When the warm weather rolls around, heading out into the garden is our first instinct. There’s nothing like getting to enjoy those much-anticipated sun rays from the comfort of your own home. However, equally, there’s nothing quite as disheartening as feeling like you’re not making the most out of your garden. Blowing open those conservatory doors to see an uninspiring expanse of green grass and brown shingle doesn’t conjure up images of fun-loving summers filled with adventure. It feels like something is missing. And that something is a summer house.

A summer house can upgrade your garden, so you can have the summer of fun you’ve been dreaming of all year.

Enjoy your garden in bad weather

Those of us in the UK are cursed with infamously unpredictable weather. One minute it’s blistering heat and sunglasses, and the next it’s rainstorms and thunder and lightning. The majority of Brits don’t get to enjoy their gardens more than a few times each year.

Having a log cabin means you can sit in your garden and take in the surroundings, rain or shine. Install heating in your log cabin and decorate it the same way you would your home. You’ll be able to appreciate your beautiful garden from the warmth and comfort of your summer house.

Use the space as guest accommodation

Summer is the season for late evenings with close friends and fun-packed days with the family. Making your guests sleep on the worn-out futon isn’t the luxury overnight experience you want to give them. Instead, transform your log cabin into a tranquil overnight guest room. Decorate your summer house to look like an extension of your home (without having to pay the price for an actual extension). Your guests will thank you for the privacy, and you get to say goodbye to that ugly futon that’s taking up space.

Upgrade your annual BBQ

Something always goes wrong at the annual BBQ. Either it’s pouring down with rain, and the sausages get soaked, or it’s too hot, and the flies won’t leave the punch bowl alone. Instead of exposing your freshly cooked food to the elements, keep everything fresh and concealed inside your log cabin or use a BBQ Hut. Not only is your log cabin the ideal location to sit in if the weather takes a turn, but it’s the perfect place to store your food and drinks during the summer BBQ. Set up a buffet table full of luscious food and let your guests help themselves. Just make sure they shut the door on the way out to stop the dog from getting his paws on those delicious burgers!

Adding a summer house to your garden can transform your summer. Instead of planning around the weather, you can enjoy a carefree summer the way you want to. Don’t be like millions of other Brits who are losing out on the joys of a summer spent outside. Upgrade your garden and summer experience with a summer house.

It’s been over a year since many of us traded in our corporate offices to work from home. Despite this being an unprecedented change that none of us could have planned for, we somehow managed to adapt to this new way of life.

After over a year of working from home, many businesses are announcing offices are a thing of the past.  What was once a temporary solution is now a permanent fixture in our lives and careers. We might have fared well working from the sofa when we knew it wouldn’t be forever, but now it’s looking like we should probably invest in a permanent home office.

Have you ever thought of taking your office outside? We’re sharing how a garden office can give you that work-life balance you crave and increase your productivity.

The daily commute

You never thought you’d see the day when you’d be pinning for the daily commute, did you? I know I didn’t. But I’ll admit it. There’s something about leaving your house and journeying to work that sets you up for the day.

As someone who works from home, I decided to implement a daily commute to help get me in the working mindset. Rather than dragging my half-asleep body from my bed to my desk, I travel out to the garden. At the back of the garden is a log cabin I’ve converted into a home office. Now, I walk from my house, out into the garden and know I’m stepping into a productive, work-orientated space.

Away from distractions

Even as I’m typing this now, I can feel my hand reaching for the mobile phone to my right. And it’s not just the phone I’m constantly battling with. The television, bookcase, record player are all bargaining for my attention when I work inside the house. When creating my log cabin office, I made sure there were minimal distractions. All the items inside my garden office are tailored towards work and remind me what I’m there to do. And yes, the mobile phone stays inside the house at all times!

Discovering solitude

As much as I love having the extra time to spend with my family, all of us working from home doesn’t contribute to a productive working environment. Having an office in the garden means we don’t have to work on top of each other. After my morning coffee with my mum, I head out to the log cabin to start my day whilst she works from the kitchen table. We meet up for lunch for a break and some much-needed social interaction and carry on working separately during the afternoon. Working alone means I don’t waste hours chatting, so I can get my work done quicker and end the day sooner.

There’s nothing better for the body and mind than fresh air. After over a year stuck inside, I’m desperate to get outside at any opportunity. By working from home in my garden log cabin, I can enjoy the outside whilst still completing my work. I’ve found setting physical boundaries has facilitated the mental distinctions I’ve been trying to implement whilst working from home. If you’re struggling to keep your productivity levels up, try changing your surroundings. Head outside and discover how a garden office can make you more productive.

This is a question we get asked all the time, and the answer is…it depends!

Yes that is a rubbish answer, but let me expand on it.

Each country…Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales have their own government guidance…ok that’s simple.

Each county might have expanded on that and added their own guidance. So it really is a postcode lottery!

But here is what we suggest.

1. If you want to protect the structure for years to come you will need to get round it, so keep it at least 5ocm away from a wall. Remember that most cabins walls extend 10cm beyond the cabin, so take this into account.
2. You don’t want rain water to run off the structure into your neighbours garden, so consider this too.
3. If you keep the structure 1m away from the boundary this should keep Scottish Planners happy, although please check with your local guidance first. This will be from the closest point of the structure, which will usually be the roof overhang.
4. If all else fails and you can’t keep it 1m away from the boundary, a structure 2.5m in height or under will fit the bill. Keep the base of the cabin as close to the ground as possible…don’t put this on top of a decking which is 1m up, that’s asking for trouble.
5. Talk to your neighbours, keep them in the loop as Planners find out about new structures from neighbours.
6. And finally if you have fallen foul of Planning, ask about retrospective planning permission. This is possible.

According to Green Building Insider:

• If all buildings were made green, the global carbon footprint could be reduced by 15-20% annually 
• Green-designed are homes are inherently created with energy and water conservation and efficiency in mind
• Over time, not only are you helping to save and conserve the environment, you’re saving money!

Sustainable Log Buildings 

• You can rest assured that all Logspan buildings are built with sustainable timber
• Our buildings arrive unpainted. When you paint or stain yours, we recommend eco-friendly paints and stains
• “Log homes, due to natural insulation and warmer interior require less energy. Since there is a lower requirement to use heaters and other equipment, the energy consumption of log homes is lower by up to 25%”(source)

So, you’ve decided that you want to invest in an outdoor room? How exciting! At Logspan, we take great pride and pleasure in helping you every step along the way. With this in mind, we’ve put together a checklist of things to consider before purchasing an outdoor room:

• Is there enough room on your grounds for this and is there a flat surface prepared for it?
• Do you have planning permission? If you’re not sure if you really do or how to make it happen for you, visit our Planning Permission page that covers England, Scotland and Wales.
• Do you have adequate insulation plans? Insulation not only keeps you warm but it’ll protect your property inside and out.
• Do you have sufficient, safe power sources planned if you’re going to be having electricity in your room?
• What heating will you use? Is it sustainable? Is it cost-effective?
• If necessary, finding the right plumbing solution is essential for your outdoor room.

Choosing the interiors for an outdoor room can be the most exciting part of the process! Your decor may change depending on what you’re using the space for. For example, if you’re choosing to have a garden office, you may want to go for a rustic look.

Think raw, natural elements and muted colour tones. Both stylish and professional, this decor would be ideal for putting you in working mode, even at home.

If, however, you’re looking to create something of a “retreat” in your outdoor room, for yoga, meditation or even just a hideout from the real world, you may be more inclined towards greenery. Think hanging plants, succulents etc. If you’re choosing this, it’s vital that you don’t choose too many perfumed plants as you may become overwhelmed!

Finally, if you’re using your outdoor room for entertaining guests, a cosy room may be best. Think deep colours, cushions, candlelight and plenty of blankets.

When you’re looking to decorate your log cabin, you must ask yourself the following questions:

• What will this space primarily be used for?
  • Entertaining?
  • Relaxing?
• Will it be open-plan or cosy?
  • If cosy, consider one of our Log Cabin Stoves
• Minimalist or homely?
  • If you’re not one for the minimalist approach, bring trinkets, prints and blankets that make the log cabin feel like a real home from home

Log cabins have recently become front and centre of a huge surge in population for the Danish lifestyle of Hygge. Hygge, to put it simply, is about celebrating the simple pleasures in life during colder months. Friends, comfort food and low lights are all key factors in adopting the Hygge lifestyle.

If you want to adopt this for your log cabin, stock up on cushions, candles, blankets and your favourite sharing foods. Make the most of the colder months by using them as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and loved ones in your unique log cabin.

Some people use their log cabins as a space to undertake a “digital detox”. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery, with home comforts and a stove, who needs an internet connection?

Whatever you choose to do, please show us your unique log cabin designs!

What should your outdoor room be used for?

Your outdoor room is a blank canvas and the possibilities are endless – will this be an office? Where your family will eat together? Or is it a guest room? A home from home for your visitors, ensuring that they have the space they need but are moments away from the comfort of your family home.

 Outdoor living room

An outdoor living room is an ideal area for entertaining, for connecting to one another and disconnecting from the internet. This could be especially beneficial when you have a number of guests.

Outdoor playroom

It can be beneficial to create a space that belongs to your children and isn’t intruding on “family” space. An outdoor playroom offers children the opportunity to feel independent and free to be creative without worrying about surroundings.

Whatever you decide to use, you can rely on Logspan for the delivery, build and high-quality spruce. Order online today or get in touch to find out more.

The use of Log Cabins as a tiny house is a movement that is taking the world by storm. In Scotland the Hutter’s have been building small dwellings for many years and now this has seen a revival, see http://www.thousandhuts.org/, for more information on hutting in Scotland.

So what is the benefits of a Log Cabin Tiny House, think of the following.

Cost of buying a Log Cabin

When your budget is an issue you need to make efficient use of both your money and space. The Log Cabin is the perfect option. Not only is it cheap to make, ours are made from Scandinavian Spruce, but they go together easily so the construction is DIY.

Custom Build Log Cabin

There is no need to build a flat pack house and change it as you build. You can design your own log cabin and get us to make your log cabin to our specifications. Yes, down to the millimetre in size if needed. Our precision instruments will cut the timber and notch it so it will slot together. Need an extra window after its built, no worries, just cut the wood out and the fit the window. Single glazed windows can be bought then upgraded or just buy a double glazed log cabin.

There is even the option of buying a large log cabin the same size as a mobile home. Log Cabins can be classed as mobile homes and in certain circumstances only carry 5% VAT, ask us about this possibility.

All these reasons make a Log Cabin a perfect option for a Tiny House.

Where can I build a Tiny House in the UK

Planning permission may not be required as log cabins do not need fixed to the ground. Making your job much easier to build what you need.

If you require to have herders to stay on site with your animals then there are routes for gaining log cabin planning permission.

Heating a Log Cabin

So you have got your log cabin and now your thinking – how do you heat a log cabin? Well, there are as many different ways as there are ways to heat a house, even if you are heating a tiny house. For example we have below a wood burner in the tiny house. It does need to be big. A log cabin can be heated with 2 kW to 6kW, but you could have your wood burner to heat your water. So your now getting to the point where you have an off the grid log cabin, but that is for another day.