As working from home has become the new normal for many of us, it can be difficult to separate our personal and work lives. Working at the kitchen table, in the dining room and in the bedroom has resulted in a chaotic existence for many, so some have started to look for alternatives. For those who have the space, garden offices are a popular choice, whether by converting an existing shed or investing in a purpose-built space. How you design your garden office is the topic of this article!
How to design your garden office – what you should consider first
While it's tempting to jump straight into choosing the right pillows and pretty stationery, you need to make some more pressing furnishing decisions first.
- First, consider how much space you need to work. Do you work with a laptop? Do you use multiple screens? Do you need a flat surface to sketch? The most important thing is to look at the space you are currently using and decide what works and what doesn't, then measure the best desk for the space you need.
- A bench desk that fits into a nook or corner (preferably facing a window) can work well when space is at a premium.
- Where you place your desk in your garden office is also important. Lots of natural daylight is much better for you than working under fluorescent lights. Depending on whether your building faces south, east or west will depend on exactly how much light you get.
What types of garden offices are there?
Perhaps you already have a garden room or you are planning to convert an existing shed or garden shed. Or you are considering whether you want to buy an off-the-shelf garden office or have it built to measure. Garden offices can vary in shape and size, so you can have a garden office that is longer than it is deep or deeper than it is wide, depending on the size of your garden.
When you build your own garden office, you can choose the features and additional options you want, such as specific wood paneling, double doors, air conditioning, underfloor heating, automatic blinds, double doors, large sliding doors, large French doors, partitions, various laminate flooring and more.
Keep it simple with a complete solution
If you don't want to hire an architect for your garden office, a complete modular product is ideal. This type of garden office usually comes with all the components you need to set up a standalone office at home, such as windows, doors and even garden room lighting ideas. Many people also take on this type of project on a DIY basis.
Design a garden office – plan space for relaxation
All work and no play is never a good thing. Although you need to keep productivity in mind when designing your new garden office and ensure you have the right space, layout and storage for your needs, you shouldn't forget the benefits of working from home either . If you no longer have to commute at the end of the day, why not incorporate a space for relaxation into your design?
Introduce an elevated office in a sloping property
If you are looking for sloping garden ideas then this idea is for you. Even gardens with awkward shapes and steep slopes can have a garden office if you choose the right design approach.
In the case of a sloping property, a raised garden office created using innovative garden stairs is a brilliant solution - plus it gives your desk a fantastic, elevated view of your garden design.
Notice: In this case, check with your local planning authority to see if planning permission is required if you want to build a raised garden office near your garden boundary.
Designing a garden office – further tips to consider
The exterior design and interior design of a garden office brings with it a number of additional considerations:
- Lighting and shading: The height of the sun in summer and winter must be taken into account. Electric lighting that is too bright should definitely be avoided.
- Window: This is related to what was said above. They need to be installed carefully and thoughtfully, along with the use of blinds to control shade. Although wood is a breathable material, windows play a key role in ventilating the building.
- Doors: As with windows, careful placement is key. You could opt for full-length sliding doors that allow for optimal ventilation.
- Thermal and sound insulation: You want your space to feel comfortable all year round. Fortunately, wood is a natural thermal insulation material, but can be supplemented with insulation material in the wall cavities.
- floor: Wooden floors are very popular, you may want to consider underfloor heating.
- Customized elements: Timber construction technology has evolved enormously over the years. It is now possible to incorporate features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, eco-lights, underfloor heating or “green roofs”, adding real value to your property.
Set up a home office – you can get tips and ideas for a pleasant atmosphere at homefind here!
