I think I'm going green......

[woody67]

I've just had a "eureka" moment on deciding what to do with our corner plot in the garden.

I've got acces to literally tons of old bricks, slate, sandstone etc from a farmhouse renovation and would like to build a very rustic "bolthole" complete with open fire :shock: as opposed to a prefab wooden summerhouse, so would like to enlist the help of you good people for advice

i) Should I go for it?

ii) Round or square?

iii) What if any planning complications would there be?

iv) Any size suggestions ? :roll:

v) How easy would a sod/garden roof be?

vi) Any piccys I could use for inspiration would be gratefully accepted.

Time isn't of the essence and therefore don't mind spending the long, hot summer :roll: and beyond on it's construction.

Thank you

Mark

 

[MikeG.]

To answer this properly a site plan is needed.........showing all neighbouring buildings and boundaries. The building relates to a lot more than just your bit of land.

Mike

 

[woody67]

Sorry Mike - Suffice to say behind each fence on the photos are neighbouring gardens (houses are maximum distance of 10 metres from the fences)

Mark

 

[EddieJ]

Your first port of call should be a quick visit to your local council offices, and ask if the have a planning guide for your area.
There is a lot that you can do legitimately, but its pointless falling foul of the authorities.

The following links may help.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/

http://www.communities.gov.uk/planni...ilding/sitemap

http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/sitemap

http://www.labc.uk.com/site/index.php

 

[MikeG.]

No, your first port of call should be an architect!!! :wink: :wink: :wink:

 

[milkman]

i) Should I go for it?

Oh yes!

ii) Round or square?

Square's easiest but round (well hexagonal) would fit a corner better

iii) What if any planning complications would there be?

Loads. Design something and ask to get an idea. They shoud give you informal advice as long as you realise it represents no commitment or guarantee as to the outcome of a planning decision. Are you on good terms with your neighbours? Maybe talk to them to get an idea of their feelings about this before going too far.

iv) Any size suggestions?

You can find out the maximum sub-planning heights and sizes from the council. See whether that suits.

v) How easy would a sod/garden roof be?

No more difficult than anything else provided an engineer has done some structural calcs for you! You were going to get that done were'nt you? Also note that building regs I think apply to any structure regardless of planning law.

 

[MIGNAL]

Sorry to be a bit of a killjoy but that garden looks perfectly fine to me. I don't think it needs anything save for a fruit tree or two!

 

[MikeG.]

So-called "green rooves" are in many ways the polar opposite. They typically weigh about 4 times as much as a traditional equivalent, and therefore demand large structures to hold them up, larger foundations than you would otherwise have, and an energy-intense product like aluminium sheets to provide the waterproofing layer. They produce very dry exposed conditions, so support a poor range of plant species, and far from blending buildings in to the environment, as is often claimed, they make a building stand out like dog's balls.

I would suggest you give that aspect of your design ideas a very wide berth.

Otherwise, however, I would encourage you to be as bold, radical and interesting as possible.........

Have you considered a straw bale building?

Mike