This is a question that is often asked to us at Ark design build by all of our potential clients across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. How long will a studio last and are there any risks of rot or damp.
Experience
We have made garden offices, garden gyms and liveable Annex studios in areas including Tunbridge wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Maidstone for over 10 years. So our experience in the ultimate construction method is key to the success and longevity of the build. We have well over 100 five star reviews from happy clients that have seen how our construction methods are far superior to the average garden building.
Foundations
Generally for our garden rooms we prefer a groundscrew install. These piles are driven into the ground every 1200mm at most by our experienced third party installer. All foundations are at a minimum depth of 1m but anywhere up to 3m depending on what the drill tests dictate. The studio is then built on top of these screws with an air gap of around 25mm below.
The air gap is key as constant fresh air will always circulate below the studio meaning the timbers will never rot. The slightly elevated position of your garden studio means there is also zero contact with any ground matter and therefore no risk of any absorption or rising damp into your studio.
On the occasions where we do build over concrete, structural metal feet are in place to again create the same technical situation as above. This is the first key stage for a garden office built to last a lifetime and not encounter any damp, rot or mould issues.
General construction
Every part of the construction of the garden building is the same as if you were having a loft conversion or home extension. All the necessary air gaps are created to again ensure now moisture can be trapped inside.
We build with timber frame using a multi layer reflective actis insulation between the timber. Externally sheathed with 11mm osb and covered with a breather membrane to allow moisture out but not in. A 25mm batten channel separates this from an 18mm heat treated cladding or a western red cedar finish, depending on choice. This air pocket like the one below the base means the timbers will not rot. All cladding is again finished just short of the ground for the same reason.
These cladding options alone are far superior to the standard finishes applied to many budget garden office, gym or annex builds.
The roof structure
Nowhere other than the base is air flow as key as in a roof, that’s why on our pitched roof builds will always have a full soffit vented system on each end. On our flat roof builds we tend to favour a warm roof construction which again will ensure the studio will last a lifetime.
All doors and windows are top quality with the correct ventilation as well as fully double glazed glazing as standard. The same units that would be fitted into a home.
Warm in winter cool in summer
All of the insulation used in an Ark Design Build garden office, garden gym, annex or any outbuilding is the highest standard.
Celotex is used in the roof and floor with Hybris Actis in all walls. These materials act to warm the space in the winter but also as importantly reject the solar heat in the summer. This means the studio will not overheat like the cheaper builds that use mineral wool insulations as an example.
So if you are looking for a garden office or studio that is built to last a lifetime in the south east then Ark design build should certainly be on your list.
We are one of the original garden room companies in the kent area and have a vast experience in the industry. Our studios can be simple and cost effecting or as creative and intricate as your needs. Always built to the highest standards.
Our designs range from small reading rooms or offices all the way up to multi room habitable spaces. We can undertake planning applications and even run building control on the larger projects.
Kitchens, bathrooms and composite decks are now a regular feature. Our studios can even attach to your home in the form at an extension.
So take advantage of our 10 year structural warranty and 100% five star client feedback and get in touch today for a build that will truly add value to your property and your lifestyle.
