A summerhouse or garden hideaway will provide an attractive addition to your living environment, but to maximise the benefits, you must consider its position and overall impact within your garden setting.
Scotts of Thrapston, leading manufacturers of summerhouses and gazebos has provided some useful tips and considerations that will help you create the perfect garden hideaway to meet your requirements, whilst making best use of the space you have in which to work:
Find the right position in your garden and a summerhouse or garden room will make full use of the warming sun, keeping you snug from the wind and giving you the best view of your outdoor space.
Depending on the time of day you hope to get most use from your summerhouse, sight it to capture early morning or early evening sun, so you can escape and enjoy the room at your preferred time, to fit in with your lifestyle.
Consider its main use. For a studio, a shady spot would offer a more comfortable working environment, whereas a summerhouse would need a sunny spot.
Some companies, like Scotts of Thrapston, offer summerhouses especially designed for corners, so if the purpose of the summerhouse is to enjoy the garden surrounds, this option will enable you to enjoy a panoramic view. Alternatively, a summerhouse with rotating base will allow you to chase the sun and change your view as often as you require.
Consider location of windows and doors and position for best views and ease of access accordingly. If you are storing belongings inside you should consider security, such as casement windows and lockable doors.
Consider access for builders to prepare the base and for the installation of the summerhouse, do you need to inform neighbours or ask them for access?
When measuring the space for your summerhouse allow for any nearby overhang in its design. It is recommended that you position the building, ideally 1 metre away from any adjacent boundaries, allowing for the installation and future maintenance of the structure.
If requiring electricity to be supplied to the summerhouse, consider the practicalities of cabling and seek professional advice from a qualified electrician.
Prepare the area by cutting back or removing any nearby shrubs and trees, remembering to allow for future growth. This will enable the building to be correctly installed, and prolong the life of the roofing material.
Consider the garden design - the best summerhouses are integrated into the design and highlighted as the heart of the garden. The use of paths, steps and archways to link to your building make the experience of walking to the summerhouse even more appealing.