We have been asked for a brochure many times and I have resisted the temptation to produce a document which will be out of date in weeks. However, there is clearly a demand for advice and information on garden buildings and what to look for so, we have prepared a 14 page guide on creating the perfect garden building. We have tried to make it as unbiased and objective as possible with 30+ links to sources of information and suppliers. The principles and advice apply just as much to extensions, conversions and even conservatories as well as larger buildings such as nurseries, residential accommodation and holiday homes.

Available as a 1MB pdf with compressed photos we can also send hard copy with higher quality images. Email us with your preference and, if you would like us to mail a hard copy please let us have your full snail mail address; mail@vividgreen.co.uk.

Feedback welcomed on topics covered etc.

Our new Pavilion is finished and I bravely slept in it last night with the external temperature down to zero.  Although not intended as a year round structure I am pleased to report that the stove did a sterling job and I even managed to oversleep and almost get snowed in!  So we are confident that this is truly a two season structure allowing you to let the space as Holiday Accommodation from early Spring through to late Autumn.  We also know that buildings similar to ours but without the benefit of solid, insulated walls are being let for £1000 a week, peak season.

Also, with the weak pound and British families cutting back on foreign trips, it is not only Pontins who are forecasting a 10% increase in Summer bookings.  Here is what Liz Hall, head of research for Hospitality and Leisure at PricewaterhouseCoopers said on Jan 9th:

“Due to the currency parity of the pound and euro, the domestic market should become stronger as more people decide to holiday in the UK, however lower margins are expected and there is likely to be a return to self-catering and campsites over hotel-based holidays.”

http://www.pwc.co.uk/eng/industries/hospitality_and_leisure_revpar_update_january_2009.html

Cosy inerior of Pavilion

However, with memories of the cold and wet of last Summer fresh in the minds, never mind the hard Winter, we think people will be looking for a little more comfort and something different which led us to design the Pavilion: insulated floor, solid walls, WC, insulated bedrooms (double plus bunk beds) and a sleeping/play loft for the children. Options include basic or luxurious fitout, rendered or timber clad walls, double glazed windows and doors and a multi-fuel stove. Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself how this unit could extend your season and increase your income.

Timber clad version of Pavilion

The unit, together with our Canvas Lodge, will be on display until the end of March so if you would like to see this novel addition to our range of holiday accommodation please email Nina or myself to arrange a viewing. We have prepared comprehensive specification and price list so if you would like us to email you one of these please let us know. nina@vividgreen.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you.

Planning restrictions and garden buildings

When the Government changed the planning rules relating to outbuildings on 1 October last year we thought flat roofs were the only answer. So we designed a couple of flat roofed buildings to meet the demand: the Penthouse 8 and Penthouse 7.5. Both these Vivid Green buildings incorporate all of our design principles: low energy, low maintenance, plenty of natural light. Headroom is between 2075 and 2150mm (6’ 9” to 7’). Both buildings offer attractive space for an office, studio or workshop.

Penthouse 8

Penthouse 7.5

However, over the last few months we have designed several other buildings for customers who wanted to site the structure close to one or more boundaries but liked the idea of a more attractive roof shape. The following sketches give an idea of the options available if you can leave at least one metre between your boundary and the wall of the building.

Flat roof & lantern

Flat roof with lantern

The simplest way of adding headroom and light is a lantern. Glass lanterns can be very expensive but we have found a polycarbonate version which offers a great alternative. Double and triple skinned versions offer superior thermal and sound insulation. Headroom is typically 2075 to 2150 (6’ 9” to 7’) plus an extra 300-500mm (1’ -1’ 7”) under the lantern.

Shallow hip

Shallow hip

A shallow pitch of at least 15 degrees offers the option of cladding the roof with cedar shingles and just a few more degrees opens up lots of options including eco-slates (imitation slates manufactured from recycled plastic). Because of the need for a slope, the height of the walls (eaves height) is reduced but greater headroom can be achieved throughout the rest of the building. Typically 1800mm (5’ 10”) at the eaves, headroom increases to 1930mm (6’ 4”) 500mm in from the walls and is 2600mm (8’ 6”) in the centre.

Shallow hip + gablets

Gablet roof with porch

When the garden is a little bigger there is the potential to add ‘gablets’ to the roof: triangular gable ends. These can be left solid but, using triangular windows makes a very attractive roof shape and provides additional light. Headroom is similar to the shallow hip design above.

Both shallow hip designs require one wall to be inset by approx 600mm to allow installation of doors. This creates an attractive porch or veranda depending on size

For more details, call or email us: 01582 469076 or neil@vividgreen.co.uk

Planning guidance

If you want to know more about planning regulations take a look at this web site: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/wales/genpub/en/1105619048902.html