Garden Annexe for Elderly Parents
First Published: 11 September 2016
Refreshed: 2 October 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes 50 seconds
Executive Garden Rooms designed and built this 12m x 5m garden annexe for clients who wanted to create a home at the end of the garden for their elderly parents. The goal was to provide a home that allowed their parents to live independently, with the reassurance of family support close by when needed. A garden annexe is an ideal solution for this type of arrangement.
The Executive team completed this garden annexe in six weeks. The project involved extensive groundwork and preparation to make the building self-contained from the main house. Executive Garden Rooms offer a turnkey service, which meant they managed every stage of this complex build, ensuring a hassle-free process for the client.
As with all garden annexes intended for permanent residence—whether for elderly parents or young adults seeking independent living—this project required both Planning Permission and Building Control approval. Executive Garden Rooms constructed the annexe to the same standard as a new build house. They also handled the entire Planning Application and all stages of Building Control approval on behalf of the client, making the process as stress-free as possible.
Substantial Groundworks Were Needed
This project required significant groundwork before construction of the annexe could begin. In fact, a third of the project time was dedicated to groundwork. The site selected for the annexe was surrounded by several trees with protection orders, which required extra care when planning the foundation system to avoid disturbing the tree roots.
A total of 60 tonnes of soil was removed from the site. Fifteen 150mm diameter piles, each 3 metres deep, were hand dug due to the presence of the trees. Each pile was encased in steel and filled with concrete. The piles were then connected with a ring beam, and the foundation was completed with a fully reinforced concrete slab.
Additionally, 70 linear metres of trenching were dug to connect the annexe to the main house for essential services. A pumping station was also installed to manage a 6-metre rise between the annexe and the manhole.
The groundworks were completed with the installation of a 76-square-metre block-paved terrace surrounding the annexe.
The annexe's roof overhangs the front elevation by 900mm, offering a visually appealing design detail and providing natural shading for the large sections of floor-to-ceiling glazing. Given the size of the roof, Executive Garden Rooms reinforced the structure to prevent any risk of sagging.
High-spec aluminium doors and windows were selected, finished in the popular Anthracite grey, which complements the white render along the main elevation. The main cladding is smooth black HardiePlank, a cement-based board that is highly durable and requires no ongoing maintenance.
The combination of exterior finishes and thoughtful detailing has resulted in a building that balances both form and function.
Interior Features
Inside, Executive Garden Rooms finished the annexe to the same standard as a new build house, with fully plastered and decorated interiors. The annexe includes several features to create a fully functional home:
- An LPG-powered boiler supplies hot water, powers the shower, and heats the towel rail.
- Two air conditioning units provide heating and cooling for year-round comfort.
- The annexe is well-equipped electrically, featuring 12 double power sockets, an external socket, 29 LED downlights, two smoke alarms, and a carbon monoxide alarm. There is also a floor box for data connections, telephone points, and two exterior lights.
- The kitchenette includes storage cupboards, a sink, an integrated dishwasher, and a fridge. The slate grey worktop is fitted with a Zip tap for instant boiling water.
- Additional natural light is provided by a 900mm x 1200mm remote-controlled Velux window above the kitchen area.
- A large shower room features a Mira shower for added comfort.
- A storage room at the end of the annexe houses the fuse board and boiler, providing additional space for garden equipment.
Learn More
To find out 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 their website to learn more about their annexes.
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