How to Make Your Garden Building Eco-friendly
Follow this expert advice on materials, location and more to ensure your new space is as green as it can be
Garden buildings used for work purposes often have a head start in terms of eco-credentials – if you’re reducing your commuting by car or even public transport, you’re already saving energy. But there are lots of other things you can do during the choosing or commissioning stage by paying careful attention to materials, insulation, certification, site and orientation. Here, three experts answer the key questions.
Professional advice from: David Appleton of Appleton Weiner Architects; Benjamin McPhee of Garden Affairs; James Parker of Garden Retreat
Professional advice from: David Appleton of Appleton Weiner Architects; Benjamin McPhee of Garden Affairs; James Parker of Garden Retreat
Is wood the best option for the building?
“A timber building can be airtight – it keeps heat energy in,” says Benjamin McPhee, whose team works from a log cabin in Wiltshire. “It’s also breathable – it lets moisture out. It will keep warm without being stuffy and, even with our PCs running in summer, we don’t need air conditioning.” The company uses northern European Siberian larch for all its garden buildings.
Benjamin urges buyers to check for two eco standards when looking to buy or commission a design: the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), an umbrella organisation that cares for forests locally and globally; and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an expert in sustainable forest management.
Accoya and Tricoya rot-resistant wood composites are another eco-friendly option worth exploring.
“A timber building can be airtight – it keeps heat energy in,” says Benjamin McPhee, whose team works from a log cabin in Wiltshire. “It’s also breathable – it lets moisture out. It will keep warm without being stuffy and, even with our PCs running in summer, we don’t need air conditioning.” The company uses northern European Siberian larch for all its garden buildings.
Benjamin urges buyers to check for two eco standards when looking to buy or commission a design: the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), an umbrella organisation that cares for forests locally and globally; and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an expert in sustainable forest management.
Accoya and Tricoya rot-resistant wood composites are another eco-friendly option worth exploring.
Can I use recycled materials?
In one of David Appleton’s recent garden studio projects (pictured), he reused the concrete foundations from a demolished structure, which saved on new concrete and steel reinforcement. “The demolished building had an unusual irregular plan and this was carried over in our design,” he says.
“One external wall also utilised existing masonry, although this needed to be insulated. The building has cedar shingle cladding, a renewable material that’s very long-lived (50-plus years potentially),” David says. “The interior walls and ceiling are exposed structural ply, cutting out the requirement for plastering.”
When you come to furnish your garden building, buying second-hand or upcycling pieces is a more sustainable choice than installing new furniture and fittings.
There may be materials left over from the build that you could put to good use. “We often use off-cuts of structural ply and lacquer them to make work benches or interior shelving,” David says. “It’s quite rough and ready, but it can be in perfect keeping with a less formal, studio-style garden building.”
In one of David Appleton’s recent garden studio projects (pictured), he reused the concrete foundations from a demolished structure, which saved on new concrete and steel reinforcement. “The demolished building had an unusual irregular plan and this was carried over in our design,” he says.
“One external wall also utilised existing masonry, although this needed to be insulated. The building has cedar shingle cladding, a renewable material that’s very long-lived (50-plus years potentially),” David says. “The interior walls and ceiling are exposed structural ply, cutting out the requirement for plastering.”
When you come to furnish your garden building, buying second-hand or upcycling pieces is a more sustainable choice than installing new furniture and fittings.
There may be materials left over from the build that you could put to good use. “We often use off-cuts of structural ply and lacquer them to make work benches or interior shelving,” David says. “It’s quite rough and ready, but it can be in perfect keeping with a less formal, studio-style garden building.”
What are the most eco-friendly types of glazing?
Benjamin recommends double-glazed, heat-conserving doors and windows manufactured from premium-quality, slow-grown, northern European spruce sourced from managed forests. “The further north, the better the quality,” he says. Draught-proofing for doors and windows is also a must.
Depending on where you live in the country, it might be worth thinking about triple glazing if your building is going to be used in the winter, James suggests. “But watch what you’re spending – sometimes, the costs can outstrip the value of the garden building.”
Find a garden room professional on Houzz.
Benjamin recommends double-glazed, heat-conserving doors and windows manufactured from premium-quality, slow-grown, northern European spruce sourced from managed forests. “The further north, the better the quality,” he says. Draught-proofing for doors and windows is also a must.
Depending on where you live in the country, it might be worth thinking about triple glazing if your building is going to be used in the winter, James suggests. “But watch what you’re spending – sometimes, the costs can outstrip the value of the garden building.”
Find a garden room professional on Houzz.
Are there any eco-friendly roof options?
Sustainable roofing options include wood shingles from a well-managed forest – cedar versions have natural resins that prolong their life. Look out, too, for roof shingles manufactured from waste materials including wood fibre, rubber and plastic. There are also faux slate roofing designs made from recycled plastic and limestone.
An ideal choice for a flat roof is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer), Benjamin says. “It’s a very durable rubber roof membrane that can last from 30 to 50 years. It’s usually made from recycled rubber, making it environmentally friendly.” EPDM is also used in the construction of green roofs, is breathable, and naturally repels water.
A nature-based green roof helps to replace the ecology lost to the footprint of the garden building. “A green sedum design is very long-lasting if properly cared for,” Benjamin says. “It insulates, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning. It also absorbs rainwater, attracts wildlife, and provides soundproofing.”
James adds a caveat – having a successful green roof requires a robust garden building design. “Green roofs are popular, but they are very heavy and the cost of upgrading the roof structure on a more standard garden building can sometimes be off-putting,” he says.
More: A Beginner’s Guide to Green Roofs
Sustainable roofing options include wood shingles from a well-managed forest – cedar versions have natural resins that prolong their life. Look out, too, for roof shingles manufactured from waste materials including wood fibre, rubber and plastic. There are also faux slate roofing designs made from recycled plastic and limestone.
An ideal choice for a flat roof is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer), Benjamin says. “It’s a very durable rubber roof membrane that can last from 30 to 50 years. It’s usually made from recycled rubber, making it environmentally friendly.” EPDM is also used in the construction of green roofs, is breathable, and naturally repels water.
A nature-based green roof helps to replace the ecology lost to the footprint of the garden building. “A green sedum design is very long-lasting if properly cared for,” Benjamin says. “It insulates, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning. It also absorbs rainwater, attracts wildlife, and provides soundproofing.”
James adds a caveat – having a successful green roof requires a robust garden building design. “Green roofs are popular, but they are very heavy and the cost of upgrading the roof structure on a more standard garden building can sometimes be off-putting,” he says.
More: A Beginner’s Guide to Green Roofs
How can I insulate it effectively?
When purchasing a timber building, request a thick wall, preferably 44mm to 70mm, Benjamin suggests. “Install insulation in the roof and floor to limit the amount of electricity required for heating,” he adds.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are another eco-friendly option for a garden building, James says. Insulation is integrated into the panels, so it doesn’t need to be installed separately. “SIPs are made from insulation of various thicknesses, are structural, and are completely recyclable,” he explains. “They are so thermally efficient, they satisfy all the U-values required for Building Regulations and also keep the building cool in summer.”
“There’s also SuperFOIL insulation that can be used for the walls and concrete slab if you have one,” David says. “It provides thin build-ups with good thermal efficiency and is quick to install.” This saves more floor space compared with bulkier standard insulation.
When purchasing a timber building, request a thick wall, preferably 44mm to 70mm, Benjamin suggests. “Install insulation in the roof and floor to limit the amount of electricity required for heating,” he adds.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are another eco-friendly option for a garden building, James says. Insulation is integrated into the panels, so it doesn’t need to be installed separately. “SIPs are made from insulation of various thicknesses, are structural, and are completely recyclable,” he explains. “They are so thermally efficient, they satisfy all the U-values required for Building Regulations and also keep the building cool in summer.”
“There’s also SuperFOIL insulation that can be used for the walls and concrete slab if you have one,” David says. “It provides thin build-ups with good thermal efficiency and is quick to install.” This saves more floor space compared with bulkier standard insulation.
How should I heat my garden building?
Heating a single garden room is a viable and cheaper alternative to running the central heating in the whole house if you’re the only person working from home.
“Electric convection heaters are the most widely used option for garden buildings,” Benjamin says. “Most are available with 24-hour timers and are thermostatically controlled. They are inexpensive and will not need a separate energy source if you have electricity at home.” If your energy supply is green (from renewable sources), this will be an eco-friendly choice for heating your garden building.
“You can employ solar panels to run a heating/cooling unit,” James says, but be sure to check affordability and return on investment for your individual project.
Heating a single garden room is a viable and cheaper alternative to running the central heating in the whole house if you’re the only person working from home.
“Electric convection heaters are the most widely used option for garden buildings,” Benjamin says. “Most are available with 24-hour timers and are thermostatically controlled. They are inexpensive and will not need a separate energy source if you have electricity at home.” If your energy supply is green (from renewable sources), this will be an eco-friendly choice for heating your garden building.
“You can employ solar panels to run a heating/cooling unit,” James says, but be sure to check affordability and return on investment for your individual project.
Will the location of my building affect energy efficiency?
The position and orientation of your garden building can affect how much energy will be required to heat and cool it. Consider how the sun moves across the garden and where the light and shade falls, say our experts. Think about what implications these might have on your working environment.
If you can, choose a spot that allows you to make the most of daylight hours, Benjamin suggests, especially if you’ll need lots of natural light when you’re in the building. “On one of our recent projects, the existing garden layout dictated the locations of doors and windows, but having east- and north-facing windows suited our artist client,” David says. “We also placed a rooflight over the workbench to reduce reliance on electric light.”
The position and orientation of your garden building can affect how much energy will be required to heat and cool it. Consider how the sun moves across the garden and where the light and shade falls, say our experts. Think about what implications these might have on your working environment.
If you can, choose a spot that allows you to make the most of daylight hours, Benjamin suggests, especially if you’ll need lots of natural light when you’re in the building. “On one of our recent projects, the existing garden layout dictated the locations of doors and windows, but having east- and north-facing windows suited our artist client,” David says. “We also placed a rooflight over the workbench to reduce reliance on electric light.”
As far as you can, design your building to limit the amount of heating and cooling you’ll need to do. “South-facing windows and heat-retaining dark floor tiles will collect passive solar heat,” Benjamin says. “Overhanging eaves help the building to collect low sun in winter, but shade it from high sun in summer.”
Use tree canopies to screen against sun and wind, but watch that overhanging branches don’t restrict light. Benjamin recommends pruning back branches to stop them coming into contact with timber walls and causing rot.
“If you’re very restricted by your garden layout, as most people will be, you’ll normally have to rely on the building design and heating and cooling systems or blinds to control temperatures,” James says.
Use tree canopies to screen against sun and wind, but watch that overhanging branches don’t restrict light. Benjamin recommends pruning back branches to stop them coming into contact with timber walls and causing rot.
“If you’re very restricted by your garden layout, as most people will be, you’ll normally have to rely on the building design and heating and cooling systems or blinds to control temperatures,” James says.
Are there ways to offset the construction of the building?
Think about the space around your garden building. David has a good suggestion. “If you have an adjacent area used for occasional car parking, create ‘drive over’ planting areas in the hardstanding that sits between the car wheels,” he says. This would help to return at least some of any wildlife habitat lost during construction.
Think about collecting rainwater, too, for nearby flowers and plants. “Normally, our clients will use water butts,” James says. Ensuring your garden building has good guttering will give you a good supply of rainwater.
Think about the space around your garden building. David has a good suggestion. “If you have an adjacent area used for occasional car parking, create ‘drive over’ planting areas in the hardstanding that sits between the car wheels,” he says. This would help to return at least some of any wildlife habitat lost during construction.
Think about collecting rainwater, too, for nearby flowers and plants. “Normally, our clients will use water butts,” James says. Ensuring your garden building has good guttering will give you a good supply of rainwater.
How do I find the right pro for the job?
When it comes to finding an architect or garden building firm for your project, check for eco accreditations, what their policies are on waste management, and whether they can demonstrate cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-gate (the partial product life-cycle from the source to the factory) practices around sustainability.
“Find yourself a good architect who enjoys crafting small projects – someone passionate about the process of design and construction,” David advises.
“You want a garden buildings company that prides itself on carrying out in-depth research into premium suppliers of the best, sustainably sourced timber,” Benjamin says.
James agrees, saying, “Look for firms that buy timber direct from Scandinavian suppliers who are dedicated to sustainable forest management — ones that follow strict guidelines that meet FSC standards on harvesting selectively and carrying out re-planting schemes that exceed the number of trees felled.”
Tell us…
Will you be considering any of these ideas for your garden building? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
When it comes to finding an architect or garden building firm for your project, check for eco accreditations, what their policies are on waste management, and whether they can demonstrate cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-gate (the partial product life-cycle from the source to the factory) practices around sustainability.
“Find yourself a good architect who enjoys crafting small projects – someone passionate about the process of design and construction,” David advises.
“You want a garden buildings company that prides itself on carrying out in-depth research into premium suppliers of the best, sustainably sourced timber,” Benjamin says.
James agrees, saying, “Look for firms that buy timber direct from Scandinavian suppliers who are dedicated to sustainable forest management — ones that follow strict guidelines that meet FSC standards on harvesting selectively and carrying out re-planting schemes that exceed the number of trees felled.”
Tell us…
Will you be considering any of these ideas for your garden building? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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For garden building bases, the standard options are concrete, patio slab or decking.
“The big focus now is on ground screw systems as opposed to concrete bases,” James Parker says. “Whenever I talk to architects, they always opt for large, pile-driven screw systems with a timber frame as the eco option.”
Concrete bases require lots of preparation, excavation and disposal. Rather than digging the land to make it flat, ground screws are bored in and levelled, causing minimal damage and disruption. Brackets are attached to the top of the ground screws and a timber frame is placed on top and secured to the brackets. The garden building can then be built on top of the timber frame.