So, you’re probably wondering what exactly a garden studio is? Well, it’s like a mini-house, a small living or working space set directly in your garden. Convenient for creating a peaceful garden office, a small living room, or even a workshop to unleash your creativity without taking over the interior of the house.
Imagine: a space just for you, bathed in natural light, surrounded by greenery, just a few steps from your front door. A dream, right? And on top of that, it’s trendy! With remote work, garden studios have become extremely popular. People are looking for solutions to have a quiet corner without breaking the bank or moving.
Different Types of Garden Studios
Are you ready to discover the options? Well, good news, there is something for every taste and need.
1. Livable Garden Studio
If you want a livable garden studio, meaning a space where you can live, sleep, and even cook, you will need to follow certain rules (we will come back to this later). These studios are perfect for adding a guest room, or a space for a teenager who wants their independence.
2. Garden Office
Need a place to work quietly? The garden office is ideal! No need to create an additional room in the house, you set up your computer, your ergonomic chair, and voilà! You are ready to work without being disturbed. Plus, a well-designed garden office is a great feature if you want to enhance your property.
3. Garden Workshop
For creatives or budding artisans, nothing beats a garden workshop. Whether it’s for painting, tinkering, or sewing, it’s a space that offers you total freedom without having to move all your tools every night. You leave everything in place and come back whenever you want!
Why Have a Garden Studio? The Benefits
It’s true, a garden studio represents an investment, but believe me, there are plenty of good reasons to have one!
- Freedom and independence: With your own space, you don’t need to share the dining table to work.
- Added value to your home: A well-designed garden studio can increase the value of your property. Who doesn’t dream of a small house in the garden?
- A space for guests: When you have guests, it’s a ready-made guest room!
- Convenient for remote work: With the rise of remote work, having a garden office has become an accessible and highly appreciated luxury.
And, the icing on the cake, you can even say that you live in a “French-style garden.” Chic, isn’t it?
Regulations and Planning Permission: What You Need to Know Before Starting
Before laying down your first board, let’s talk about the serious stuff: regulations. Because yes, even in your garden, you can’t build as you please.
What Are the Rules?
To keep it simple:
- Less than 5m²: No permit required. You can go ahead with your eyes closed.
- Between 5m² and 20m²: A prior declaration of work is required.
- More than 20m²: Here, you need a building permit.
Summary Table of Procedures
| Studio Size | Administrative Procedures |
|---|---|
| Less than 5m² | No formalities |
| From 5m² to 20m² | Declaration of work |
| More than 20m² | Building permit |
How to Choose the Ideal Garden Studio?
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to choose your garden studio? There are a few important criteria to make the right choice:
- Surface area: Think about it carefully! If it’s just for an office, 10m² may be enough. For a living space, consider at least 15 to 20m².
- Materials: Wood, metal, or even concrete? Wood is warm and environmentally friendly, but metal can give a more contemporary look.
- Insulation: A good garden studio must be insulated to remain pleasant year-round. Take the time to check that the insulation is top-notch!
- Interior design: If you want a small kitchen or a bathroom area, think about plumbing and electricity.
The Best Materials for Your Garden Studio
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Natural, aesthetic, ecological | Regular maintenance required |
| Metal | Modern, resistant | Can be cold in winter |
| Concrete | Strong, good insulation | More expensive and complex |
Installation Steps for a Garden Studio
Installing a garden studio is not rocket science, but you need to be well prepared. Here is a simple guide to help you navigate through it.
- Preparing the ground: If you want to avoid your studio sinking, make sure you have a solid base.
- Foundations: Generally, a concrete slab or blocks are sufficient for a lightweight studio.
- Assembling the structure: If you have chosen a kit model, construction can be quite quick.
- Roof and finishing touches: Pay attention to waterproofing! Choose a roof covering that will withstand the elements well.
Cost and Financing of a Garden Studio
We come to a question that has surely crossed your mind: How much does it cost?
Average price of a garden studio:
Depending on the options chosen, a garden studio can cost you between €5,000 for a basic model and €30,000 for an equipped and insulated version.
Some tips to reduce costs
- Do it yourself: If you have a knack for DIY, opt for a kit model. It’s more economical.
- Compare prices: Don’t hesitate to ask for several quotes to get the best offer.
- Opt for local materials: Some materials are more affordable depending on your region.
Inspiring Testimonials from Garden Studio Owners
There’s nothing better than real stories to convince you. Here’s what some owners think:
- Marie, freelance graphic designer: “My garden office is my little haven of peace. No more household noises, I feel more productive.”
- Pierre, family man: “We turned it into a teenage room for our son. He is thrilled, and so are we!”
FAQ: All Your Questions about Garden Studios
What is a livable garden studio?
It is a studio designed to accommodate someone continuously. It is insulated, often equipped with windows and sometimes even heating.
Can electricity and plumbing be installed?
Absolutely! For electricity, you will probably need a connection to your house’s network. For water, it is more technical, but entirely possible.
If this article has inspired you, share it on your social networks! And if you want to go further with your project, don’t hesitate to consult our complete guide to choosing your garden studio. Make your garden a unique space tailored to your taste!
