Real customer case study: Garden utility room and covered seating area

A covered gazebo space

The 3 x 2.2m gazebo/canopy of the Freddy Summerhouse is perfect for creating an outdoor seating area. When we arrived to photograph the cabin, the heavens opened so we had a perfect demonstration of the covered gazebo area. Despite the downpour, everything underneath the canopy remained completely dry and, even when the wind picked up, the sheltered space continued to offer protection. 

This is one of the Freddy Summerhouse’s best features because it provides a covered seating area that can be enjoyed throughout the warmer months, even if the weather outside isn’t completely dry! 

Laura and her family reap the benefits of the extra sheltered outdoor space and use it as a covered seating area or dining al fresco come rain or shine. The space is perfect for their rattan corner sofa which fits in perfectly. The shelter also offers protection for the furniture and prevents it from getting wet during a downpour.

Other uses

The shelter doesn’t have to be confined to a seating area. Here are some other good used for a summerhouse with a shelter: 

• Sheltered workspace for outdoor projects 

• Play area for kids 

• Yoga or meditation space 

• Storage space for outdoor equipment 

• Outdoor game room or entertainment area 

• Sheltered garden or potting space 

• Cozy outdoor reading nook 

• Pet shelter or kennel area 

• Hot tub shelter 

• A BBQ shelter to keep the sun or rain off you, depending on the weather conditions

Inside the summerhouse: A functional utility room

The internal area of the summerhouse is used as an outdoor utility room. With plenty of space for a washing machine, tumble drier, storage (even the kitchen sink!), this log cabin has been a vital addition for Laura and her family by opening up extra space in their home, as well as keeping the noise levels much lower without the machines running indoors. 

Here are just a few benefits of keeping the utility room outdoors:

Reduces noise in the main house 

Washing machines and tumble driers can be extremely noisy. Keeping them outside provides more peace and quiet at any time of the day or night, depending on when you run the machines. 

Frees up valuable internal space 

Laundry appliances are bulky and take up a huge amount of space. Freeing up this space inside provides more storage space inside. Something that’s essential for family life. 

Creates a dedicated task area 

Having a laundry room separated from the main house allows you to focus on tasks without distractions. 

Improved air circulation for drying 

Being able to hang your clothes out to dry in a covered outdoor space is another great way to save space and keep your home free from clutter. Opening up the double doors of the Freddy allows air to circulate and assists with drying your laundry. 

Increases the value of your property 

A well-built and well-maintained laundry room can add value to your property. If you decide to sell your home in the future, having a separate laundry room can be a unique selling point that sits your property apart from others in the area.

Freddy Summerhouse Laundry Room: Feature Video

Creating your utility room and seating area: What to consider

Installing a summerhouse in your garden is a great easy way to create an outdoor living space that allows you to relax, entertain and enjoy your garden. However, there are a few important factors to consider when installing any garden building.

A solid base

Like any garden building, the Freddy Summerhouse requires a solid and level foundation, so it remains usable and to avoid common problems such as cracking, splitting and warping. 

Laura opted to install her log cabin on a paved patio base which offers: 

• Structural stability 

• Excellent drainage 

• A clean and attractive finish 

• Long-term durability 

When planning a garden utility room, it’s also important to consider utilities early in the process. Running water, electricity, water and drainage beneath the patio before installation ensures everything runs smoothly.

Location

Choosing the location of your summerhouse and patio will help you to understand the size of the building you might need and how you’re going to use it. Choose a flat, level area that is easily accessible from your house and has good drainage.

Maintaining your log cabin

Our Freddy Summerhouse is available with untreated wood so you will need to treat, stain or paint it yourself once it’s been installed and then once every couple of years to protect your 10-year Tuin guarantee. Treating your timber garden building not only maintains its appearance over the long-term, it also protects the structure from common issues such as rotting, cracking, splitting and warping to ensure it stays stable throughout its lifetime.

A practical and stylish garden transformation

The Freddy Summerhouse is the perfect example of how customers can utilise their new space to suit ongoing needs. An outdoor utility room is a practical addition to any home, helping to free up space indoors and make extra use of your outdoor space.

Laura and her family now benefit from:

• Added indoor space

• Reduced household noise

• A dedicated laundry space

• A sheltered outdoor seating area

• A garden feature that adds character

Having already invested in two other garden buildings, this third installation showcases the range of ways our products can be used.

Take a look at the Freddy Summerhouse or browse our range of summerhouses with canopies here to find the perfect solution for your garden.

For further advice and guidance on choosing the right garden building for your needs, as well as their popular uses, please contact our expert customer support team.