Why the Timing is Right: Changing Lifestyles and the Rise of Outdoor Living

Remote and hybrid working models have become the new normal. Young families and professionals alike are rethinking how to use their space more efficiently. A garden office or studio offers the ideal balance between convenience and separation—providing a peaceful, productive area that’s just steps away from your back door.

Moreover, with increasing demand for eco-friendly living and sustainable housing, garden rooms have become essential additions to homes. Designed with energy efficiency, insulation, and nature in mind, these structures deliver style and functionality while enhancing property value and well-being.

Bespoke Outdoor Buildings: A Seamless Extension of Your Home

Unlike mass-produced or flat-pack options, bespoke outdoor buildings by HICL are thoughtfully designed to blend with your existing home and garden. Whether you live in a period property in Twickenham or a modern townhouse in New Malden, we ensure your new space feels like a natural extension—not an afterthought.

We design and build:

• Garden offices with full insulation and electrical installation
• Yoga or wellness studios with eco heating and acoustic treatment
• Art, music, and creative studios with bespoke lighting and layout
• Multifunctional spaces for guests, hobbies, or family relaxation

Our team works closely with each client to tailor the size, materials, and purpose of your structure—right down to the last detail.

Understanding Planning Permission for Garden Rooms in the UK

Garden buildings can often be constructed under Permitted Development Rights, which means planning permission is not required if:

• The building is single-storey and no higher than 2.5m (if within 2m of a boundary)
• It does not occupy more than 50% of the original garden area
• It’s not used as a separate, self-contained residence

However, for larger or more complex builds, or properties within conservation areas (like parts of Richmond or Wimbledon), planning permission may be necessary.

As part of our turnkey service, HICL handles all aspects of the planning process, ensuring every structure meets local building regulations and is built with longevity and compliance in mind.

Garden Office and Studio Design: What to Consider

The design process is where your vision comes to life. HICL’s team guides you through the options to ensure your space is as practical as it is beautiful.

1. Purpose and Usage Is this a workspace, gym, artist’s studio, or hybrid room? Each use has different needs in terms of layout, insulation, storage, and power supply.

2. Location and Orientation We assess your garden’s layout to maximise light, privacy, and flow. A passive solar garden room can lower energy use by harnessing natural light and heat.

3. Materials and Aesthetics Choose from a range of sustainable materials including cedar timber cladding, composite decking, green roofing, reclaimed timber, and eco-friendly insulation.

4. Power, Heating & Connectivity Our NICEIC-certified electricians ensure seamless power connections. Heating options range from infrared panels to underfloor heating and air conditioning.

5. Sustainability We’re proud to build eco-conscious spaces that reduce environmental impact. Explore rainwater harvesting—watch our YouTube video for practical advice—or include a green roof to support biodiversity.

Cost of Building a Garden Office or Studio

While the price of a garden room varies depending on complexity, finishes, and whether you need plumbing, HICL ensures transparent pricing and detailed quotes.

Estimated guide prices:

• Basic refurbishments: £1000 - £2500 per m²
• Mid-range renovations: £2500- £4000 per m²
• High-end finishes: £4500+ per m²

We also help our clients access trade discounts and keep costs efficient without compromising quality.

Book an appointment, or drop by our Surbiton office for a coffee with our experienced director, Andi. He’ll walk you through your project, discuss what's needed, and outline the budget and timelines, all in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.

Meet the Experts Behind Your Build: HICL’s Difference

Home Improvement & Construction Ltd has been trusted by families across South-West London since 2000. From Wimbledon to Woking, our team delivers end-to-end construction services—everything from concept and design to build and completion.

Why choose HICL for your outdoor building?

• Over 20 years’ construction experience
• City & Guilds certified
• Personalised planning and full project management
• No middlemen—just our reliable in-house team
• 5-year structural guarantee
• Excellent communication and schedule of works
• Free, no-obligation quotes

Our founder, Andi Drishti, personally oversees all projects. A qualified carpenter with decades of experience, Andi is known for identifying design solutions other contractors miss. Clients frequently comment on his warmth, creativity, and professionalism.

Our Skilled Team: Trades You Can Trust

From start to finish, HICL provides every trade required to complete your garden room:

• Builders and Carpenters
• Qualified Plumbers
• NICEIC Electricians
• Roofers, Bricklayers and Plasterers
• Decorators and Finishers

Our staff and vetted subcontractors are friendly, experienced, and committed to delivering a high standard on every job.

Explore our latest projects and garden room ideas on Instagram.

Real Customer Stories: Garden Building Case Studies

Surbiton Garden Office & Gym Combo:

 A couple working remotely approached us for a dual-purpose room. We designed a 5x4m garden building with acoustic insulation, heating, skylights, and bi-fold doors. One side is a stylish office, the other a home gym with mirrored walls. They now save time and money without compromising their lifestyle.

Twickenham Family Garden Room:

 After a loft conversion a returning customer asked us to create a multifunctional space in their garden. Our team built a timber-clad studio perfect for teen study, games nights, and weekend entertaining. “It’s like adding another room to our house—but better,” they told us.

Kingston Music Studio with Reclaimed Materials:

 A professional musician wanted an eco-friendly, soundproof space for recording. We used reclaimed wood, sheep’s wool insulation, and rubber flooring for noise control. The result: a stunning, sustainable workspace.

Long-Term Benefits of Garden Offices and Studios

• Added property value—Attractive to future buyers
• Saves space—Avoids the need for larger home extensions
• Better work-life balance—Clear separation between home and work
• Sustainability—Reduced energy usage with passive design
• Customisation—Tailored for exactly how you live and work

Whether you need a compact garden office in Surbiton, a biophilic retreat in Hampton, or a modular studio in Chessington, HICL has the expertise to deliver.

Final Thought: Your Space, Your Future

The perfect garden room isn’t just a place—it’s an opportunity. A space that improves how you live, work and unwind. With over two decades of experience and a team that truly cares, HICL is ready to help you build better, smarter, and more sustainably.

Now is the perfect time. Call 020 8339 7955 to request your free quote and discover your garden's full potential.