Chris & Laura’s Ultimate Garden Retreat Newton Mearns Glasgow


A Room in the Garden

A Bespoke Room in the Garden for Teens and Entertaining

Chris and Laura, a Scottish couple with two teenagers, wanted to upgrade their garden into a dual-purpose haven. They envisioned a hangout spot for their kids and a stylish outdoor area for hosting friends and family, complete with seating and a BBQ setup.

The Situation

With a cramped house and a rotting deck that had seen better days, Chris and Laura needed a fresh solution. Their goals were clear: a durable garden room for the teens to relax and game, plus an entertaining space that could handle Scotland’s unpredictable weather—all tailored to their family’s lifestyle.



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Project Challenges

Space was tight indoors, leaving no room for the teens to unwind without crowding the home. The old decking was unsafe and outdated, and the garden plot demanded a smart layout to fit both a functional room and an outdoor seating area that could stand up to the local climate.

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Solutions

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Design & Build Process

  • Completed the project in two weeks, beginning with a solid concrete base. 
  • The 6.5m x 3.5m garden room included a 3m side overhang and 1m front overhang.
  • Premium walnut composite cladding and anthracite composite decking delivered a sleek, weatherproof exterior.  
  • Interior featured oak laminate flooring, a 3m PVC double-glazed sliding door, and dimmable spotlights for a modern ambiance.


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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

  • Full insulation and a 2kW ceramic smart heater for year-round comfort. 
  • An internal toilet and sink with an undercounter water heater and heated towel rail.
  • A Howdens bar with seating, bottle fridge, and sink—perfect for teens and guests. 
  • TV with HDMI cabling for gaming, plus upgraded chrome sockets.
  • Outside, a 2.5kW infrared heater, exterior double sockets, and roof spotlights made the overhang a four-season entertaining zone.


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Results

Chris and Laura now enjoy a stunning, multi-functional retreat. The teens have a modern hangout with gaming and bar perks, while the sheltered overhang hosts BBQs and gatherings with ease. Built with Oakspan  signature quality, it’s backed by a 10-year workmanship guarantee —proof it’s made to last Scotland’s toughest seasons.



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Kevin team gave us more than we imagined—the kids live in their new space, and we’ve hosted countless BBQs under the overhang. It’s absolutely spot-on!" – Chris & Laura


Chris & Laura

Newton Mearns


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.