WORK AND PLAY

For most of us, our gardens are places of retreat — somewhere we can go when we want to relax. But outdoors is also where we head when we want to entertain, which is why we need our outdoor living spaces to be inviting, practical, versatile and trans-seasonal, all in equal measure. Get the balance right and you’ll have an outdoor living zone that will quickly become your family’s new social hub, and add value to your property.

At the heart of many alfresco living spaces is a structure of some kind. It might be a vine-clad pergola, poolside cabana, rustic hut, charming gazebo or custom-built outdoor room. But socialising and relaxing are not the only things we like to do in our gardens. As each year passes we’re seeing more backyard offices and studios (for yoga, painting or whatever takes your fancy) and as for the garden shed, that’s always been a backyard staple but today’s offerings are much more sophisticated.

Big or small, grand or modest … there is a lot that goes into the planning, construction and decorating of an outdoor structure. There are issues of siting and access, size and style, material selection, heating and lighting, and a whole lot more. There will often be building regulations to comply with and permits to apply for, builders and designers to engage and supervise, plus plans to be drawn up. But get it right and you