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Garden Room2024-02-20T10:57:10+00:00

Bespoke garden rooms designed and built by OGEL

Our eco-friendly recycled plastic garden rooms can be kitted out with all the essentials and personalised to your every need.

To build your own OGEL garden room with our easy-to-use web app, just click the logo…

Why choose garden rooms from OGEL? 

The OGEL garden room presents a pristine surface, eagerly awaiting your creative touch to transform it into any vision you desire.

Our garden rooms are made from 100% recycled plastic materials, making us the world’s first premium construction company to do so. We turn plastic waste into a ‘full stop’ product for you to use and enjoy. We provide complete customisation – select everything for your garden room from the layout, design patterns, functionality and more. 

A cost-effective alternative 

Rather than spend vast amounts on a traditional extension – which typically also takes twice as long to complete – our garden rooms won’t leave your wallet feeling empty. Our garden rooms start from just £6,000 and we can construct them before we deliver them to you, making on-site building quick and simple. One of the best features of our garden rooms is they’re modular. You can pack them up and take them to your new home when you move.

Ogels Garden Room Interior | OGEL vs Traditional Conservatory

What is a garden room?

A garden room is a separate structure created within the confines of your garden to provide an additional, separate and versatile living space. It can be used for a vast array of purposes from home offices, art or simple garden studios, home gyms, play or gaming rooms, guest accommodation or just as a retreat to relax and enjoy nature in.

They are able to have heating and cooling systems, electricity, plumbing, internet connectivity, secure windows and doors and more. They have been gaining in popularity as a more affordable additional living space to save homeowners from having to move to larger properties or build costly extensions. The rise in hybrid working or working from home since the pandemic has seen more people looking to install a garden room to create the additional space needed. Their cost-effectiveness as well as their customisation ensure their ongoing popularity.

What do the garden rooms include?

Garden rooms can be customised to include whatever you require to create the perfect retreat for your purpose. Internal and external lighting, secure windows and doors, insulation and soundproofing, laminate flooring, internet, plumbing installation, electrical sockets, wall mounting for TVs or monitors as well as desks or work surfaces. Really, the sky is the limit as you can customise your garden room to create the perfect space for your purposes.

The benefits of a garden room

Amongst the many benefits of a garden room are:

Additional living space – more space without having to move or build an expensive extension.

Versatility of use – can be used for whatever you need it for – and can change their use as your needs evolve.

Work-life balance – create a separate space for your work life and walk away from it at the end of the day.

Privacy and peace – a quiet retreat from the main house where you can refocus and be refreshed or just pursue a hobby that requires concentration.

Increased property value – make your property more attractive to potential buyers and raise its resale value.

Connection to nature – give you a space to enjoy the greenery and natural light – great for mental health.

Quick installation – much quicker to install than building an extension, they allow the benefits of an additional space much sooner.

Cost-effective – much cheaper than an extension or house move, a garden room costs a fraction of what installing even a conservatory would cost.

Ogels Corporate Garden Room with Specific Wrap
Bespoke garden room design

Designing your garden room 

You will need to consider the location of your garden room carefully, considering factors such as where the best natural light falls at different times of the day, the view from the garden room and the proximity to the main house as well as the available physical space. You need to consider the level of privacy you desire for your garden room and will want to locate it with minimal exposure to being overlooked by neighbouring properties or busy roads and use existing hedges, trees or fences to provide barriers for privacy.

Make sure that you think through the access to your garden room in terms of pathways and entrances for its intended use. If you intend it as guest accommodation, for example, you may want to ensure separate access, whereas if you are going to make your garden room a home office or games room, you may want access directly from the back of the house. Avoid disrupting mature trees or important habitats and aim to integrate the garden room with the natural surroundings of your garden to enhance the natural aesthetic.  

Selecting the style and size

When you begin planning your garden room you need to explore various styles and aesthetics. Will a contemporary and modern look work well in the space you’re considering or would a more traditional aesthetic work better as well as how eco-friendly the garden room is? You may well be restricted by the physical space available, but other factors that might influence the size of the garden room you want to install will be the intended use and the potential future needs of the space.

Garden rooms are available as solo office space all the way to studio-sized rooms or large luxury garden rooms that can be very multi-functional. When you’re considering the style and size it’s essential that you fully consider the final look to make sure that your new garden room installation doesn’t look out of place or ill-fitting.

Personalised touch

Our garden rooms come with the option of any external design of your choice…

Our Selection of Taskpod Wraps
Ogels Garden Room Interior | OGEL vs Traditional Conservatory

Construction and installation – building regulations and permits

Most garden rooms, such as the ones supplied by Ogel World, are modular and can easily be constructed quickly onsite and even demounted and moved where necessary. Most garden rooms fall under permitted development rights in the UK, meaning that they can be installed without planning permission depending on their size, height and placement within the property.

If the rooms are intended for year-round use and have sleeping accommodation, plumbing or electrical installations then they are more likely to need to comply with building regulations such as drainage, waste disposal, access, structural stability as well as fire and electrical safety. The team at Ogel will be able to help you to navigate this minefield.

Easy installation 

There’s no need to worry about how to install your garden room because we do it all for you. Our team will deliver your garden room straight to your door and install it without any hassle. All our garden rooms are prefabricated, and we will slot together the recycled plastic pieces without any overlap. We work incredibly quickly so you can enjoy your new space as soon as possible.  

Construction material and methods

Whilst garden rooms can be made from a variety of materials such as wood or metal, at OGEL all our garden rooms are made from recycled plastics – coat hangers, yoghurt pots, fridge linings and food-grade polystyrene amongst others.

OGEL is the first company to create their garden rooms from 100% recycled materials meaning that not only do you get a luxury installation, but you are also helping contribute to a cleaner, greener world. The benefits of using this material for construction are that it is incredibly durable – virtually no need for repairs of the structure – and maintenance is minimal, but also it makes a great material for insulation – providing a space that can be heated or cooled and kept at optimal temperatures as well as making great acoustic insulation for those who want a garden music studio or garden games room in their garden pod.

Client Case Study | Davids Ogel Garden Room | Design your own Ogel Building

Modular

All of our buildings are completely modular, which means you can pack them up with ease.

Prefabricated

We build your OGEL pod before we deliver to you, this means on-site building is minimal and you can spend more time enjoying your new dream room.

Better

We’ve engineered our buildings to be 88% lighter than brick, and also better insulated than double skinned brick wall.

Ogels Garden Room Interior | OGEL vs Traditional Conservatory

Interior design and functionality – layout and space planning

The interior design and functionality of your garden room should be carefully considered in the planning stages so that the final result reflects the specific requirements and qualities you want from the installation.

If you’re designing a home office to keep your work and home life balance more clearly defined, then you’ll need to consider where to place your desk space, the positioning of monitors, speakers and electrical sockets as well as internet connection. If the office space is to be shared, you will have to make sure that both desk spaces are similarly equipped and if you need to have storage, where this will be positioned.

If you’re planning a home gym, gaming or party room you might need to think about reinforcing the floor and how you want to position lighting, speakers and other features. Storage solutions, seating as well as utilities such as electricity and water supplies all need to be planned out prior to the signing off on the design as they won’t be easily changed once installation begins.

Use your garden room all year round 

Our garden rooms are fully insulated as well as feature functional cooling and heating systems, making them ideal for all weather and seasons. You can also have the option of underfloor heating, providing additional protection and warmth from the UK’s colder seasons. We aim to exceed your expectations of what a garden room can offer. That’s why we take care to meet your every desire and build your garden room to use all year round. 

A garden room for a wide range of uses 

Need a home office? How about a home gym with reinforced flooring? Perhaps you need a space to record your music or maybe you just want to relax in a bespoke gaming room? All this is possible with OGEL’s garden rooms. We believe the only limit on what your garden room can offer is your imagination – we aim to fulfill your every wish and construct the garden room you’ve always dreamed of.  

Lighting and ventilation 

Adequate lighting and ventilation are essential factors in creating a comfortable and effectively functional garden room. Try to maximise natural lighting by orienting your garden room in relation to the sun’s path and placing windows, or even skylights, to allow the most additional natural light.

In terms of the lighting inside your garden room, try to use ambient lighting fixtures such as ceiling lights, task lighting and accent lighting to enhance the natural light, and by using LED lighting you will be reducing energy consumption at the same time. Make sure that doors and windows are operable to allow fresh air circulation and if you can incorporate windows on opposing walls, you will be able to enhance airflow.

Curtains and blinds can be used to adjust the amount of natural light entering the room and add a level of privacy or shade when necessary. Light coloured walls, ceilings and floors will help to reflect light and make the space feel brighter and more spacious and external lighting can create an atmosphere and make the garden room usable as an evening space.

Heating systems can be used both to ventilate as well as heat or cool the garden room depending on the season and can ensure a stable temperature is maintained regardless of the weather. 

Ogels Corporate Garden Studio with built-in Internal and External Lighting | Blue LED's
Ogels Garden Room Interior | OGEL vs Traditional Conservatory

Furniture and décor

You will need to consider the furniture in light of the use that the garden room will have. If you are creating an office and will be having meetings in-person or virtually with clients you will need to ensure a professional aesthetic, whereas if your garden room is to be used as an entertaining space you will want furniture that meets that function whilst being durable and suitable for garden use all year round.

Your décor choices are an ideal way to personalise your space in the choices of colour scheme, furniture and accessories – you can really make your garden room an extension of your home, or a totally different environment that suits its intended purpose through the selection of colours, funky furniture and other items. 

Maintenance and longevity – regular upkeep and cleaning

Our garden rooms, at OGEL, are relatively maintenance-free as their recycled plastic construction won’t degrade or rot, however, some maintenance is needed – even though it’s fairly minimal. Regular cleaning will make sure that your garden room stays looking tip-top year in and out and continues to impress your family and friends.

Inspecting the roof regularly will also ensure that you spot any issues that need to be addressed and ensure that you haven’t got build-ups of leaves and debris gathering, which don’t look so impressive and could impede the natural drainage of rainwater off the slightly angled roofing.

What our customers say…

“I chose an OGEL pod because I liked the look of them from the pictures I saw online (although there weren’t many published at that time) and the versatility. I liked being able to choose my own dimensions and vinyl covering design. I also liked that the pod can be taken with me if I move house, and the fact that the OGEL pod doesn’t require any maintenance was a big selling point for me. I also liked the green credentials – the pods are constructed with recycled plastic.”

Leanne, new OGEL pod owner

Leannes Garden Studio | Design your own Ogel Building

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are garden rooms so popular?2024-02-14T12:32:05+00:00

Garden rooms are seeing a massive rise in popularity owing to the high prices of the housing market – making a house move an expensive undertaking. A garden room that can start from as little as £6,999 – and be constructed in quick succession – is a way to add additional space to your property without a large price tag. An extension or conservatory is also vastly more expensive and takes a lot longer to install. In the growing rise of hybrid and working from home patterns, a garden room is a simple way to ensure a better work/life balance for remote workers, and many people are installing garden rooms to meet this need or just to create an additional room for a plethora of other reasons.  

What is the difference between a garden room and a shed or conservatory?2023-06-13T09:55:34+01:00

A shed is normally a simple structure that is primarily used for storage of garden and other tools, furniture amongst other items and is not insulated, heated or usually even connected to electricity. A conservatory is a space that is primarily designed as a sunroom or greenhouse allowing homeowners to enjoy sunlight and views while being protected from the elements. As they are primarily constructed of glass, they enjoy maximum natural light but are often hard to control the temperature inside.

They are more commonly attached to the side of a building with inner access. A garden room is a separate space that can be used to accommodate a vast array of purposes. It can incorporate windows, doors, heating, lighting and ventilation able to be comfortably used all year round, and it can be made more secure. They can be used for offices, home studios and more without the worry of burglaries. All three could be subject to planning permission regulations depending on size, height, proximity to the property and intended usage, so it is always best to consult an expert if you’re

What is the lifespan of garden rooms?2024-02-14T12:32:19+00:00

The lifespan of a garden room will depend on the materials, quality of those materials, construction techniques, maintenance as well as exposure to the elements, but a well-built and maintained garden room can last for decades. At Ogel World our garden rooms are constructed from 100% recycled plastic making them exceedingly durable. Unlike wood, which will ultimately rot and will need to be regularly coated in protective chemicals, or metal, which will rust, our recycled plastic materials won’t ever need to be remade and have the added benefits of being lighter than brick as well as making a high impact on climate change. 

Can you use a garden room all year round?2023-06-13T09:58:30+01:00

Yes, our garden rooms can be installed with heating and ventilation systems which means they can be used all year round. They can remain warm through the winter, enabling you to keep going down the garden path to the office to a cosy working space and stay cool as a cucumber in the summer heat. Our garden rooms are more versatile to use all year round than a conservatory which tends to be very cold in the winter and can become unbearably hot in the summer months.

What can a garden room be used for?2024-02-14T12:32:32+00:00

A garden room can be used for almost anything you would use a room inside your house for. The flexibility and customisability of a garden room allows you to adapt the space to your specific needs and interests – adding valuable extra space to your property. A garden room can create a home gym, office, studio for art, music or another hobby, a games room for younger children or gaming space for older ones, an entertainment or party space or just a place to retreat and relax in a peaceful sanctuary.

You might want to use it as a greenhouse or indoor garden or create additional accommodation for guests which can include a bedroom, bathroom and even some kitchen facilities. The uses that a garden room can be put to, are only limited by your imagination! 

Does a garden room add value to my property? 2024-02-14T12:31:14+00:00

Yes, a garden room can add value to your property in a variety of ways. A garden room provides additional useable space to what is in the main property, so it creates greater functionality to a house, and this increases its appeal and thereby its value. As a garden room is customisable, it is able to change its usage with a new owner, and this adds value to a potential purchaser. If your garden room is tastefully installed and fitted with electricity and heating – this can add a huge appeal to a potential buyer when you come to sell your property, so you get the return on your investment when you finally sell the property.

 

How to buy an eco-friendly garden room from us 2023-08-22T12:20:41+01:00

It’s easy! Just get in touch with us and let us know the type of garden room you would like. Alternatively, use our OGEL app that lets you design your garden room, featuring the exterior cladding, interior features, and of course the size. Give us a call on 0800 056 0078 or drop us a query using our contact form. We’d love to hear how we can help.

When will my garden room be delivered? 2023-08-22T12:23:25+01:00

Once we have received your input and discussed your garden room design, we will get to work on cutting and forming all the pieces for us to put together, like Lego, at your home. Once we have all the pieces formed, we will come out to your garden and not only deliver it but build it for you too. To get more information on general lead times for delivery, get in touch with us today. 

Do I need a foundation for my garden room? 2023-08-22T12:24:39+01:00

We recommend having a strong foundation that your garden room will be situated on. Foundations can be made from several materials, such as concrete slabs, plinths, ground screws, or concrete pile foundations. For more information on the best type of foundation for OGEL garden rooms, give us a call at 0800 056 0078.  

Does my garden room need planning permission? 2023-08-22T12:25:32+01:00

Garden rooms are generally classified as ‘permitted development’ in the UK, meaning you won’t have to apply for planning permission, although the rules can change depending on the positioning, size and height. The intended use of your garden room, such as having bathrooms or using it as additional living space, will mean that you have to apply for planning permission, whereas other uses won’t need it – such as an office or games room. Don’t worry, get in touch with the team here at OGEL and we will help you through all the legal considerations of owning a garden room. 

How do I assemble the garden room myself? 2023-08-22T12:26:00+01:00

You don’t have to! Our dedicated team will assemble your garden room for you using our innovative construction techniques. Of course, if you want to get involved, then you can help the team out when we deliver it to your garden. See our two-minute video on how we assemble a garden room here.  

How do I maintain my garden room?2023-08-22T12:26:42+01:00

Thanks to the durable and long-lasting recycled plastic we use to build your garden room, it requires little to no maintenance. It will take around five and a half tonnes of our material for it to crack, which is more than the typical garden room possesses.  

What is a garden room?2024-02-14T13:08:02+00:00

Technically a garden room is a standalone structure within the perimeter of your property that is not the principal dwelling.

Crafted with architectural elegance and using recycled and non-degradable materials, an OGEL garden room stands as a standalone structure or sometimes as a lean to, and is designed to enhance both your home and garden.

Engineered for all year-round comfort, our garden rooms boast premium thermal properties, ensuring enjoyment of your outdoor space regardless of the weather.

Versatile in purpose, our garden rooms cater to a myriad of needs, whether it’s a tranquil garden office, a fitness haven or simply a serene retreat. Offering a unique and economical alternative to conventional home extensions, OGEL garden rooms redefine outdoor living.

Can I live in my garden room?2024-02-14T13:12:41+00:00

Yes, you can live in your garden room… but you will require planning permission.

What type of garden room construction can I choose from?2024-02-14T13:13:19+00:00

Composite hollow frame construction: OGEL invented and brought to market our hollow frame system, which is used for constructing the walls, roofs and floors of our garden rooms and, as it is made from recycled plastic materials, it’ll never rot or deform.

Other systems using more traditional materials are also available.

Timber framed garden rooms: These are constructed using timber frames, providing a natural aesthetic and versatility in design. Timber frames are lightweight yet sturdy, making them suitable for various sizes and shapes of garden rooms.

Insulated panel garden rooms: These garden rooms feature insulated panels made from materials like SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) or insulated timber panels. Insulated panels provide excellent thermal efficiency, making the garden room comfortable for year-round use.

Brick or block built garden rooms: For a more traditional look, some homeowners opt for garden rooms constructed from bricks or blocks. These garden rooms blend seamlessly with the existing architecture of the house and offer robust durability.

Steel framed garden rooms: Steel-framed garden rooms are known for their strength and durability. They can support large expanses of glass, creating a modern and airy feel. Steel frames are also resistant to rot and pests, making them low maintenance options.

Does a garden room need a base?2024-02-14T13:14:17+00:00

Yes, most garden rooms require a base or some kind of platform to allow for rise and fall of the ground or to prevent possible movement caused by the weight of the garden room. There are a number of options depending on budget, permanence of structure and accessibility to site.

Concrete slab base: A concrete slab is a popular choice for garden rooms due to its durability and stability. It provides a solid foundation that can support heavy structures and withstand various weather conditions.

Timber decking base: Timber decking offers a more natural and aesthetic option for garden room bases. It is relatively easy to install and can be adapted to uneven terrain. However, it will require more maintenance over time compared to other base types.

Paving slab base: Paving slabs are another sturdy option for garden room bases. They provide a level surface and can be laid on top of a compacted gravel or sand bed. Paving slabs come in various sizes and materials, allowing for customization to suit your preferences. Most OGEL buildings will sit happily on this kind of foundation.

Raised plinth base: A raised plinth base involves constructing a platform or raised foundation using materials like bricks, blocks or timber. This elevated base helps protect the garden room from moisture and improves ventilation underneath the structure, which is critical in wooden based structures.

Screw pile base: Screw piles are metal posts that are screwed into the ground to provide a stable foundation. This type of base is suitable for soft or unstable soils, and offers a quick, non-invasive installation process. Additionally, these can be installed in winter, which is more demanding when installing concrete bases.

How do you insulate a garden room?2024-02-14T13:14:59+00:00

Most garden rooms require either lining with a solid insulation material such as Kingspan board or Rockwool, and then lining with a plasterboard/hardboard.

The OGEL system doesn’t require this… it works by trapping the air within each course and preventing it from escaping from corners and door and window openings. Also, it’s already white so no further treatment – such as painting – is required.

How can I pay for a garden room?2024-02-14T13:15:41+00:00

A garden room is not normally mortgageable and is generally classified as ‘non-standard’ construction. Traditionally it is paid for using an unsecured loan. Speak to a member of the OGEL team about financing.

How and when will my garden room be delivered?2024-02-14T13:16:07+00:00

An OGEL building is ‘flat pack’, which means it can be delivered on a multi-pallet. The buildings are either brought to site by the fitting team or are delivered to site 24 hours before assembly.

How long will my garden room last?2024-02-14T13:17:07+00:00

One of the biggest issues with a wooden garden room is wood rot, which usually happens from the ground up. This can be slowed down by treatment of the foundation and floor timbers. Because OGEL is made of composite plastic it is impervious to water rot and warping, and its life span is exponentially longer… though we do guarantee for 10 years.

Can you sleep in a garden room?2024-02-14T13:18:04+00:00

If it is used for an overnight guest then it is classed as incidental use and would not normally require planning permission. If the arrangement is more permanent… for example a granny annexe, you will require planning permission.

Will a garden room add value to my home?2024-03-07T14:42:41+00:00

Halifax building society estimate a garden room can add up to 5% to the value of your home. This can be 1.5 times the amount of actual construction costs. Though this figure can vary depending on factors such as location, quality of build and materials used.  Please follow this link to our article on this topic.

How long does it take to build a garden room?2024-02-14T13:20:19+00:00

A OGEL building is normally assembled in 2-3 days, depending on the complexity and size of the garden room. Traditional wooden rooms normally take 4-5 days, due to greater onsite adjustments.

Is build and installation included with an OGEL garden room?2024-02-14T13:20:56+00:00

Generally speaking, most clients prefer an OGEL approved installer to build the garden room but someone with a good understanding of DIY and the correct tools should be able to construct an OGEL garden room in conjunction with the assembly manual.

How do I get electricity and water to my garden room?2024-02-14T13:22:34+00:00

Electricity cabling can be run as a discrete circuit or spur from a suitable supply… a garage, for example. As the cable is run externally, it will need to be steel wire armoured to avoid accidental damage. Most buildings work fine with a 16amp rated feed.

To complete a full water mains installation, excavate a trench extending 75cm below ground level, connecting your house to the garden room. This trench facilitates the installation of plumbing fixtures such as toilets, basins, hot water storage and showers in the garden room. Typically, a mains drain is necessary for this setup, and it typically runs within the same service trench as the water supply, electrical wiring and internet cables.

Can a garden room include a toilet?2024-03-07T14:41:42+00:00

Yes, an OGEL garden room can include a toilet, though care needs to be taken to ensure that this doesn’t infringe on the incidental use principle (if planning permission is not being applied for).

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Ogels Corporate Garden Room with Specific Wrap

TYPES OF GARDEN ROOM

Garden office room

The nature of where we work has changed since COVID-19. Working from home, or hybrid working, terms rarely used before 2020, are now the norm. Beneficial for both employees and employers. But working from the dining room table, or the couch isn’t ideal for productivity.

Not everyone has a spare room in their house to convert into a home office. But garden office rooms are an affordable option for those looking to create a highly productive space to work from home.

Garden office rooms can be a variety of sizes… to suit single or multiple occupancy, with integral desks if required.

CHECK OUT OUR GARDEN OFFICE ROOM HERE…

Garden studio room

Do you have a hobby or interest that needs a dedicated workspace? Having a studio in the garden has so many advantages – it’s a quiet room where you can immerse yourself, lock the door on your work-in-progress and know you’re not going to be disturbed.

Big or small… for any kind of garden with a variety of fit outs, OGEL can meet your requirements.

Garden gym room

Running machines, exercise bikes and free-standing weights are not known for being quiet pastimes, especially when combined with a high energy motivation soundtrack. A gym fitted out by OGEL has a reinforced floor, making it ideal for that heavy cardiovascular equipment… and the insulated walls ensure that other people in your home are not impacted by the sounds (and smells!) of your quest for peak fitness.

Garden music studio

Music is very subjective and one person’s love of Frank Sinatra might clash with another person’s devotion to rock music. Or what if you’re learning a new instrument and don’t want people to listen to you till you have some mastery?

At OGEL, we use a patented double skin wall system ensuring that sound is kept in the studio, maximising privacy for you and minimising interference for others.

Ogels Garden Studio Interior | A variety of musical instruments

Garden games room

People like to have friends over and games are very popular… so what about a dedicated space in the garden for a pool table that it’s easy to close the door on when you’re finished?

Or to keep your teenage kids and their friends in a dedicated space when they’re making a lot of noise on their games console, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your home in relative peace and quiet?

An OGEL games room in the garden gives you the best of both worlds.

Ogels Corporate Garden Studio with built-in Internal and External Lighting | Blue LED's

Garden bar room and man cave

When we ask our customers why they chose a garden room rather than a traditional extension, one of the reasons is the fact that it has a different ‘feel’ to the main residence. In having an OGEL pod into a garden bar room or a man cave, you are leaving the home without actually leaving the house.

Garden yoga studio

With yoga being such a spiritual pastime, it’s best practised in an environment of peace and tranquillity. So what better than being able to throw open the doors on your OGEL pod and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of your own garden.

Insulated garden room

Garden rooms are great in the summer but to get maximum use out of one you need to be able to use it all year round. One of the biggest advantages of an OGEL garden pod is that its ‘double skin’ construction ensures that it is warm in winter and cool in summer.

Prefabricated garden room

Whilst the majority of OGEL pods are fabricated in the factory and assembled on site, we are able to deliver a prefabricated room that, subject to access, is lifted into place and then connected to the appropriate utilities.

Whatever size you need garden room

Whatever the size of your garden, OGEL will have a building that’s appropriate. From a large golf simulator, to a small solo office pod.

The most important regulation for an outbuilding is that it takes up no more than 50% of the available outdoor space, so even a small terraced house can normally accommodate a one person office pod… thus adding value and flexibility to even the smallest of homes.

Useful tips for buying a garden room

Buying a garden room is a big decision. Hopefully, these considerations will help in the process.

What do you want to use it for?

This first question is the most important as it will set the parameters for all other decisions. If you’re a single person who requires a space to hybrid work 3 days a week then why go to the expense of a second living space in the garden? That being said, it does make sense to factor in a degree of flexibility for alternative uses if space and finances allow.

Research the options

There are a plethora of options when it comes to garden buildings: single-skin wooden, log cabins, SIP’s panel systems and, of course, OGEL’s double-skin panel system. All have different price points and what you plan to use it for will dictate the price you’ll need to pay.

See in the flesh if possible 

A garden room can be an expensive item and you will naturally want some assurance that it will meet your needs. Brochures and websites are a great start but also consider visiting show sites and exhibitions. If that’s not viable then a home visit or samples should help in the decision-making process.

Do I need planning permission?

Permitted development rules are very clear for the most part but it can be costly if you get something wrong. If you require more in depth information, get in touch with us.

Why choose OGEL?

Get a quote

Prices for a garden outbuilding can vary significantly from a few hundred pounds for a garden shed to many thousands for a multi-room, all weather garden room with multiple bifold doors and windows, so at this point ask yourself if the price outweighs the usage?

Pick a company you trust and place an order

Obviously, when you think about it, you must be able to trust who you place the order with. Most companies will require stage payments before the garden room is even delivered so a reputable organisation you can trust is paramount.

Pre-delivery works

Before delivery of your garden room, it is usual for a number of pre-delivery works to be carried out. This could be concrete slabs or ground screws, and may involve electrical and water feeds. Most reputable garden room companies will discuss this during the ordering and design phase.

Offsite fabrication and onsite assembly timescales

It is usual for a garden room to take 30-60 days from order placement to assembly, so if time is of the essence, it pays to do your research and order placement as soon as possible, especially in summer months when lead times are stretched out according to demand.

Choosing the perfect garden room for your family

Purpose and functionality

Planning how you are going to use your garden room is best done early in the process. Is its use going to change over time… for example from a shared office to a crash pad to a gym? Building in longevity early with additional sockets, high level insulation and zone lighting can save a lot of time and effort when it comes to repurposing your garden room.

Size and space

Additionally, ensure that the floor size and ceiling heights are enough to flex to your family’s needs without overwhelming the garden.

Insulation and heating

If you plan to use your garden room all year round then ensure walls are insulated or are double skinned like OGEL’s. Additionally, make sure that the correct heating is installed to adequately accommodate the volume of your garden room.

Natural light and ventilation

Many timber garden rooms are untreated, so painting a light colour such as white is a must. Additionally, ensure all windows have an opening sash. Bi-fold doors are also a great way to bring the garden into the room.

Planning permission

Permitted development regulations are generally straightforward, yet mistakes can incur significant costs. For further details, please refer to this link or reach out to OGEL directly for more comprehensive information.

Budget considerations

The cost of a garden outbuilding can vary greatly… from a few hundred pounds for a simple garden shed to several thousand for a multi-room, all-weather garden room complete with multiple bifold doors and windows. It’s important to consider whether the price justifies the intended usage to make sure you get value for money.

Delivery and installation

The skill levels and tools required to build a multi-space garden room can be significantly higher than constructing a potting shed. Always consider an included assembly option if you feel your DIY skills might be stretched.

Plastic garden room construction

There are a variety of wall construction types when it comes to garden room construction… such as shiplap and lining, SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels), log walls (tongue and groove construction)… but at OGEL, we use an ‘L’ based system invented by us to achieve a superior U value and easier construction.

The OGEL system uses ‘L’ shapes to form the exterior and the interior walls. The finished wall is a hollow void ideal for running cables and pipework.

The ‘verticals’ of the OGEL walls are 15mm thick which has 2 key benefits

Providing a high spec rigid structure that is not prone to typical construction considerations such as crushing and wind deflection whilst being only 8% the equivalent weight in brick.

From an insulation standpoint a twin wall (outer and inner) that traps the air within gives an extremely high value. OGEL walls have a U value of 0.185 W/m2K which is equivalent to a modern double skinned brick home!

Other types of garden room construction

Shiplap and lining

A very old traditional method that requires quite a lot of preparation and joinery know how. It also requires a high level of maintenance to maintain a good finish and prevent rotting from the ground upwards.

SIPS panel

A good system from a price perspective but does require good construction skills, and will require cladding both internally and externally for a good finish and to prevent warping.

LOG tongue and groove

Built using an overlapping technique. Not for the faint of heart due to the high level of skill required, the significant weight and cost of the raw materials. Also due to the solid nature of the log, it isn’t very thermally efficient.

Bespoke garden rooms designed and built by OGEL

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