The world seems a crazy place at the minute so your own personal space and mental well-being is more important than ever. With all the current travel restrictions in place making the most of what you have at home as essential. When it comes to expanding your garden many terms are passed about, these include igloos, summer huts and eye-catching garden pods. In this blog, we are going to look at what we view as a garden pod.
We regard the garden pod to be one of the more uniquely designed structures you can have to help elevate the style of your garden. These typically spherical buildings can really add a certain “wow” factor to your property while providing a personal space that can be completely tailored to your own desires. The typically curved edges of these pods really do feel like you are encapsulated in your own “bubble” away from the rest of the world.
Here we will look at several things to consider when deciding on a garden pod such as price, location, design and uses.
Are Garden Pods self-build?
These mainly permanent structures can be built yourself if you have enough skill and technical knowledge, although there are many companies out there that can handle the construction for you. They can totally design the interior to your detailed specification and kit it out with an array of accessories. Larger-sized pods can include much more such as having toilet and kitchen facilities wood burners or a spa inside them.
As with all construction, you might need to check with your local council or building authorities before you commit to a particular design and size.
How much will a Garden Pod cost?
This will be mainly dependent on the size of the pod itself and the quality of materials used in its construction.
The more affordable option will be the modular or self-build style. These are designed to be built without planning permission. The smaller open-plan style “wheel arch” can cost roughly £500 – £3500 depending on the finish.
A slightly different take on the pod, these self build frames for the more enclosed pod office can cost about £2500.
The more traditional spherical design can cost anywhere between £10,000 – £20,000 although these are mainly pods fitted professionally and should have a high standard of finish.
Things to consider…
Unlike the smaller garden igloo, the pods lack portability so much more care should be taken when considering its final location. Think about seasonal changes that could hinder the prime location such as natural lighting and nearby obstruction such as trees and buildings
A level foundation or base to build on is also required along with access to your garden for any machinery and materials that maybe needed. Most pods are designed for 360º viewing so some form of cover might also be needed if the sunlight gets too overbearing.
Even access from your house should be looked at. Top off the journey to your new comfort zone with a neat pathway and add some lights for safety.
What can I use my pod for?
Garden pods are mostly used for unwinding or entertaining. The great thing is that they are a fantastic retreat that can be enjoyed all throughout the year.
Don’t forget you have the added advantage that if it starts to rain outside you will be inside of the igloo keeping dry and snug.
Here are some ideas of what you can get up to in your pod:
- Take in the views of your garden
- Chill out with a book or movie
- Games room for the family
- Work from home in the garden
- Entertain family and friends
- Creative space for your arts and crafts projects
- Music room for your own mini-concerts
- A spot of dining outdoors
- Provides protection from the harsher weather in winter and the annoying bugs in summer
At the end of the day, it’s your space to define. Just make it special for you!
I hope you enjoyed your blog on garden pods and what they can do to improve the quality of your outdoor space. The design and shape of these pods are pretty cool and the standard to which some are built is amazing. Check out that video below to give you more of an idea of the types of Pods that could end up in your back garden if you have the space and the cash.
Useful resources
While researching for this blog here are a few great sites we came across for ideas and pricing plans