Our client in Ascot is a keen cyclist, in need of space for both secure storage of his road bikes and also a convenient indoor cycling room for training on rainy days, the room would also double up as a garden room.
Initially the site appeared fairly straightforward – rectangular in shape and with only a slight angle to the rear of the site where the building would sit. Upon further investigation, we discovered that the ground was ‘made up ground’ – a varied mix of topsoils and hardcore from previous works, which can be problematic when solid foundations are required.
To ensure suitable foundation, we carried out some minor groundworks to remove the existing unsuitable concrete slab and level the ground, and then with the help of our foundation partners StopDigging, came up with a solution to ensure a suitable foundation still using the galvanised steel ground screws.
Simple side access for our materials and installers. Unfortunately the home was on a narrow street, which delivery lorries struggled to get down. Materials were carried 50m down the street by hand!
A shot of the site pre build, with slope just visible. The old green shed was removed, and the full width of the garden utilised.
Custom storage solutions
One benefit of a custom build from Vivid Green is that we can work with you to design bespoke storage solutions that are specific to your needs. In this case, our client had a collection of road bikes which needed to be hung. Our solution was to create a ‘secret’ concealed storage section, with reinforced interior wall which would be strong enough to hang multiple bikes safely from brackets, without causing damage to the building. This also kept the main ‘living area’ of the garden room clear of clutter.
In the image below you can see a single door to the left of the building, which is access to the storage room.
Concealed storage is also helpful for keeping valuables out of sight.
Lots of glass
Sliding doors were added to both sides of the cycling room, opening out both into the garden and also onto the composite decking to provide easy access – and to maximise the indoor-out feeling on warm days. Neat aluminium frames complimented the western red cedar cladding.
In total, including the additional groundworks, the build took just three weeks from start to finish.