Shou Sugi Ban Garden Room
Published: 20 June 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes 11 seconds
Rustic Realities specialises in bespoke garden room projects in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. They are adept at mixing rustic features with contemporary detailing to create a chic cabin style. Their work stands out in a market full of cedar-clad cubist designs.
Recent Rustic Realities clients were looking for a garden room that was different from the cedar or composite-clad boxes, and having seen examples of Rustic Realities' previous projects, knew Lee from Rustic Realities was the person to bring their vision to reality.
They were looking for a garden room with a cabin feel but didn’t want a design that was overly rustic. While the new room would be enjoyed by all the family, it was designed primarily for the owner's son to set up his computer and hang out with friends.
Because Rustic Realities utilises a multi-layer insulated timber framework paired with double-glazed windows and doors, their buildings are comfortable to use in every season.
Clients’ Ideas Influenced the Design
As a bespoke designer, Lee sits down with customers to understand what they want from their new room and how they plan to use it. This client had seen elements in Rustic Realities' previous projects that they wanted to incorporate into their own garden room. These features included the 2m high corner window configuration, the swing seat positioned on a covered veranda, and interior finishes that mix hardwood plywood walls with a white ceiling.
The client also wanted to incorporate some storage into the design. They required a log storage area and a cupboard to store their outdoor furniture cushions.
As part of the design process, Lee creates a 3D model of the proposed building so clients can see what it will look like from all angles and get an idea of the space and light the room will have. This image is taken from this 3D model. Looking at the photos of the finished project, we can see that the completed building is an exact match of the design the clients were shown.
Shou Sugi Ban Cladding
Rustic Realities' client chose Shou Sugi Ban cladding for the exterior of their garden room. Shou Sugi Ban is a Japanese technique of charring timber with a flame. This gives the boards their black colouring and adds character to the surface of the boards, enhancing the grain pattern.
The charring process of Shou Sugi Ban makes the timber exceptionally resistant to weathering, insects, and rot, significantly extending the lifespan of the garden room. Shou Sugi Ban cladding is renowned for its durability, offering a low-maintenance solution that can withstand harsh environmental conditions for decades.
The Shou Sugi Ban cladding has been fitted in a board-on-board pattern, which itself offers texture and interest to the walls. With this technique, the first layer of boards butt into each other with the joint being protected by another layer of board over it.
The timber doors and windows have been painted black to pair with the Shou Sugi Ban cladding. The natural colouring of the decked veranda and the swing seat provides an attractive relief to the black finishes.
Learn More
To learn more about Rustic Realities' work, chat with Lee on 07712 581 532 or email info@rusticrealities.co.uk. Explore www.rusticrealities.co.uk to see more examples of their garden rooms.
