UK garden rooms are usually "flat roofed" - but you can also find examples with a pitched roof. These pitched roofs can be found finished in GRP, tiles and slates. These versions are sometimes referred to as Sun Lounges. Some manufacturers refer to garden rooms as "glass living rooms" - we think this is a good description.   Garden Rooms - The Advantages Garden room suppliers will most often refer to the "versatility" of their product. Forinstance the flat solid roof generally speaking produces a cooler room in the summer while offering better insulation and a warmer environment in the winter months. Other benefits of garden rooms include:

	A greater degree of privacy compared to the more traditional conservatory design.
	Their low eaves height makes them ideal for bungalows.
	Ideal in south facing situations or any situation with potential "heat problems" as their design eliminates the need for roof blinds.
	Great for those who may have been considering a more traditional home extension. The garden room design combines some of the features of an extension with those of a conservatory. Its cost is usually lower than those of a brick built "home extension".

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

Garden rooms do not usually require planning permission - in much the same way that most conservatories do not require planning permission. See our Planning Permission section for more details on this http://www.conservatoriesonline.com/planperm.htm.

Due to the fact that a garden room has a solid roof it will usually require "building regulation approval". (To be exempt a conservatory needs to have a completely transparent or translucent roof) On most occasions your supplier will obtain and get necessary consents on your behalf. Building regulations stipulates minimum standards for levels of insulation in "extensions". This usually means that in order for a garden room to conform that the structure will have to include an insulated dwarf wall and Pilkington K Glass double-glazing. While this may mean a greater overall cost there is no doubt that you will have a much better "four seasons" type of room because of this.

It is our understanding that only the smallest of garden rooms that may be better described as "rear porches" will be exempt building regulation approval. We advise you to discuss the whole building regulation and planning permission issues with your supplier in some detail. 

Garden Rooms with a Pitched Roof
It is also possible with some suppliers to have a "Top Hat" placed on top of the flat roof to create a Victorian or Edwardian appearance while retaining the benefits of a solid roof in terms of insulation etc. This "Top Hat" is sometimes referred to as a "Wallace Roof". (so called because one of the people to pioneer this idea was a Mr Wallace) This is a particularly good idea if you are not restricted on roof height.

In conclusion
A garden room is an excellent alternative to the usual conservatory extension. You can have a room, which can be used all year round - remaining cool in summer and warm in winter. You can also add a "Top Hat" if the Victorian or Edwardian alternatives are more to your "taste". The garden room offers a real alternative to people who may be more inclined to a brick built extension. To request an information pack on garden rooms complete the form found here.