Pitched roof garden gym by Cosy Garden Rooms
A 5.8m × 3.6m apex-roofed garden gym in Guildford, kept 2m from every boundary so the vaulted ceiling could reach 3.4m under Permitted Development.
This bespoke garden gym in Guildford by Cosy Garden Rooms highlights the benefits of opting for a pitched roof design. Built to the customer’s exact brief, the 5.8m x 3.6m garden room offers 21.9sqm of insulated, year-round usable space-designed to comfortably accommodate gym equipment without feeling cramped.
At a glance
- Size: 5.8m × 3.6m, 21.9sqm.
- Planning: No permission needed: 2m from each boundary and under 4m tall.
- Ceiling: Vaulted to 3.4m at its highest point.
- Finishes: Charred larch on the two sides on show, black composite on the others, a black shingle roof; beech panelling inside.
- Company: Cosy Garden Rooms, who extended and reinforced the existing base.
Vaulted ceiling for a spacious feel
While mono-pitched garden rooms are a popular choice, the apex roof used here shows what can be achieved when you work within the Permitted Development rules for a dual-pitched roof. With the building positioned at least 2m from each boundary and kept within the maximum permitted height of 4m, no planning permission was required.
This clever siting enabled Cosy Garden Rooms to create a vaulted internal ceiling reaching 3.4m at its highest point. Compared to the more typical internal ceiling height of around 2.1m found in many mono-pitch designs, this additional volume enhances the feeling of space-ideal for high-intensity workouts and dynamic movement.
Charred larch cladding and complementary finishes
Cosy Garden Rooms clad the front and left elevations of the building in charred larch, using the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique. This age-old Japanese process enhances the timber’s durability and rot resistance while delivering a bold, contemporary aesthetic. The deep black tones and textured surface lend the gym building a distinctive character that will continue to weather beautifully over time.
For the less visible sides, black composite cladding was chosen-offering a practical, low-maintenance contrast that helps keep costs sensible. A black asphalt shingle roof was installed, completing the cohesive exterior palette along with black aluminium doors and windows.
Cosy Garden Rooms work with each client to select the cladding that best suits their vision and maintenance preferences. Many customers opt for Hardie® Plank due to its fire resistance and minimal upkeep, but if a natural timber finish is preferred, they offer options like Western Red Cedar or Scandinavian Redwood.
A minimal interior
The interior of this garden gym continues the pared-back, refined aesthetic. The walls and vaulted ceiling have been lined in special-order beech panelling, chosen for its fine grain and warm tones. This bare timber finish gives the space a slightly industrial feel while creating a calming, natural environment for focused workouts.
The finish is completed with 12 ceiling spotlights and a light chestnut laminate floor-practical for gym use while maintaining a clean, cohesive look.
Full project management from start to finish
Cosy Garden Rooms handled the entire process, from initial consultation through to the final electrical connection. In this case, they worked with the client to extend and reinforce an existing concrete base, ensuring it could handle the demands of gym equipment and provide long-term structural stability.
They also fitted client-supplied external lighting and ensured the final fix electrics were connected by a qualified electrician, meaning the room was ready to use from day one.
Learn more about Cosy Garden Rooms
To explore how you could create your own bespoke garden gym, speak with Cosy Garden Rooms on 0115 77 22 715 or email info@cosygardenrooms.co.uk. You can also visit their website to see more examples of their tailor-made garden buildings.
