47sqm L-shaped annexe
A one-bedroom home built for a client’s father, its L-plan turning the bedroom and living room to face into the garden rather than the fence.
This stylish self-contained garden annexe was designed and built by Executive Garden Rooms. Their client commissioned them to create a one-bedroom home in his garden for his father.
Unlike many other companies, Executive Garden Rooms manage the entire project on behalf of their clients. This comprehensive service includes the initial design, managing the planning application process, installing the foundation, and completing the groundworks required to connect the annexe to mains services. The Executive team then build the annexe, handling everything including the final decoration and fitting the kitchen and shower room. They also ensure the works are signed off by Building Control.
At a glance
- Size: 47 square metres — double bedroom, shower room, storage cupboard and a multifunctional living space, arranged in an L.
- Why the L: it puts windows in both the bedroom and the living room looking into the heart of the garden.
- Glazing: French doors with glazed side panels in the living room; a separate single door into the kitchen for everyday coming and going.
- Water: a pressurised system with a 125-litre cylinder, so the shower holds its pressure while the main house is using water.
- Cladding: Western Red Cedar on the front elevations, UV-oiled to hold its colour, with dark grey Cedral on the others.
- Company: Executive Garden Rooms, who run the whole project — design, planning application, foundation, groundworks and the mains connections.
L-shaped annexe
The annexe covers a footprint of 47m². The accommodation includes a double bedroom, shower room, storage cupboard, and multifunctional living space, all arranged in an L-shaped configuration.
The L-shaped design allows the bedroom and living room to have windows that look into the heart of the garden.
The main living room features French doors with glazed side panels, creating a wide expanse of glazing that floods the room with natural light.
For day-to-day access, a single door has been fitted, leading into the kitchen area.
Annexe designed for easy living
As seen in the images, the annexe is a light, modern living space. The walls and ceiling have been plastered and decorated, complemented by waterproof Quickstep Livyn flooring.
The well-equipped kitchen was customised to the client’s preferences. In this case, a high-gloss kitchen includes plenty of storage, a single oven, induction hob, extractor fan, and an integrated fridge/freezer.
The shower room is equally well-appointed, featuring a contemporary vanity unit and toilet. The shower has a low-profile tray with a glass sliding door, and instead of tiles, funky shower board panels have been installed. The room is finished with an extractor fan and an electric towel radiator with a thermostat.
A pressurised water system has been installed, with a 125-litre cylinder ensuring a powerful shower experience, even if water is being used in the main house at the same time.
The cylinder is housed in an airing cupboard, which is also spacious enough to serve as additional storage.
The electrical specification includes heating, a hardwired internet connection, two smoke alarms, recessed LED downlights, an external security light, and plenty of power sockets.
Low-maintenance exterior finishes
Externally, the annexe has been clad in two low-maintenance finishes. The front-facing elevations feature Western Red Cedar, a popular material in garden room design. The Cedar has been treated with a UV oil to help maintain its reddish-brown colour. Left untreated, it would naturally weather to a silvery grey over time.
The other elevations are clad in Cedral, a cement fibreboard available in a variety of colours. The choice of dark grey pairs beautifully with the rich, natural tones of the Cedar.
The colour pigment is baked into the Cedral during the manufacturing process, so it doesn’t require painting to maintain its appearance.
Self-contained living annexes like this one are not only ideal for elderly parents but also for families with young adults who are finding it difficult to get onto the property ladder.
Learn more about Executive Garden Rooms
To learn more about creating a self-contained living annexe, contact the Executive Garden Rooms team on 01202 874 766 or email them at info@executivegardenrooms.co.uk. Visit the Executive Garden Rooms website to learn more about their buildings.
