Project Type
Garden Studio + Landscaping
Duration
6 weeks
Project Value
£48,000
The Challenge
The garden is south-west facing but shaded by a large mature oak (subject to Tree Preservation Order) which significantly constrained the studio position. Planning required careful navigation — the conservation area meant Permitted Development limits were tighter than standard. The studio had to be positioned to avoid the oak's root protection area and canopy drip line as required by Camden's tree officer.
Our Solution
We worked with an arborist to produce a root protection area survey and tree impact assessment satisfying Camden's tree officer. The studio position was optimised to maximise light while remaining outside the protected zones. A lightweight foundation system (Techno Metal Post screw piles) was specified to avoid any excavation near the oak roots. The landscaping design incorporated the oak as a central feature.
Results
- ✓Camden tree officer approval obtained within 2 weeks
- ✓Studio built without a single root protection area violation
- ✓25m² insulated garden studio with underfloor heating
- ✓Full electrics (sockets, lighting, EV point) and Cat6 internet
- ✓Natural stone terrace (Indian sandstone) 40m²
- ✓Raised kitchen garden beds in reclaimed brick
- ✓Lawn restoration with new topsoil and turf
Key Features
- ✓Screw-pile foundation system — no excavation near oak
- ✓Timber-clad exterior, anthracite grey — conservation area approved
- ✓Triple-glazed floor-to-ceiling glazing, south-facing
- ✓Underfloor heating, MVHR ventilation
- ✓Cat6 cabling and high-speed internet connection
- ✓Natural sandstone terrace with reclaimed brick edging
Specification
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Studio structure | SIPS (structural insulated panels) with cedar cladding, pre-stained |
| Foundation | Techno Metal Post screw piles — no excavation required |
| Glazing | Triple-glazed aluminium-framed doors and fixed panes, anthracite grey |
| Terrace | Indian sandstone, Raj blend, 600×900mm — 40m² |
| Raised beds | Reclaimed London stock brick, lime mortar, deep-fill with imported topsoil |
| Lawn | Rotavated and levelled, 150mm imported topsoil, Rolawn medallion turf |
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