Why limit a shed to just storing bikes and wheelbarrows when it could become a serene retreat? A place just steps away from the home and the daily bustle—where you can truly unwind, surrounded by the garden and the natural landscape. The owners envision more than just a functional outbuilding. Their dream includes a sauna, a peaceful relaxation room, and a covered veranda. They also want the garden house to generate energy and to be able to evolve into a semi-independent living space for their children as their needs grow.

Sheltered space

The existing home is a collection of timber buildings, each with its own unique character. The garden house is conceived as a natural extension— a ‘relative’—of the side wings of the main residence. Laminated timber portal frames and a zinc-clad roof form a protective shell, beneath which a wooden volume is carefully nestled. A distinctive asymmetrical roofline defines the structure. The garden house’s L-shaped layout creates space for a generous veranda oriented toward the evening sun. This sheltered outdoor area offers a perfect setting for the owners to enjoy long summer evenings by the outdoor fireplace.

Robust and inviting

Meticulous attention has been paid to detail, with only high-quality materials used throughout. Four robust, laminated timber portal frames serve as the defining structural elements of the design. Firmly anchored to a solid concrete floor slab that visually extends from interior to exterior, they support a precisely crafted zinc standing seam roof with concealed gutters. Beneath this striking roofline, the garden house radiates a warm, inviting character, thanks to its fraké wood façade and smooth plastered elements. In the relaxation room, expansive aluminium-framed windows beautifully capture views of the surrounding meadows. French doors further enhance the connection between indoors and outdoors, allowing the space to flow effortlessly into the garden.

Multi-Functional and Thoughtfully Designed

The garden house is designed to accommodate a range of uses, bringing comfort and practicality together under one roof. It offers a tranquil retreat, complete with a sauna and a dedicated relaxation room. A cozy loft provides the children with their own hideaway for overnight stays, while a toilet and compact pantry add everyday convenience. Ample storage is also integrated into the design, with space for bicycles, tools—both large and small—and other items not needed on a daily basis. In addition, a technical room is included to house installations for both the garden house and the planned natural swimming pond.

Elegantly Sustainable

The eastern roof is nearly entirely covered with PV panels, generating almost 50% of the total electricity required for both the house and the garden house. The home is fully electric, with dedicated heat pumps in each section of the building. The garden house is crafted from materials that age gracefully, ensuring both durability and a low environmental impact.