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Garden room project · Swift Unlimited

Garden office and gym

A 5m × 3m garden room that combines a home office and a gym, replacing an old log cabin summerhouse that was uncomfortable to use in winter.


Published 15 June 2019 · Updated 25 October 2026 · 3 minute read · Written by The Garden Room & Annexe Guide

5m x 3m garden office with space for a gym
Swift Unlimited  5m × 3m office and gym

Creating a multifunctional garden room is a timeless trend, offering the perfect blend of practicality and style. Many garden buildings now serve dual purposes-such as combining a home office with a gym or a family room with a fitness area. Swift Unlimited are experts in crafting these versatile spaces, designing rooms tailored to their clients’ unique requirements.

At a glance

  • Size: 5m × 3m, one open room with furniture marking out the office and exercise zones.
  • Gym: The walls in the gym area are reinforced to carry wall-mounted equipment, worked out with the client.
  • Glazing: Bi-folds and a full-height fixed window form a glazed corner, with a wide window in the office set at desk height and a low threshold onto the deck.
  • Exterior: Black-stained Thermowood cladding matched to black-framed doors and windows, over SIPs walls built for year-round use.
  • Company: Swift Unlimited, who project-managed the build alongside the client’s wider plans for the house and garden.

Part of our garden gym guide →

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Layout

Home office and gym in one

This project by Swift Unlimited showcases how a single space can serve multiple purposes. In this design, a 5m x 3m room seamlessly merges a home office with an exercise area. Furniture is cleverly used to define the two zones, maintaining an open and cohesive layout.

Floorplan for the 5m x 3m garden office and gym building
The plan: the 5m × 3m room with its doors, windows and electrics.
The brief

From vision to reality

The client had a clear vision: a garden room that could function as both a home office and a gym, while also being naturally light, well-insulated, and fully accessible. Additionally, the new space needed to fit within broader plans for the house and garden, demonstrating the importance of working with a team experienced in bespoke projects.

Construction

Upgrading from a summerhouse

The new building replaced an older log cabin-style summerhouse, which was uncomfortable to use in winter. Seeking a building suitable for year-round use, the client chose Swift Unlimited for their expertise in creating highly insulated garden rooms. The team’s use of SIPs (structurally insulated panels) ensures excellent thermal performance, while double-glazed doors and windows contribute to the room’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Gym

Reinforced walls for gym equipment

To meet the client’s fitness needs, the walls in the gym area were specially reinforced to support wall-mounted equipment. Swift Unlimited’s design team collaborated closely with the client to understand the forces these installations would exert, ensuring the structure was both safe and functional.

This tailored approach highlights the importance of working with a professional design team to create a space that fully meets your needs.

The walls are reinforced for wall mounted gym equipment
The gym area  reinforced walls for wall-mounted equipment
Glazing

Light-filled and accessible design

The garden room was designed to maximise natural light, with a combination of bi-fold doors and a full-height fixed window forming a striking glazed corner. In the office area, a wide rectangular window frames a beautiful view of the garden, positioned at the perfect height for someone sitting at a desk.

Accessibility was another key feature. The bi-fold door system incorporates a low threshold, creating a seamless flow between the exterior deck and the interior floor. This thoughtful design ensures easy access for all users.

Light filled garden office
The office end  a wide window at desk height
Exterior

Sleek black Thermowood cladding

The exterior of the garden room features stained Thermowood cladding, chosen for its durability and affordability. The black finish creates a striking, modern look, perfectly complementing the black-framed doors and windows.

Garden office with black thermowood cladding
Black Thermowood  matched to the black frames
Turnkey service

A fully managed build

Swift Unlimited’s project-managed service ensured the garden room was completed efficiently and integrated seamlessly with the client’s wider renovation plans. From the foundations to the final finishes, the team took care of every detail, creating a space ready for immediate use.

Planning something similar?

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 expertly designed garden buildings.

Visit Swift Unlimited More Swift Unlimited projects
More projects like this Garden gyms Garden offices 10–20sqm garden rooms
Read the guides What garden rooms cost Permitted development Buying a garden gym

Published 15 June 2019 · Photographs courtesy of Swift Unlimited.

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