Real Project: Compact Garden Office on Concrete Pads (Budget-Friendly Foundation)

One of the most frequent questions we get from UK customers is: "Do I really need to spend thousands on a concrete slab for a small garden office?"

The short answer is: No.

This recent project (pictured above) is a perfect example of how a concrete pad foundation can provide a rock-solid base for a compact cabin, saving both money and installation time. Let’s break down why this setup works so well for small garden studios.

The Project: Modern Flat-Roof Studio

This client needed a quiet workspace away from the main house but didn't want to lose too much garden space. We installed a compact 3m x 2.5m modern cabin with a flat (pent) roof.

Key features of this build:

Pent Roof: Keeps the height under 2.5m, avoiding planning permission issues near boundaries.
Natural Light: Double doors and an additional side window ensure the small space feels airy and bright.
Timber Thickness: 44mm interlocking logs, providing good natural insulation and structural rigidity.

Why We Used Concrete Pads (Breeze Blocks)

Look closely at the bottom of the structure. Instead of a solid slab, the cabin sits on carefully levelled concrete blocks. This is often the smartest choice for cabins under 20m².

Expert Tip: Notice the gap between the ground and the timber bearers? This is crucial. It allows air to circulate underneath the cabin, keeping the timber dry and preventing rot. A solid slab can sometimes trap moisture if not detailed correctly, but pads guarantee airflow.

The Benefits of This Foundation Method:

Cost: It is significantly cheaper than hiring a team to pour a concrete raft.
Speed: Pads can be laid and levelled in a few hours, whereas concrete needs days to cure.
Adjustability: If the ground is slightly uneven, we can easily adjust the height of individual blocks to ensure the cabin is perfectly level.
Drainage: Rainwater flows naturally under the cabin rather than pooling around the base rails.

Finishing Touches

As you can see in the photo, the timber is currently in its natural, raw state ("bright wood"). This is the best time to inspect the quality of the grain, but it won't stay this way for long.

To protect this investment, the client will need to apply a high-quality wood preservative immediately. For this modern style, we often recommend:

Clear UV oil (like Osmo) to keep the natural pine look.
Anthracite Grey for the window frames to match the modern flat roof trim.

Summary

This project proves that you don't need over-engineered foundations for a personal home office. By choosing concrete pads, the client saved budget that could be spent on better insulation and interior furniture instead.

Thinking about a similar setup for your garden? Send us a photo of your plot, and we’ll tell you if concrete pads are the right solution for you.