Functional self-contained garden annexe
27.88 square metres between three boundary fences, planned around the furniture the client already owned — down to a hidden storage room behind the Cedar.
This self-contained garden annexe by Swift Unlimited packs a lot of features into its 27.88m². The Swift Unlimited team worked closely with their clients to design a building that maximised the available space while ensuring it remained fully functional and high-spec.
The design and layout of the annexe were based around specific pieces of furniture the customer wanted to include. Clever design solutions were employed to make the most of every inch of space, both inside and out.
At a glance
- Size: 6.8m x 4.1m, 27.88 sqm, tucked between three boundary fences at the end of the garden.
- How it was planned: around specific pieces of furniture the client wanted to keep, with the layout worked out from there.
- How it changed: it began as one multifunctional room and grew a separate bedroom as the design developed.
- Space savers: a pocket door to the narrow shower room, and the kitchenette fitted into the alcove between shower room and bedroom wall.
- The storage room: unusual in an annexe — a good-sized store reached through a hidden external door that disappears into the Cedar cladding.
- The roof: a sedum living roof, and the whole build project-managed including the groundworks; three weeks on site.
A design that evolved
Initially, the annexe was planned as one multifunctional room, including a kitchen and shower room. However, as the design evolved, the Swift Unlimited team were able to create a separate double bedroom. Although compact, having a designated bedroom enhances the usability of the annexe.
The annexe sits within three boundaries
The annexe was designed to fit neatly into the end of the garden, positioned snugly between three boundary fences. Garden annexes like this require planning permission and building control approval, so the proximity to the boundaries was fully authorised.
Building close to the boundaries maximised the available space, allowing the Swift Unlimited team to design a 6.8m x 4.1m annexe. As seen in the floor plan, the annexe has a well-thought-out layout.
The main room was designed to comfortably accommodate a sofa bed. A narrow shower room was positioned in the rear corner, and to save space, a pocket door was installed. Pocket doors are ideal in tight spaces as they eliminate the need for door swing clearance.
The kitchenette was fitted into an alcove created between the shower room and bedroom wall. The use of white cabinetry helps make the space feel larger and more cohesive.
The bedroom may be small, but it provides space for a double bed. Thanks to a Velux roof window, the room feels more open and airy than expected.
Garden annexe with storage
In an interesting design choice, which is uncommon in garden annexes, the Swift Unlimited team included a good-sized storage room. It is accessed via a ‘hidden’ external door that blends seamlessly into the Cedar cladding. This clever detail makes the door and storeroom nearly invisible from the front of the building.
Living roof covering
The annexe features a sedum living roof, which offers several benefits in garden room design and looks spectacular from above. As part of the roof structure, Swift Unlimited worked with a specialist company to install an automatic mist fire suppression system.
Swift Unlimited project managed the entire build on behalf of their client, from the initial design and planning process to all aspects of construction, including the groundworks required to connect the annexe to mains services.
The on-site work took the Swift Unlimited team three weeks to complete.
Learn more about Swift Unlimited
To learn more about Swift Unlimited’s garden living annexes, visit their dedicated annexe website. You can discuss your ideas with the Swift Unlimited team by calling 01625 875 588 or emailing support@swiftunlimited.co.uk.
