This article written in collaboration with homify
One of the reasons garden rooms have become popular is because of the connection that can be created between the new living space and the garden around it.
By creating a connection between garden & garden room you can extend the living space you have in the garden room. It can also increase the time you spend in the garden. Extending the garden’s usability into the evening and to seasons like winter where your use of the garden would normally be minimal.
We have seen both good and bad examples of this connection. With some designs no thought has been given to this vital connection. With other examples we’ve seen, great thought has been put into the design, creating two distinct spaces that flow together.
A good garden room designer will suggest ways of creating a connection with the garden when you initially meet to discuss the design.
Here are simple garden ideas that you can easily implement to ensure a connection between your garden and garden room:
Think about the positioning of the garden room in relation to trees and established garden elements. Placing a garden room within established planting can soften the effect of a new building. It really helps the building nestle into its surroundings.
If you assess the trees around your garden room and find they are deciduous they can be used as natural shading. When the leaves are on the tree in summer they will diffuse the strong light entering in the garden room. In winter when you want every ounce of light you can get, the tree will have lost its leaves so won’t block the valuable light.
If you don’t have an established planting area around your garden room, think about creating borders around it. Planting will quickly soften the new structure.
If you have a good view or a feature in your garden think about positioning windows to frame the view. This is a relatively easy and effective way of creating a connection between garden & garden room.
Large expanses of glass and sets of doors have become a big design trend. Large sets of doors like bi-fold doors allow you to create a free flowing space between the garden and the new room.
If your budget doesn’t allow for bi-fold doors you can create a similar feel with floor to ceiling fixed glazing panels.
Finally a deck or veranda outside your garden room can create a great place to sit in the garden. Many people choose to make this area covered which opens up the opportunity to sit in the garden, even when the weather isn’t great!
You’ll find a little thought about this connection at the design stage will pay dividends in the long run.
