Materials

The main structural elements of your building will usually be built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). These are a combination of strong and durable wooden boarding (OSB), bonded in the manufacturing process to polyurethane insulating foam. Like everything, there are differing grades and qualities of SIP panels and ours are the same as those used in major building projects… being fully accredited by the BBA and welcomed by Building Control.

SIP panels, when cut to size, properly jointed and expertly installed, create one of the most highly efficient and robust structures presently available. They exceed all current building regulations for heat insulation, air-tightness and structural loadings, as well as lowering the time spent on site creating your garden room.

The unseen and vital basis of your new garden room. Swift recommends the optimum kind of foundation system to match the specific loadings that your building will impose.  For example, a large, fully equipped gym with free weights and extensive equipment will demand a different solution than a compact office. We take into account the ground conditions on site and the surroundings (such as trees and other buildings). We employ qualified structural engineers and specialists for their vital input.

 

Here are the most commonly used systems and the reasons for their selection:

• Ground Screws:  These are an efficient and robust system that our engineers have integrated into the specification of the structural ring beam used in Swift buildings.  We choose screws that are over-specified for the precise loadings that our buildings impose, therefore ensuring the permanency of the system.
• Concrete Slab: This involves the greatest amount of preparation time as there has to be considerable excavation and then backfilling with hardcore, insulation, and sometimes steel reinforcement. It can be used where ground conditions are particularly poor, where we’re seeking to maximize internal ceiling height where roof height is limited, or for buildings where there is particularly heavy stresses and loadings placed upon the floor.
• Concrete Pads: still using the strength of concrete, but isolated to a series of support points under the building. The floor of the building would then be constructed from SIP panels within a treated timber ring beam. This is much less invasive than a complete concrete slab and can typically be completed on the first day of installation.
• Jackpad Footings: A pre-prepared system that, similar to the concrete pads, provides support under specific points beneath the building and has adjustable mountings to simplify the process. Sometimes preferred for less level sites and where access is limited.
• Other solutions!  We have great experience and resources to make sure that this vital element of your new space is properly completed

Unless a concrete slab has been laid (in which case this will form the structural floor) your garden room has a floor structure made from SIP panels. These sit upon the footings with a gap beneath to allow for air circulation. The floor is strong, well insulated and permanent. The internal floor covering is down to your choice. High quality laminate flooring is a popular, good looking and practical choice, as is natural wood, vinyl covering, rubberised floor and carpet. The choice is yours because it’s a Swift tailor-made garden room.

These are formed from SIP panels that have been cut and prepared to the exact size and shape to make the walls and openings for windows and doors. Strengthening beams are concealed within the structure and are expertly specified by our engineers and structural designers.

The outer face of your building is clad in a range of finishes to suit your preferences, the design of the building and the setting. Western red cedar is a great choice, providing a beautiful smooth finish that, left untreated will turn to a silver-grey colour over the years, and will require virtually no maintenance. This wood can last up to 50 years and even then can be replaced in a straightforward process without damaging the structure of your garden room. Other choices can be alternative timbers, render, raised seam steel sheet and stone or slate cladding. We discuss the look that you foresee and we create something that matches an image that you already have, or even create a totally bespoke appearance. Why not?

The main structural elements of the roof are SIP panels, including any strengthening steels or beams. Flat roofs are generally covered in a single piece of EPDM; a thick rubber sheet made by Firestone that well and truly puts paid to any historic misgivings about flat roofs. This system is permanent and of excellent quality. Pitched roofs can still have this material, or a more traditional tiled or slate covered roof.

A popular addition on flat or slightly sloping roofs are sedum roofs. They demand a stronger roof structure due to the additional weight, and also add height which becomes relevant in some cases when building under Permitted Development Rights. A lighter weight and slimmer alternative that we introduced to the market some years ago, is the use of artificial grass which gives a softer appearance with less cost and added conditions.

We can also include roof lights and openings.

This is an area that is constantly changing and giving further improved materials and wider choices. French casement, Bi-fold, sliding glazed curtain walls; these are all excellent choices. As systems improve we are able to offer less frame and more glass together with easier opening and improved security. More colours are available with powder coated aluminium, and we even have a highly acclaimed glass artist on our team who can produce totally original and striking features within the glazing.

Structural glazing involves the dominant use of glass in areas that are intrinsic to the strength and main fabric of the building. For example, a large section of the wall can be replaced by glass panels. It can create fabulous-looking design features and brings the connection between the garden room and the garden into focus. We’re able to incorporate such aspects of design and materials into your project which demonstrates our flexible and imaginative approach to design and installation.

Your new garden room’s power supply is usually brought in from the main consumer unit in your existing house. Sometimes this supply may need modification to ensure conformity to strict building regulations and our qualified electrician will ensure that you are left with a safe, effective and certified system.

The garden room itself has its own small consumer unit which splits the power supply to the main demand circuits. The actual fittings are another area of choice for you. As standard we use attractive, brushed chrome sockets, light switches and recessed down-lighters.

Our LED down-lighters are a great example of the attention to detail that makes your room more enjoyable. Our standard light is a very high quality, slimline unit with a 7 year warranty and smooth on-off transition, as well as being fully dimmable. Additional, matching outside lighting is a common feature in our designs. Other electrical installation materials can include:

• Under-floor heating or wall mounted radiators
• Special lighting features both inside and out
• Remote control for the switching of lights and other features
• Air conditioning/Climate control
• Built-in sound and entertainment systems
• Water heater/cooler, kitchen appliances, showers

We work with people who are experts in these hi-tech areas and are able to create the comfort, drama and sophistication that you dream of in your new garden space.