Bespoke Pool Room with Custom Foundation by Garden Spaces
Published: 3 May 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds
The vision for this project was clear: a cosy, well-designed pool room that would enhance family life and blend harmoniously with the garden and adjacent pool. The client wanted a space that not only complemented the setting but also housed the pool equipment and stood up to the practical demands of a wet environment.
Garden Spaces are well known for their ability to translate a client’s goals into reality—particularly when a site presents technical challenges. This project was no exception. Thanks to their experienced design and installation teams, Garden Spaces were able to take an agile approach that ensured the final building delivered on all fronts: functionality, aesthetics, and durability.
Custom Foundation Overcomes Site Conditions
The original plan for this project was to use a ground screw foundation system—an efficient and minimally invasive option that Garden Spaces regularly specify. However, during early groundworks, the installation team encountered unexpected granite bedrock, which made it impossible to proceed with ground screws as intended.
Rather than compromise on the positioning or integrity of the structure, Garden Spaces went back to the drawing board. Their experienced team quickly recalculated and redesigned the foundation plan to suit the site’s conditions. A pad foundation system was implemented, allowing them to create a level base across the site.
In addition, a bespoke concrete slab was incorporated into the rear left-hand corner of the foundation. This section was purpose-designed to support the weight and vibrations of the pool’s pump and equipment, helping to ensure the long-term stability and performance of the building.
We’ve seen Garden Spaces apply this kind of adaptable thinking before—on a garden gym project where they successfully combined ground screws with a concrete pad to support a specialist weight rack. Not all companies offer this level of foundation customisation, and it's another example of how Garden Spaces go beyond standard solutions to meet the specific needs of each project.
A Highly Insulated, Multi-Layer Structure
At the heart of the building is a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) core—a system Garden Spaces use as standard for its strength and insulation properties. This forms the basis of a highly insulated envelope, ensuring the room is comfortable year-round and energy efficient.
Externally, the garden room is clad in Western Red Cedar, fitted vertically for a contemporary aesthetic. The cedar’s natural colouring contrasts attractively with the Anthracite Grey French doors and aluminium trims, creating a smart finish that will weather gracefully over time. A 300mm deep canopy detail spans the front elevation and features exterior-grade LED downlights that will cast a soft glow down the wall in the evenings.
Interior Fit-Out Designed Around the Client's Needs
Internally, the walls and ceiling have been plastered and decorated to a high standard, offering a finish just like a room in your house. The room has generous power provision, with socket positions carefully agreed during the design process—an area where Garden Spaces stand apart from many competitors who limit socket quantities and placements to a set layout.
The flooring in this project was an especially important part of the brief. With wet feet from the pool in mind, Garden Spaces specified a cap and cove vinyl anti-slip flooring system. This specialist floor not only provides a safe, water-resistant surface but also ensures the room will stand up to the long-term demands of a poolside location.
One-Stop Shop Project Management
As with all their projects, Garden Spaces handled every aspect of the build as part of their 'One Stop Shop' service. This includes everything from initial design consultations and planning support to full project management through installation, interior decoration, and final electrical connection to the main house. It’s a seamless process designed to take the hassle out of building a bespoke garden room.
Learn More
To explore how Garden Spaces can tailor a building around your specific use and garden, chat with their team on 0845 387 9 387 or email info@gardenspaces.co.uk. You can also explore the full range of options at www.gardenspaces.co.uk.
