12m x 5m two-bedroom granny annexe
Sixty square metres with a pod on the back for the shower room, a ramp to the veranda and doors already wide enough for a wheelchair that is not needed yet.
In addition to designing some of the most traditional garden rooms on the market, Timeless Garden Rooms also specialises in self-contained garden annexes.
This spacious granny annexe is a great example. The clients wanted to create a home for an elderly relative who still valued her independence but needed to be close to family.
With no available space in the main house for self-contained accommodation, the family turned to their garden.
At a glance
- Size: 12m x 5m, with an extra ‘pod’ at the rear holding the shower room so none of the footprint is wasted.
- Layout: partition walls make four rooms — an open-plan living area, two bedrooms and a shower room.
- The second bedroom: unusual in an annexe this size; it lets the relative have guests, and doubles as a study or hobby room.
- Inside: a vaulted ceiling over the main room, a well-equipped kitchen in one corner, and underfloor heating so no wall is taken up by radiators.
- Futureproofed: wider doors for a wheelchair that is not needed yet, and a ramp up to the covered veranda along the front.
- Planning: full Planning and Building Control approval; the Local Authority was supportive given it was for an elderly relative.
A collaborative design process
Timeless Garden Rooms takes a collaborative approach to design. For this project, the team held several meetings with the mother and daughter to refine the brief and explore design options. Three different plans were drawn up for the family to consider.
The final choice was a 12m x 5m building with an additional ‘pod’ at the rear, designed to house the shower room. This clever use of space ensured that no part of the building footprint was wasted, a benefit of working with a bespoke designer.
Planning & Building Control approval
A self-contained living annexe like this requires both Planning and Building Control approval before construction can begin. While this process can seem daunting, Timeless Garden Rooms handled the applications on behalf of their clients.
The Local Authority was particularly supportive, as the annexe was intended for an elderly family member, making the planning process straightforward.
In addition to Planning approval, the project needed to be signed off by Building Control. This ensures that the building is structurally sound, energy-efficient, and compliant with fire safety regulations.
The building was divided to create four rooms
Partition walls were used to divide the building into four rooms: an open-plan living area, two bedrooms, and a shower room.
It’s a nice feature that this annexe includes a second bedroom, as many similar projects often have just one bedroom or are studio apartments. The second bedroom allows the relative to host guests and doubles as a sewing room. Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up hobbies!
The main living area is spacious and features a vaulted ceiling, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. A well-equipped kitchen has been installed in one corner of the room.
Underfloor heating has been fitted throughout the annexe, allowing the walls to remain free of radiators and offering more flexibility for furniture placement.
The shower room at the rear of the building is generous in size. As part of their comprehensive service, Timeless Garden Rooms managed the connections to the mains supply for both the kitchen and the shower room.
Futureproofing the design
Consideration has been given to how the annexe might be used in the future. While wheelchair accessibility isn’t needed now, wider doors have been installed to allow for easy access down the line. Planning for such details can significantly extend the building’s long-term functionality.
A ramp has also been built leading up to the annexe, making it easily accessible both now and in the future. The ramp leads to a covered veranda that runs along the front of the annexe, with French doors opening onto it-creating the perfect spot to relax on a summer day.
Learn more about Timeless Garden Rooms
To learn more about creating a garden annexe, visit Timeless Garden Rooms’ specialist website. You can also contact the team on 01843 821 851 or email them at sales.timelessgardenrooms@gmail.com.
