About Modern Garden Rooms
Modern Garden Rooms are designed to function as an extension of your home, offering a contemporary workspace or studio that blends seamlessly with modern landscaping. Characterized by flat (pent) roofs, minimalist cladding, and extensive glazing, these buildings maximise internal space while keeping the external height low to comply with planning rules.
Our collection focuses on high-performance timber buildings that offer the aesthetic of a bespoke architect-designed studio at a fraction of the cost. Whether you need a Garden Office for remote work or a bright art studio, these insulated structures provide a comfortable environment year-round. For those preferring a more classic aesthetic, browse our Log Cabins collection.
Key Features of Modern Studios
- Pent Roof Design: Keeps the building under 2.5m high (usually Permitted Development) while offering high internal ceilings at the front.
- EPDM Roofing: Superior rubber roof covering that outlasts felt by decades.
- Full Height Glazing: Toughened double-glazing maximizes natural light for working or creative hobbies.
- Insulation Ready: Deep wall cavities allow for 50mm+ of Celotex or Rockwool insulation.
Why We Chose This Range
“We prioritize the 'Modern' collection for customers who need maximum natural light. Traditional cabins often feel dark. Our modern range, particularly the Lichfield and Palmako models, utilizes engineered timber frames that support huge spans of glass without sagging. We also insist on EPDM rubber roofing for these flat-roof models. Old-fashioned felt leaks on flat roofs; EPDM is a single rubber sheet that lasts 50 years, ensuring your expensive office equipment stays dry.”
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse Stores🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: The "Bi-Fold" Tolerance
Modern garden rooms often feature large sliding or bi-fold doors. These heavy glass units have very tight tolerances.
Your concrete base must be dead level. If the base dips by even 5mm in the middle, the wide door frame will bow, and the doors will jam or refuse to lock. Unlike a shed where you can 'get away with it', a modern garden room requires a laser-level foundation to function correctly.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Modern Garden Rooms
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Do modern garden rooms get too hot in summer?
Large glass areas can create heat. We recommend installing internal blinds or positioning the building so the main glass front faces North or East to avoid direct midday sun. Opening side windows (cross-ventilation) is essential for summer comfort.
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Do I need planning permission?
Most of our modern garden rooms are designed with a low-pitch pent roof under 2.5m. This typically places them within "Permitted Development" rights, provided they are not in front of your house or covering more than 50% of your garden. Always check local rules if in a Conservation Area.
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What is EPDM roofing?
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that is glued to the roof deck in one piece. Unlike felt, it does not crack or bubble in the sun and has a life expectancy of 50 years. It is the gold standard for flat or low-pitch roofs.
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Can I use it as a bedroom?
Technically, no. To use a garden building for sleeping (even occasionally), it must meet Building Regulations (which are stricter than Planning Permission). Our rooms are designed as offices, gyms, or studios, not sleeping accommodation.
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How do I get power to my garden room?
You need a qualified electrician to run an armoured cable (SWA) from your house to the garden room. We recommend digging the trench for this cable before your base is laid, so the cable can come up neatly inside the building rather than being tacked to the outside wall.