial-grade laminate flooring. The organic textures and variation in the laminate planks will add character and a natural look to any new space. Choose yours from our Flooring Selection. 

Additionally, we offer a variety of flooring alternatives to suit your needs. More information is included here.

The insulated SIP substrate offers a flat, stable base that supports any flooring type without moisture or cold transmission. If you choose to add underfloor heating, we can accommodate the supply and installation. We have experience with both electric and hydronic systems and can advise on the best option for your new space.

Wooden boards being arranged to form the base for a garden building project, with some additional boards and a bottle lying on the ground nearby. The boards appear to be coated with a black, waterproofing substance. Soil and excavation work surround the area. - a room in the garden
Close-up view of wooden boards stacked on top of each other at a construction site for a garden building. A piece of insulation material is visible between some of the boards, and the ground below is covered with tarpaulin. The focus is on the texture and grain of the wood. - a room in the garden
Close-up of a garden building's cavity wall with an outer shell made of oriented strand board (OSB) and filled with expanding foam insulation. The foam is still curing and appears to be in an irregular pattern, filling the space between the OSB panels. - a room in the garden
A garden building project is underway with a flat wooden platform under construction in a backyard area. Various tools and items like a broom, fabric, and a bottle are scattered on the surface. The ground around the platform shows disturbed soil and construction materials. Trees and a wooden fence surround the area. - a room in the garden
Wooden boards being arranged to form the base for a garden building project, with some additional boards and a bottle lying on the ground nearby. The boards appear to be coated with a black, waterproofing substance. Soil and excavation work surround the area. - a room in the garden
Close-up view of wooden boards stacked on top of each other at a construction site for a garden building. A piece of insulation material is visible between some of the boards, and the ground below is covered with tarpaulin. The focus is on the texture and grain of the wood. - a room in the garden
Close-up of a garden building's cavity wall with an outer shell made of oriented strand board (OSB) and filled with expanding foam insulation. The foam is still curing and appears to be in an irregular pattern, filling the space between the OSB panels. - a room in the garden
A garden building project is underway with a flat wooden platform under construction in a backyard area. Various tools and items like a broom, fabric, and a bottle are scattered on the surface. The ground around the platform shows disturbed soil and construction materials. Trees and a wooden fence surround the area. - a room in the garden
A cutaway diagram of a garden building wall structure illustrates each component: Internal Plasterboard, Socket, Internal Battens, Spline, Wall Insulation, OSB Boards, Breathable Membrane, Battens, and Cladding. Labels describe their specific roles in constructing a durable garden building. - a room in the garden

INTERNAL WALLS

We install vertical timber battens directly to the SIP walls, creating channels to neatly conceal pipes and cables, providing a smooth, seamless, and safe finish. We then apply your choice of wall and ceiling coverings. The most popular choice for most clients is white-painted plasterboard, but we also offer plywood and grooved MDF as standard options. To personalise your space further, we can help suggest, source, and install many different finishes, including different paint options, wallpaper, acoustic panels, and more. If heavy equipment or items need to be wall-mounted, we can reinforce the interior walls during construction to provide adequate support.

A person standing on a step ladder installs new drywall on a wall inside a garden building. The individual is using a tool to secure or smooth out the drywall. The room appears to be under construction, with exposed surfaces and construction materials visible. - a room in the garden
A bright, empty room with wooden flooring and white walls. A large black-framed glass door opens to reveal a grassy outdoor garden building and a cloudy sky. Sunlight streams through the door, creating a light patch on the floor. - a room in the garden
A minimalist room, possibly part of a garden building, features a clean, white wall with two electrical outlets centered near the bottom. One is a standard UK outlet, and the other is a telephone socket. The floor boasts a warm wood finish. - a room in the garden
A corner of a partially constructed room in the garden building features an unfinished doorway with exposed wooden framing and blue edging tape. The white drywall walls have some unfinished edges, and a small rectangular cutout shows wiring inside the wall. - a room in the garden
A person standing on a step ladder installs new drywall on a wall inside a garden building. The individual is using a tool to secure or smooth out the drywall. The room appears to be under construction, with exposed surfaces and construction materials visible. - a room in the garden
A bright, empty room with wooden flooring and white walls. A large black-framed glass door opens to reveal a grassy outdoor garden building and a cloudy sky. Sunlight streams through the door, creating a light patch on the floor. - a room in the garden
A minimalist room, possibly part of a garden building, features a clean, white wall with two electrical outlets centered near the bottom. One is a standard UK outlet, and the other is a telephone socket. The floor boasts a warm wood finish. - a room in the garden
A corner of a partially constructed room in the garden building features an unfinished doorway with exposed wooden framing and blue edging tape. The white drywall walls have some unfinished edges, and a small rectangular cutout shows wiring inside the wall. - a room in the garden

Start your journey

Your journey begins by filling out the form.

We’ll call you soon to have this first, initial conversation. Also, remember to check your mailbox, as straight after filling the form we send you some questions which will help you to make your project even more special.

If forms are not your thing, simply call us
on 01273 044 507 or send us an email
to hello@aroominthegarden.co.uk

We’re in the office from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.