Small granny annexe
3.2m by 6.2m — 19.84 square metres, one of the smallest we have featured. A family room that becomes private accommodation whenever the client’s mother comes to stay.
Granny annexes come in all shapes and sizes. Functional living spaces can be created just as effectively in small gardens as in larger ones. This recent project in Esher by Ark Design Build is a perfect example of a small granny annexe designed for a compact garden.
The bespoke design measures 3.2m wide by 6.2m deep, creating a building of 19.84 sqm. While this is one of the smallest granny annexes we have featured, it is just as functional as larger designs and has been crafted with great attention to detail.
The building was designed as a family room that doubles as comfortable self-contained accommodation. The client’s mother stays for extended periods, and the annexe provides her with her own private space.
At a glance
- Size: 3.2m wide by 6.2m deep, 19.84 sqm.
- What it does: a family room by default, and self-contained accommodation for the client’s mother, who stays for extended periods.
- The roof: mono-pitched, rising to 3m on the high side, with a large roof window — which is what keeps a small plan feeling light.
- Glazing: a corner of glazing, sliding doors and a tall window on the side wall, in black aluminium.
- Inside: one main room for living and sleeping, plastered and decorated over a wood floor, with an ensuite shower room at the rear and a kitchenette.
- The service: Ark handled the planning application and Building Control, the foundation and groundworks, and the connections to mains services.
Project-managed build
Ark Design Build managed the entire project, including handling the planning application on behalf of the client and ensuring Building Control approved the building.
The Ark team took care of all aspects of the construction, from laying the foundation and performing the groundworks to connecting the annexe to mains services. This comprehensive service is important to consider when comparing companies for annexe construction. Some builders may install the kitchen and shower room fittings but leave you to arrange the costly connections to services with another provider.
Contemporary granny annexe
This annexe features a modern, contemporary design, as can be seen in the photos. Ark Design Build is steadily building a portfolio of stylish, contemporary garden annexes.
Unlike many granny annexes, this one has a mono-pitched roofline, with the highest side of the building reaching 3m. This extra height creates a main room that feels wonderfully light and spacious, further enhanced by the addition of a large roof window.
A corner of glazing also brings ample natural light into the main room. The space features sliding doors paired with a tall window on the side wall. Ark Design Build uses high-quality aluminium doors and windows for their annexes. In this case, black powder-coated frames were chosen to match the external black cladding.
The spacious main room serves as both living and sleeping accommodation. It features a high-quality plastered and decorated finish, complemented by a wood floor.
An en-suite shower room has been installed at the rear of the building. The tiling work, as shown, is meticulously done. An Ariston water heater has been fitted to provide hot water on demand. As mentioned earlier, the Ark team managed the connections for water, waste, and electrics, with the work signed off by Building Control.
A small kitchenette has also been installed, complete with beautifully detailed tiling, making the annexe a fully functional living space.
Ark Design Build specialises in bespoke garden rooms and focuses its work in the South East of England.
Learn more about Ark Design Build
To learn more about creating a small granny annexe, visit the Ark Design Build website. You can also chat with the team on 07760 882 950 or email them at contact@arkdesignbuild.co.uk.
