Garden Room Case Study: A Family Retreat for Kevin & Rama

GARDEN ROOM BAR

A Spacious Garden Room With Bar and Modern Amenities

Kevin and Rama, a hardworking couple who both work from home, were desperate for more living space to accommodate their family, including their teenagers who needed a hangout spot. They dreamed of a relaxing retreat to unwind on weekends, separate from their bustling household. We delivered a stunning 7.5m x 4m garden room complete with a garden room bar, toilet, and clever design features to meet their every need.

Project Overview

  • Location: Glasgow
  • Size: 7.5m x 4m
  • Purpose:   Family hangout, relaxation space, and weekend retreat
  • Timeline: Completed in 3 weeks
  • Key Features: Bar, compost toilet, underfloor heating, composite decking


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Project Challenges

Kevin and Rama’s home was running out of space. With both working remotely and their teenagers needing a place to socialise with theeir dream garden bar, the house felt cramped and chaotic.


They required a multi-functional garden room that could serve as a peaceful escape for the adults and a fun hangout for the kids, all while fitting into a sloped garden with no nearby drainage. Noise control was also a priority to keep the neighbors happy.

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Solutions

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Design & Build Process

  • Timeline: The build was completed in just 3 weeks, from excavation to final touches.
  • Site Prep: The garden room sits on an elevated position at the top of a sloped garden. We tackled this challenge with excavations, retaining walls, and a solid concrete slab foundation.
  • Size & Layout:   A spacious 7.5m x 4m layout with room for a custom Howdens barden room
  •  bar designed by Kevin and Rama, plus a compost toilet and self-contained sink.

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Materials Used

  • Exterior: Full walnut composite cladding paired with sleek black uPVC double-glazed windows for a modern look and durability.
  • Roof: Rubber EPDM roof for weather resistance and longevity.
  • Interior: Acoustic insulation, plasterboard, and acoustic glass to minimise noise, plus electric underfloor heating for year-round comfort
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Special Features

  • Compost Toilet & Soakaway: With no nearby drain, we installed a compost toilet connected to a custom soakaway, designed for urine and freshwater only. Rainwater was also channeled into the soakaway to keep it flushed and functional.
  • Self-Contained Sink: A 25-litre water tank with instant hot water, connected to the soakaway.
  • Smart Tech: Smart light switches and a WiFi ceramic heater for convenience and efficiency.
  • Bar: A bespoke Howdens bar, designed by Kevin and Rama, as the centerpiece of the space.
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Additional Design & Innovative Solutions for Your Garden Bar Room

Customisation

The flooring and insulation were chosen for durability and comfort, suitable for both relaxation and lively teen hangouts.

Exterior Finish

We added 10m x 3m composite decking with a glass balustrade (to be completed) for a sleek, low-maintenance outdoor area.

Challenges Overcome

The sloped terrain required significant groundwork, including retaining walls and precise leveling, to ensure a stable foundation. The lack of drainage was solved with the innovative soak away system

Results

The garden room has transformed Kevin and Rama’s lifestyle. They now have a versatile space where the family can relax, socialise, and escape the confines of their home.


The teenagers love the hangout spot, while Kevin and Rama enjoy the perfect garden bar and peaceful retreat on weekends. The acoustic features ensure neighbors remain undisturbed, and the eco-friendly toilet and soakaway system blend seamlessly into their garden setup.


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We were a bit unsure about the compost toilet at first, but it works perfectly. The soakaway system is so clever—everything’s self-contained, and we love that it’s sustainable. Even the instant hot water in the sink feels like a luxury. The composite decking and upcoming glass balustrade have elevated the outdoor area, too, creating a seamless flow between the garden room and our garden. It’s added a whole new dimension to our property. The three-week build flew by, and the team handled everything—the slope, the retaining walls, the custom bar—so professionally. It’s not just a room; it’s a space that’s brought our family closer together. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Kevin & Rama

Glasgow

Choosing Oakspan Means Choosing Unmatched Expertise


I’m Kevin Tomlinson, founder of Oakspan, and I personally oversee every garden room project from start to finish. With my hands-on approach, you can trust that your vision will be brought to life with exceptional care—guiding you seamlessly from initial design through construction to the final handover.


At Oakspan Bespoke Garden Rooms, there’s no sales team or hidden costs—what I quote is what you pay. Drawing on my extensive construction background, I’ve built our company on a foundation of systemized flexibility: delivering top-quality garden retreats tailored to your needs, backed by 15 years of expertise. This means consistent, transparent service and a final product that exceeds expectations, every time.


Ready to transform your outdoor space? Email me directly at enquiries@oakspan.co.uk or use our convenient call-back form below.


I’m excited to work with you and turn your garden bar ideas into a reality you’ll love for years to come.


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FAQs for Garden Bar Rooms

Do I need groundwork for my garden room?

Yes,. groundwork is typically required for a garden room, garden buildings, log cabins, pub shed or garden gin bar. A level concrete slab or eco-friendly base (like ground screws) ensures stability and durability. For sloped sites, retaining walls or excavation may be needed. Oakspan assesses your garden to recommend the best foundation, tailored to your project.

Will I need planning permission to build a garden room?

Usually, no—garden rooms under 2.5m high and less than 50% of your garden’s area are permitted development in the UK. However, listed buildings or conservation areas may require permission. Oakspan checks local regulations for you, ensuring compliance without the hassle.


What access do I need into my garden for you to install the garden bar building?

You’ll need at least 0.8m-wide access (e.g., a side gate) for materials and tools. No rear access? We can work through your home with care. Oakspan evaluates your site beforehand to plan the smoothest installation, minimising disruption.


Is my garden room bar suitable for year-round use?

Answer: Yes, with proper insulation, heating (like underfloor systems), and double-glazed windows, your garden room is perfect for all seasons. Oakspan uses acoustic insulation and weatherproof materials to ensure comfort and durability, whether it’s a home office or retreat.


Is my garden room bar suitable for year-round use?

Answer: Yes, with proper insulation, heating (like underfloor systems), and double-glazed windows, your garden room is perfect for all seasons. Oakspan uses acoustic insulation and weatherproof materials to ensure comfort and durability, whether it’s a home office, entertainment space, man cave or retreat.