GARDEN BUILDINGS
ABOUT
Our sister company Alter-Native-Spaces supply and construct garden buildings across Staffordshire, Cheshire and further afield if requested. Our buildings represent contemporary architectural style and detailing that is hard to find elsewhere in garden building design. We create spaces that promote positive mental health and well-being no matter what the proposed use of your garden building. This is done by providing well balanced amounts of natural light, controlling excessive solar gain, continuous mechanical supply and extract units and through high quality design itself.
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The way in which we work is changing rapidly and the recent pandemic has only made people more aware of this. Employers and employees are beginning to see the benefits that home working provides. For this to be efficient for both parties a well-designed independent home office building provides a huge benefits to the ability to be able to work from home. Productivity is increased and you are away from the distractions of the home itself – we know this from experience having worked from an independent home office for three years now. Our buildings are available at economical prices and the cost can be spread over 3 years if required with our finance option.
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Epoch Architecture combined with Alter-Native-Spaces provide a number of modular garden buildings with ‘off the shelf’ designs available along with bespoke designs also if you would like something truly unique. Our sub-contractors will complete the installation of your new garden building while being overseen by our site foreman. Our garden buildings can be home to a number of different uses such as an annexe, bar, cinema room, gym, home office, hobby room/studio or treatment room to name only a few. Our garden buildings can provide that additional space that you require at a fraction of the cost of extending your home. Also being fully insulated, heated and providing high levels of airtightness, our garden rooms can be used all year round.
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Our architectural department is extremely experienced in architectural design and as Chartered Architectural Technologists we have a broad knowledge of building design and building science. We will project manage the design and construction of your garden building from inception through to completion. Having sourced a competent and reputable team of tradesmen we can ensure that your garden building is constructed to the highest of standards and your garden along with your new investment will be left looking stunning when our work is completed.
THE PROCESS
We will complete an initial consultation on site prior to any commitment to purchase. We will assess any potential site restrictions with regards to health and safety and planning law and provide a project specific quotation. Generally garden buildings below 2500mm high do not require planning permission as long as certain other conditions are also met and the property is not listed, not within a conservation area and permitted development rights have not been removed from the property. However, be rest assured if planning permission is required for any of the above reasons or you want to exceed the restrictions of permitted development, our architectural team will prepare and submit your planning application on your behalf.
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Our outbuilding frames are constructed from sustainably sourced timber and are pre-manufactured in factory conditions and delivered to site ready to erect. The frame is constructed over a pre-prepared foundation completed by our installation team - once erected work commences on making the structure watertight. A choice of cladding materials at varying price ranges are available to finish your building in and physical samples will be provided for approval. The building will be dry-lined and plastered as standard with other options also available. All first and second fix electrical and joinery works will be completed and the floor finish laid. All of our buildings are supplied with electric radiators using infra-red technology and all lighting is low energy. Bespoke built in storage and work stations are available at extra cost for those looking to increase the specification of their garden building to suit the end use.
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We will make good any landscaping or if required bring in our landscaping contractor to complete larger works and add that finishing touch around your new investment. Six months after completion we will return and make good any defects that have occurred through natural movement of materials and finishes.
DESIGN
The opportunities are endless with our garden buildings and with our experience in planning policy, building science and technology and the building process itself means that we are the best placed company for the supply and installation of your new garden building. Planning departments heavily restrict what people can do to the exterior of their house, but the rules around outbuildings are a lot more relaxed, so why not construct a modern contemporary garden room build that will transform the exterior, add the extra space that your require and add value to your property – alter that native space! Our philosophy is to do things differently when it comes to design and use of materials – creating unique garden buildings for our clients and seeing those design details through to site with our sister construction company – Alter-Native-Spaces. We have endeavoured to create organic and contemporary forms in our garden building designs - different to what can be found elsewhere.
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Environmentally friendly optional extras are available such as increased insulation levels, increased airtightness, automation systems, solar panels, mechanical ventilation and green walls and roof installations to support local biodiversity.
Please take a look at our range of garden building designs or alternatively we can design something truly bespoke to your garden. Contact us today to discuss your project further and arrange an initial consultation.