A Sanctuary for Focus: Piers' Nine-Year Norwegian Log Garden Room Story

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Nestled in a spacious garden in Berkshire, Piers' Norwegian Log garden room has been a vital space for nearly nine years, evolving from a dedicated home office into a multi-functional haven for himself and his wife.

Piers' initial motivation for the garden room was to create a separate office space. "My wife and I needed some office space away from the rest of the house," he explains, highlighting the need for a quiet area where he and his wife could work away from the children. This decision proved prescient. "Thank God we had it, because if we didn't have that during COVID, we would have really struggled." With three daughters all then at school age, the house lacked a spare bedroom, making the garden room an "absolute Godsend" for focused work during the lockdowns.

"As you can see today, I'm working in there with my wife," Piers shares. Both are lawyers, requiring intensive concentration. Modern technology, with headphones and email communication, makes it easy for them to work side-by-side without distraction. While Piers typically works there one to two days a week, his wife utilises the space five days a week.

The Benefits of Separation

One of the most significant advantages of the garden room is the clear division it creates between work and home life. "It is just a short walk away," Piers affirms. "But even that short distance is important. Once you lock it up for the night, that's it, you know. You leave your work behind and you enjoy the rest of your evening back in the house." This physical separation allows them to truly switch off at the end of the workday.

The size of the garden room has also proven ideal. "The size is ideal for two," Piers notes. Beyond their dual workstations, the room comfortably houses a Peloton, which Piers uses three to four times a week, and a small seating area. While the relaxation area with a sofa and TV doesn't see much use – it's primarily used as a working space – Piers acknowledges it provides a valuable option. "We can use it as an overflow relaxation space if the girls have taken over the house with their friends!"

Effortless Maintenance and a Smooth Build

Piers recalls the build process as "very, very straightforward" and "very quick." The pre-made structure was efficiently assembled on site. One key piece of advice Piers offers is regarding the footings: "I remember we had to get somebody else to do the footings. And I think it would have been quite handy if you'd had somebody to do that." [And we do now!]. The build experience was positive, and they even adjusted the placement of the cabin based on their neighbour's suggestion, which allowed for ample garden space, including room for a hot tub.

In terms of maintenance, the garden room has been remarkably low-effort. "It has been very easy to maintain," Piers states. They've repainted it only twice in nearly nine years, approximately every four years. The far wall, which receives significant sun exposure, requires an annual application of clear oil to prevent blistering, but Piers describes this as "very easy." The roof, guaranteed for 25 years, has also been trouble-free.

More Than Just an Office

While primarily a workspace, the garden room offers flexibility. "You can open it all up, and we've had people here," Piers mentions, adding that it once been a useful space for overnight guests. "It's quite a nice space to open up if you've got a lot of people visiting and enjoying the garden." This extra space is particularly valuable when the main house, which can feel small when hosting many guests, is at capacity.

For Piers, his Norwegian Log garden room is a testament to thoughtful planning and enduring quality. It's a space that has not only met but exceeded expectations, providing a tranquil and productive environment that has seamlessly integrated into their family life.