Tiny House Movement: Why Timber Workshops Are So Versatile

What is the tiny house movement?

The tiny house movement has become popular in the UK over the last few years. Many Brits of all ages - many of them empty nesters and retirees - are taking the plunge and downsizing to a tiny home in the countryside. Yet, living off-grid full-time is a big lifestyle change; it entails having access to less power and using fewer electric appliances on a daily basis. 

Living in a very small space full-time is a significant lifestyle change, especially if you also work from home. This is especially true if you work from home. The tiny house movement is extremely fascinating, though, so many people still feel the urge to build their own tiny home, without committing to living in it. This is easily achievable.

You can learn more about the tiny house movement from the Tiny House Community Bristol.

Can a timber workshop be used as a tiny house?

You can make your tiny home dreams come true by purchasing a timber workshop or garden studio to erect on your property. Use it as a workshop, play room, and more during the day. At night, simply head back to the house and enjoy all the comforts of modern life. 

Erecting a timber workshop can be a lot easier, quicker, and cheaper than adding an extension to your home. They come in different sizes, so you can choose a design which suits your space requirements. 

Wooden workshops are built out of pressure-treated thick timber framing, which is very solid and will weather the elements through the years. Timber is a very sustainable material, so a wooden building is in line with the tiny house philosophy. 

Do you need planning permission for a timber workshop?

In many cases, you may not need planning permission to build a workshop, although it is a good idea to get in touch with the local council to confirm this before you start making plans. If you live in a National Landscape (including the Broads), a conservation area, or a World Heritage Site, you will be more likely to gain planning permission for a traditional-looking timber building. You can read more about the topic in this article.

You can also find the latest guidance on the Planning Portal.

How do you get power to a garden workshop?

Connecting the workshop to the mains is a lot easier if you locate it near your home, as you can simply hook it up to the houses’ mains supply. This will allow you to use a standard amount of electricity, rather than relying on solar panels as you would off-grid.

What can you use a wooden workshop for?

Timber workshops are extremely versatile and can adapt to a variety of uses, depending on the comforts you add to them, such as electricity and heating.

You can fit it out with electricity, heating and insulation for year-round comfort, or keep it as a simpler workshop or garden room.

Kids’ playroom

A garden studio is a fantastic, safe space for your children to go play and learn to be independent. It can also help keep your home clean and tidy. Your kids will love having their own dedicated tiny house.

Office

If you work from home but things are a little lively in the house, you can use a garden studio as an office. This requires a little investment, but it is a lot more convenient than renting a space in town.

If you're planning to work from your garden building, you might also find our guide to creating a home office in a timber workshop useful.

Gym

Gym equipment does not belong to a house. Store your favourite machines in the workshop and exercise there. Getting out of the house to work out will help you switch off from your routine and worries.

Looking for inspiration? Read our article on designing a garden home gym.

Hobby room

A workshop is a fantastic space where to retreat to practice a hobby, such as playing a musical instrument or wood working. Having your own room has lots of benefits to your mental health.

Garden bar

If you enjoy having friends over but do not want to disturb the children after their bedtime, you could turn your garden studio or stables into a small bar. A couple of sofas and a small kitchen will allow you to have a fun night “out” without leaving your home.

Glamping base

If your children enjoy camping, turn the building into a glamping hut during the summer. They can have a fun evening together, sleep over, and eat breakfast in their sleeping bags in the morning. The experience will give them much sought-after freedom, while you can supervise them from a distance.

Can you adapt a timber workshop over time?

There are many other ways in which you can use a wooden workshop. You can set it up for multiple purposes and adapt it to your needs as time goes by. 

When the children are young, it could be their playing room, once they grow, it can become their band’s recording studio, and once they leave the house, it can turn into a garden shed or gym. If you do not have kids, you can use it as a gym, office, and hobby room at the same time. No matter how you use your timber building, you will not regret having extra storage on your property.

Design a Timber Workshop Around Your Lifestyle

Whether you're creating a workshop, home office, gym or flexible garden room, every Olson timber workshop is made to order to suit your needs.

Explore our range of timber workshops and garden studios, or get in touch to discuss your project.