Future proofed 54sqm garden living annexe
A 9m x 6m Annexe Spaces home built under the Caravan Act with a Lawful Development Certificate — an accessible wetroom, low thresholds and handrails, delivered in around 12 weeks.
Annexe Spaces recently completed an impressive 9m x 6m garden annexe, designed to provide a future-proofed, bespoke living space tailored to the needs of their client. This 54sqm annexe showcases modern retirement living, with thoughtful design elements and practical features ensuring it meets the client’s current and future requirements.
At a glance
- Size: 9m x 6m, 54sqm — an L-shaped kitchen-living room, a bedroom with its own door to the veranda, a wetroom shower room and a utility cupboard.
- Route: the Caravan Act with a Lawful Development Certificate, which saved the client 15–20% in VAT; Annexe Spaces can also run planning and Building Control alongside.
- Future-proofing: a wetroom with non-slip vinyl, shower seat and grab rails for wheelchair use, low thresholds at the French doors, and steps with metal handrails.
- Construction and outside: SIPs core on screw piles, Thermowood on three sides with Resifine-finished cement board at the back, anthracite aluminium glazing, EPDM roof and a composite veranda.
- Company: Annexe Spaces — full turnkey service from applications to handover; move-in ready in about 12 weeks.
Garden annexe built under the Caravan Act
This project was built under the Caravan Act, with a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) confirming the building’s legal status. Annexe Spaces expertly manages these applications to ensure all compliance requirements are met. For clients looking to maximise their chances of success, Annexe Spaces offers a dual-approach strategy: applying for both Full Householder Planning Permission and Building Control approval alongside the Caravan Act and LDC. This approach provides flexibility and increases the likelihood of achieving the necessary approvals.
One of the significant benefits of building under the Caravan Act is the potential for considerable cost savings. In this case, the LDC route allowed the client to save between 15-20% on VAT, making the project not only legally compliant but also financially efficient.
A bespoke garden home
The annexe’s design was a collaborative effort between Annexe Spaces and their client, resulting in a highly personalised home. The annexe has a footprint of 9m x 6m, with the living space arranged to maximise functionality and comfort. The accommodation features a spacious bedroom with a side-facing window and an outward opening door offering direct access to a decked veranda. Adjacent to the bedroom is a well-appointed shower room and a utility cupboard, both accessed off the open-plan main living area.
The main living space is an L-shaped room that incorporates a modern kitchen and generous seating area. The client worked closely with Annexe Spaces’ kitchen designer to create their ideal kitchen configuration and finishes, ensuring the layout and style perfectly suited their needs and preferences. A large window on the side elevation and French doors on the front elevation, designed with low thresholds for trip-free movement between the decked veranda and the internal living space, provide ample natural light and open onto the veranda, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out.
Well-specified interior finishes
The interior has been finished to a high standard, with an airing cupboard housing a 100L water tank to ensure hot water and excellent pressure for showers and other household needs. Plastered and decorated walls and ceilings enhance the space, creating a light and modern ambiance. The shower room was fitted with a wetroom system, complete with non-slip vinyl flooring, AQUA panels, and assisted living features such as a shower seat and grab rails, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users. The Harvest Oak laminate flooring throughout the rest of the annexe complements the modern aesthetic.
Designed for style and durability
Annexe Spaces uses Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) as the core structure at the heart of their multi-layer build-up. This creates a building that is warm in winter, cool in summer, and cost-efficient to run.
Externally, the annexe combines aesthetic appeal with low-maintenance requirements. Thermowood cladding has been fitted to three elevations, while the rear elevation features durable cement particle board finished in Resifine RAL7016, colour-matched with the anthracite aluminium window and door frames as well as the roof trims. The EPDM rubber roofing system and aluminium trims further enhance the annexe’s longevity.
Composite decked veranda extends the living space outdoors, providing a stylish and practical area for relaxation. To overcome the difference in ground height, two steps have been built using the same composite decking as the veranda. Enhancing the accessibility of the design, these steps are fitted with metal balustrade handrails, ensuring safe and easy movement.
Comprehensive turnkey service
Annexe Spaces provided a complete turnkey service, handling every aspect of the project, from initial planning applications to final handover. The foundations were prepared using screw piles, ensuring stability and durability, while the kitchen design was customised to the client’s specifications in collaboration with trusted suppliers. The result is a move-in ready home delivered within approximately 12 weeks, demonstrating Annexe Spaces’ commitment to efficiency and quality.
This project highlights the benefits of choosing a bespoke annexe from Annexe Spaces. By combining thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and a client-focused approach, they have created a beautiful, functional home that is future-proofed for the years ahead.
Learn more about Annexe Spaces
To learn more about creating a bespoke garden annexe home, explore the Annexe Spaces website. Chat with the knowledgeable team on 0845 387 9 387 or email info@annexespaces.co.uk.
