One bedroom annexe overcomes significant slope
A 42sqm barn-style annexe in Tunbridge Wells on ground screws over a steep site, with a black cladding skirt following the slope, a 4m ridge and roof windows over a vaulted room.
This stylish 42sqm garden annexe in Tunbridge Wells showcases Ark Design Build’s expertise in tackling challenging sites and the attention to detail they apply to every building they craft. While the clients had already secured Full Householder Planning Permission for the project, they entrusted Ark Design Build to bring their vision to life, creating a fully habitable annexe that meets all Building Control requirements including fire safety, structural stability, and energy efficiency standards.
At a glance
- Size: 8.5m x 5m, 42sqm, with a 4m ridge — a vaulted kitchen-living room, a bedroom looking into woodland and a walk-in shower room.
- The site: a significant slope in a tree-lined part of the garden; ground screws make the level base and a black cladding skirt hides them.
- Outside: Thermowood in Bedec Barn Paint under a standing seam metal roof, 4.5m bi-folds, a timber veranda with integrated steps.
- Inside: remote-controlled opening roof windows, exposed timber beams, engineered oak floors, handleless oak kitchen units, slatted wood shower panels, air conditioning for heating and cooling.
- Company: Ark Design Build, Kent — the clients already had planning; Ark built to Building Control and handled groundworks to utilities.
Contemporary barn-style design
The 8.5m x 5m building features a dual-pitched roofline that has a ridge height of 4m. This roofline and the choice of exterior material finishes has created a contemporary barn style aesthetic. This is achieved through a combination of standing seam metal roof covering and Thermowood cladding which Ark Design Build finishes with Bedec Barn Paint – a highly durable exterior finish known for its excellent weather resistance. This is a finish that several other Ark Design Build’s customers have chosen for their buildings, as seen in the archive of articles we have written about their work.
Looking at the photos, you will see that the chosen site for the annexe has a significant slope. Ark Design Build are experienced in dealing with challenging plots, and designed a groundscrew foundation to create a level base for the annexe. The Ark team cleverly concealed the foundation system by extending the black cladding to create a skirt that follows the lines of the slope.
The black finishes are softened by a natural timber decked veranda with integrated steps, offering an appealing contrast to the dark exterior palette.
Light-filled living space
Choosing a dual-pitched roofline created the opportunity for a vaulted ceiling within the annexe. Opening roof windows have been fitted in the rear of the roof. These windows, which are electronically operated via remote control, flood the space with natural light from above. The 4.5m wide bi-fold doors open fully onto the decked veranda, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
The annexe’s position within a tree-lined section of the garden creates an enchanting treehouse-like atmosphere when viewed from the main living space. Traditional timber roof beams add character to the contemporary interior, which features plastered and decorated walls combined with engineered oak flooring throughout.
Well-appointed kitchen and bathroom
The kitchen, positioned along the rear wall, complements the interior design with handleless units in a warm oak finish, chosen to echo the natural wooden elements used throughout the building. Adjacent to the kitchen, a generously sized bedroom features a tall window that frames views of the private woodland setting.
The bathroom showcases the same high specification finishes found throughout the annexe. A striking walk-in shower incorporating slatted wood panels creates a spa-like atmosphere.
Designed for comfortable living
As highly insulated, multi-layer buildings, Ark Design Build living annexes are designed for year-round comfort. Ark Design Build installed an air conditioning system in the main room, providing both heating and cooling capabilities as required. This, combined with the excellent natural ventilation offered by the bi-fold doors and roof windows, ensures comfortable living conditions throughout the seasons.
Turnkey service
As part of their comprehensive service, Ark Design Build managed all aspects of the project, from groundworks to the final utility connections. This inclusive approach, culminating in Building Control sign-off, meant their clients could move into a completely finished, ready-to-use annexe.
Learn more about Ark Design Build
To explore the possibility of creating your own garden annexe, contact the Ark Design Build team on 07896 196 718 or via email at contact@arkdesignbuild.co.uk. With over 100 five-star reviews from local clients, their expertise in creating bespoke garden living spaces throughout Kent and surrounding areas is well-established. Visit www.arkdesignbuild.co.uk to view more examples of their work.
