More and more people are opting to build garden offices as a flexible extra space to work, relax or pursue hobbies. Here are the main reasons behind the growing popularity of garden offices, so if you are thinking of investing in one, read on.
Image from Pixabay
Home Working Becoming More Common
With remote and flexible working on the rise, many people are choosing to work from home for at least part of the week. However, working from the kitchen table or lounge can be distracting and uncomfortable. A garden office provides a quiet, private workspace to concentrate on work. It enables separation between home and office life while avoiding an arduous commute. During the Covid-19 pandemic, makeshift garden offices boomed as working from home became mandatory. Many are now choosing to make these permanent fixtures.
Better Work-Life Balance
Having a garden building dedicated as an office space enables people to walk away from work more easily. When the office is in a spare bedroom or other part of the main house, it can be difficult to switch off. Physically leaving the office to enter the house signifies the end of the workday and start of personal time. This healthier work-life balance supports wellbeing.
Space Constraints in Houses
Despite average new build homes in Britain getting smaller, possessions and activities continue to expand. From craft hobbies to fitness equipment, families accumulate a lot of clutter. Garden offices provide extra storage and space that doesn’t compete with living areas. An office in the garden clears space in the house and reduces clutter.
Multi-Functional Buildings
While primarily used as offices, garden buildings are also utilised for other purposes. They may be used as a gym, workshop, studio, guest accommodation or teenagers’ den. Building a generously sized garden room gives flexibility to adapt to changing needs over time. Even in a narrow or small garden, a garden office can be accommodated. Read the linked article on how to divide a long narrow garden for ideas.
Environmentally Friendly
Constructing a standalone building in the garden has less environmental impact than extending the main house. Smaller buildings require fewer materials and energy to heat and power. Garden offices are typically made of sustainable wood and have green roofs. They allow more people to work from home while avoiding long commutes.
Affordable Addition
For the space gained, garden offices are a cost-effective way to add extra living area. Garden buildings don’t increase council tax bands as extensions can. Planning permission may not be required depending on size and location. Low maintenance materials keep long-term costs down.
Improved Wellbeing
Working surrounded by nature has proven benefits for mental health. Garden rooms with big windows and double doors let the outside in. Taking breaks to sit in the garden clears heads, relieving stress. Natural light, greenery and birdsong create a pleasant environment. Add some additional garden partitions to create different zones.
More Time Outdoors
Having an office in the garden makes spending time outdoors part of the daily routine. This encourages more activity, exercise and appreciation of nature. Location away from the distractions of the home can help focus while working. But it’s easy to take breaks to refresh mentally.
Garden offices offer the perfect solution for those seeking extra living space. They enable people to work productively from home while improving their lifestyle balance.
Why Garden Offices are a Growing Trend
More and more people are opting to build garden offices as a flexible extra space to work, relax or pursue hobbies. Here are the main reasons behind the growing popularity of garden offices, so if you are thinking of investing in one, read on.
Home Working Becoming More Common
With remote and flexible working on the rise, many people are choosing to work from home for at least part of the week. However, working from the kitchen table or lounge can be distracting and uncomfortable. A garden office provides a quiet, private workspace to concentrate on work. It enables separation between home and office life while avoiding an arduous commute. During the Covid-19 pandemic, makeshift garden offices boomed as working from home became mandatory. Many are now choosing to make these permanent fixtures.
Better Work-Life Balance
Having a garden building dedicated as an office space enables people to walk away from work more easily. When the office is in a spare bedroom or other part of the main house, it can be difficult to switch off. Physically leaving the office to enter the house signifies the end of the workday and start of personal time. This healthier work-life balance supports wellbeing.
Space Constraints in Houses
Despite average new build homes in Britain getting smaller, possessions and activities continue to expand. From craft hobbies to fitness equipment, families accumulate a lot of clutter. Garden offices provide extra storage and space that doesn’t compete with living areas. They can also be used for document storage, helping to keep paperwork organised and out of the main house. An office in the garden clears space in the house and reduces clutter.
Multi-Functional Buildings
While primarily used as offices, garden buildings are also utilised for other purposes. They may be used as a gym, workshop, studio, guest accommodation or teenagers’ den. Building a generously sized garden room gives flexibility to adapt to changing needs over time. Even in a narrow or small garden, a garden office can be accommodated. Read the linked article on how to divide a long narrow garden for ideas.
Environmentally Friendly
Constructing a standalone building in the garden has less environmental impact than extending the main house. Smaller buildings require fewer materials and energy to heat and power. Garden offices are typically made of sustainable wood and have green roofs. They allow more people to work from home while avoiding long commutes.
Affordable Addition
For the space gained, garden offices are a cost-effective way to add extra living area. Garden buildings don’t increase council tax bands as extensions can. Planning permission may not be required depending on size and location. Low maintenance materials keep long-term costs down.
Improved Wellbeing
Working surrounded by nature has proven benefits for mental health. Garden rooms with big windows and double doors let the outside in. Taking breaks to sit in the garden clears heads, relieving stress. Natural light, greenery and birdsong create a pleasant environment. Add some additional garden partitions to create different zones.
More Time Outdoors
Having an office in the garden makes spending time outdoors part of the daily routine. This encourages more activity, exercise and appreciation of nature. Location away from the distractions of the home can help focus while working. But it’s easy to take breaks to refresh mentally.
Garden offices offer the perfect solution for those seeking extra living space. They enable people to work productively from home while improving their lifestyle balance.