Garden gym with lots of glazing
A 5m × 6m garden gym in North London, built 2.9m tall for the client’s equipment, with five-leaf bi-folds and glazing that wraps round one corner.
From a designer’s point of view, it is always rewarding when a client approaches with a clear vision for their garden building. While working with a detailed list of features can sometimes be challenging, turning a client’s ideas into reality is immensely satisfying.
The team at Swift Unlimited thrives on collaborating with clients who have a clear concept for their new building. This project in North London demonstrates their ability to work closely with clients and bring their ideas to life.
The client for this project wanted to create a home gym with abundant natural light and air conditioning. They had specific gym equipment in mind, meaning the space needed to be tailored to their requirements.
At a glance
- Size: 5m × 6m and 2.9m tall rather than the usual 2.5m, giving headroom for the client’s gym equipment.
- Planning: Sited closer than 2m to the boundary, so the extra height needed a planning application, which the client made using Swift’s drawings.
- Glazing: Five-leaf aluminium bi-folds with a low threshold onto a composite deck, a full-height fixed window round the corner, and a letterbox window for air with the doors shut.
- Comfort: SIPs and double glazing for year-round use, with air conditioning and mirrors on the rear wall that reflect the garden.
- Company: Swift Unlimited, who built the gym in two weeks, with an insurance-backed warranty on the deposit and the finished building.
Taller than the average garden room
This gym was designed to be taller than standard garden rooms. Since the client needed extra headroom for their gym equipment, a height of 2.9 metres was chosen instead of the typical 2.5 metres.
To comply with Permitted Development rules, a garden room of this height must be located at least 2 metres from all boundaries. For this project, the client opted to place the building closer to the boundary, necessitating a planning application.
Swift Unlimited works with specialist planning consultants to handle applications on behalf of their clients. Alternatively, clients can submit applications themselves, with Swift providing the necessary drawings and plans. In this case, the client successfully managed the process independently.
Fulfilling the design brief
As with all Swift projects, the garden gym features clean, contemporary lines. Measuring 5m x 6m, the design incorporates a 5-leaf aluminium bi-fold door system to achieve the client’s request for extensive glazing. These doors open fully to create a seamless connection with the garden and lead onto a composite wood deck that wraps around the side of the building.
The bi-fold doors have a low threshold, eliminating any step between the interior and the deck, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.
The glazing extends to the side wall, with a fixed full-height window wrapping around the corner. Further along, a smaller, letterbox-style window allows additional ventilation without needing to open the doors.
Mirrors on the rear wall create an illusion of even more glazing, reflecting garden views and enhancing the sense of openness.
Built for year-round comfort
Constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs), commonly used in housebuilding, this garden gym is designed for year-round use. High-performance insulation and double glazing ensure a comfortable space in any weather.
For added convenience, the client opted for air conditioning, a wise addition for a gym environment. The indoor unit is discreetly installed high on the wall, while the outdoor unit remains unobtrusive outside the building.
Client satisfaction
The finished gym exceeded the client’s expectations, as reflected in their glowing feedback:
We are delighted with our new garden gym. From start to finish, the service was first class. Martin and Sue were always quick to answer my endless list of worries with reassurance. Everything they said would happen, did. Paulo and his team were an absolute pleasure, and their workmanship was second to none, despite being faced with snow and rain! Can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Completed in two weeks
Swift Unlimited completed the gym in just two weeks, showcasing their efficient and professional approach. Every Swift project includes an insurance-backed warranty for both the deposit and the completed building, ensuring peace of mind.
Learn more about Swift Unlimited
Discover how Swift Unlimited can bring your garden room vision to life. Contact the Swift Unlimited team on 01625 875 588 or email support@swiftunlimited.co.uk. Visit www.swiftorg.co.uk to explore more examples of their stunning projects.
