Cool garden office design and outdoor spaces are demanded by clients after the pandemic years. Given the time people spent, buyers are keen to have an outdoor workspace. From the available varieties of green retreats, one with permitted developments will save money. There is a home, garden office, summer house, office pods for small gardens to choose from. 

South-facing gardens are the most prized in 2022, according to the reports from the Roofing Megastore. Hence with maximum sunlight, house value can go upto £6000. The price reduces with west, east, and north.

Here are some contemporary garden office design ideas for easy work from home.

Pod rooms for small garden office

A basic pod room. [Source: Pinterest]
For a small outdoor space or courtyard, a pod room is the perfect solution. It will create the extra space you need for a home office or quiet space to find sanctuary. We can fit it in any corner of your garden office design. 

It is compact, stylish and is designed for a 30-year life span. With added insulation, it will be usable all-year-round. 

A cost-effective, private, and well-designed space will create an effective environment. And harmony with nature will provide calmness.

Blended workstation

Include the sides
A working, reading, meeting, and dining space.

Blurring the lines between interior and exterior brings more natural light with increased living space. But it majorly depends on the flow space in between. Extending your kitchen floor outdoors and building a workstation around it is a good example.  

Using greenery around or in the flow space will provide a smooth transition to outdoor space. Additionally,  it will easily find electricity and heating sources from the original building. The outdoor building will be as comfy and cosy as any inside room.

If planned carefully, it will help you save money as well. Conservatories are an effective adaptation of the same concept. Moreover, you won’t need planning permission if constructed under permitted development. 

Glassy garden office

A glass office, kitchen in this case. [Source: Pinterest]
Glass extensions can increase space, value, and light with a luxurious modern look. It is a good investment that has numerous benefits and usage. 

With a 360 degree view from your backyard, working in the rain will undo your stress. Moreover, you will not need any planning permission for this.

You can use it like that or pair with an awning for more possibilities. It is not the cheapest option as glass and steel frames will be expensive. But will definitely make your backyard glassy classy.

And if you leave this area flexible to use, you will surprise yourself.

Modular garden office

A modular garden office is easy to dismantle. [Source: Instagram]
A modular design is the one built with panels. Which are solid, strong, and already installed with window and door sections. It is comparatively faster to build and install with minimum human labour and equipment. 

Building modules are designed with reference to the panel size. Therefore, it’s easy to mix and match the panels to create unique layouts. For instance, a fusion of two or three different panels will create something new.

We don’t need construction permits or licence and can easily dismantle the room to move.

Bespoke garden offices

A bespoke garden is the most flexible one. [Source: Pinterest]
Choosing a bespoke route will tailor things entirely to meet your needs. It allows you to choose your material and method to suit your budget. Because of that it is ideal for awkward plots and restricted access.

At times, a bespoke option can turn out to be more budget friendly. It will allow you to choose where to spend and where to save. 

While you have the chance to save money, the final cost can be unpredictable. Therefore, hiring a professional in this case would make your work easier.

Does your garden need permission? 

It is subjective to every building, project, and street. For the majority of garden offices, the answer is no as it falls under permitted development. 

Your garden office may not require planning permission providing:

  • The building is single storey with maximum overall height of 4m for a dual pitched roof or 3m for any other roof
  • Also, it should be at least 2m from the boundary 
  • The building is not on land forward of a wall making up house’s principal elevation
  • There are no verandas or balconies exceeding 0.3m and building only takes 50% of the area

Author: Amol

Amol is an architectural designer and has worked on hundreds of residential projects in London since 2008.Having done his M.Arch from the Glasgow School of Arts he gained valuable experience in London working in the construction industry managing high-end residential projects, before founding Good Design and Build in 2015.You will meet him for initial consultation and work closely with him during all stages of your project