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02 November 2023

Teleworking : Everything you need to know about a Garden Office

Teleworking has become a norm in many industries, offering employees the flexibility to work from the comfort of their own homes. However, working from home can present challenges in terms of concentration, separation of work and personal life, and lack of dedicated space. That’s where the ‘garden office’ comes in – an increasingly popular solution to improving the quality of teleworking. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of the garden office and its benefits in detail.

A Garden Office ?

A garden office or “garden studio” is a self-contained structure built in the garden. It is designed to serve as a secluded workspace, offering a calm, professional environment, while still allowing you to stay close to home. Here are the key elements that characterise a garden office :

Independence : The garden office is a separate structure from the main house, which means it offers a degree of independence from the distractions of home.
Acoustic and thermal insulation : To create an optimal working environment, garden offices are often well insulated, both acoustically and thermally, to ensure comfort in all seasons.
Connection to utilities : Most garden offices are connected to the utilities of the main house, such as electricity, water and drainage, making them perfectly functional workspaces.
Customisation : Garden offices offer great flexibility in terms of design and customisation, allowing users to create a workspace that meets their specific needs.

The advantages of this teleworking solution ?

The garden office offers many advantages for those who work from home. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider one :

Work-life separation : The garden office creates a clear separation between the workspace and the home, helping to maintain a healthy boundary between professional and personal life.
Reduced distractions : Working in a garden office avoids family and domestic distractions, promoting concentration and productivity.
Create a professional environment : The design and insulation of a garden office provides a professional workspace, ideal for online meetings and business calls.
Increased property value : A well-built garden office can add value to your home, making it a worthwhile investment.
Flexibility : Garden offices can be adapted for a variety of uses, from offices to art studios, leisure spaces or meeting rooms.

Steps to follow

If you’re thinking of installing a garden office, here are a few steps to follow :

Planning : Start by planning the location, size and design of your garden office to suit your needs and budget. Think carefully about how you want to work.
Planning permission : Check with the local authorities to find out how much space is allowed and whether planning permission is required.
Construction : Choose a solution that reflects your personality and values.
Fitting out : Customise the interior of your garden office to suit your furniture, lighting and technology needs.
Connection to utilities : Make sure your garden office is connected to essential utilities for 100% optimal operation.

And now you have your own personalised workspace, where you can be more productive in a healthy working environment.

In conclusion, the garden office is an increasingly popular solution for enhancing the teleworking experience by providing a professional, secluded space close to home. If you’re thinking of working from home more efficiently, our solution with Woodcab is certainly the answer to your needs.

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Tiny House, Garden Studio and Garden Shed : Understanding the differences

Housing trends are constantly evolving, and new living options are emerging to meet people’s changing needs. Among these options, tiny houses, garden studios and garden sheds have become popular for their uniqueness and versatility. However, it’s important to understand the differences between these concepts to choose the solution that’s right for you. In this article, we’ll explore these differences.

Tiny House

Tiny houses, or “miniature homes”, are compact dwellings designed to offer functional living in a limited space. They are generally built on a trailer, which allows for a degree of mobility. Here are some of the key features of tiny houses :

Small size : Tiny houses are often limited to 37 square metres or less. This means that every square centimetre is optimised for efficient use.
Customisable design : Tiny houses are tailor-made to suit individual needs and preferences. This allows owners to personalise their living space.
Self-sufficiency : Many tiny houses are designed to be self-sufficient in energy, thanks to solar panels, rainwater collection systems and ecological toilets.
Mobility : Most tiny houses are built on trailers, making them easy to move around.

Garden Studio

A garden studio, such as our Woodcab’s, sometimes called a “garden shed” or “living shed”, is a self-contained living space that is usually located in the garden of a main house. Here are some key features of garden studios :

Extension to the main house : Garden studios are often used as an extension to the main residence, serving as an office, workshop, relaxation area or even accommodation for guests or family.
Variable size : Garden studios can vary considerably in size, from a few square metres to more spacious areas. At Woodcab we range from 6 to 20m2.
Connection to utilities : Garden studios are usually connected to the utilities of the main house (such as electricity, water,…).
Customisation options : Garden studios offer design flexibility to suit the specific needs of the owner.

Garden Shed

Garden sheds, on the other hand, are simpler structures designed primarily for storage. Here are some of the key features of garden sheds :

Storage use : Garden sheds are designed to store gardening tools, outdoor equipment, bicycles, lawnmowers and similar items.
Modest size : They are generally small enough to meet storage needs.
Little or no insulation : Garden sheds often have minimal or no insulation, and are not intended for long-term habitable use.
Not customised : Unlike tiny houses and garden studios, garden sheds are generally standardised and don’t allow much flexibility in terms of customisation.

In short, tiny houses are self-contained dwellings designed for compact living, garden studios are living spaces with a variety of functions in the garden of a main residence, and garden sheds are mainly intended for storage.

The choice between these options will depend on your specific needs in terms of accommodation or additional space. Whatever your preference, these solutions offer innovative alternatives for maximising the use of space and enhancing your lifestyle.

With Woodcab, we offer a garden studio as a space for relaxation, work and creativity, as an alternative to traditional extensions.

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18 July 2023

Create your own oasis of relaxation with the installation of a poolhouse at home

Do you dream of transforming your garden into a veritable haven where you can relax and enjoy the fine weather ? A poolhouse could be the solution, providing you with a multi-purpose space that will add an extra dimension of comfort to your garden, while still having your feet (almost) in the water.

One of the major advantages of a poolhouse is that you can have everything you need at your fingertips. Whether you want to change your clothes, take a shower after a refreshing swim, work from there, or simply relax without having to come home with wet feet.

A mix of uses

As you can see, there are plenty of design options : from a bathroom, to a changing room, an outdoor kitchenette, a barbecue area or even a relaxation area with comfortable sofas to enjoy long evenings with family and friends.

A style to suit your home

When installing a poolhouse, it is important to take into account the architectural style of your home and garden to create visual harmony. You can choose from a variety of materials, but wood remains the ideal option for blending in with the vegetation while ensuring a warm atmosphere and longevity.

Furnish as you wish

By customising it, perhaps with the addition of mood lighting or a sound system, it would seem that it is indispensable for long evenings.

A holiday feeling all year round

In summary, installing a poolhouse in your home will allow you to create a unique space for relaxation and leisure. Whether you are looking to enjoy a moment of calm and relaxation or host a drinks party at home, a poolhouse offers that little bit of holiday all year round and creates a unique little corner of relaxation.

With Woodcab, we will take care of everything to ensure you have a real piece of paradise in summer, spring, autumn or winter, customised and functional, deliverable in a day, without any heavy foundations, and all this just 2 steps from your home.

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28 June 2023

The Advantages of the Leasing Solution for your Garden Studio

In an era where flexibility and speed of acquisition are increasingly valued, leasing garden studios and second-hand purchases are emerging as perfectly in sync solutions with the circular and functional economy. These innovative and rapidly expanding approaches emphasize usage over ownership. They offer the possibility to have a private workspace by creating a bubble close to home, while ensuring optimized cost management and great flexibility.

An Affordable Garden Studio

When considering investing in a garden studio, the cost question is often the first concern. This is where leasing and buying refurbished garden studios come into play, making these acquisitions more accessible.

With leasing, you can enjoy your garden studio with monthly payments without long-term commitment. This option is particularly interesting for freelancers and small businesses.

And for those who prefer to own while having a tighter budget, second-hand purchase offers an attractive alternative.

An All-Inclusive Package

Leasing a garden studio usually not only covers the price of the studio, but also the transportation and installation costs. Moreover, insurance for the building and contents is often included in the package. This all-inclusive package allows you to focus on what’s essential: your work and creativity.

Tax Advantages of Leasing

One of the major advantages of leasing is the opportunity to deduct lease payments as operating expenses, which can often reduce the overall tax burden for businesses and independent workers. However, tax specifics may vary depending on local legislation and the status of your business, so it is advised to consult a tax advisor.

Flexibility and Customization Options

Leasing a garden studio gives you great flexibility. At the end of the leasing period, which is generally 3, 5 or 7 years, you have the option to keep the studio or return it. The residual purchase value is fixed at the signing of the contract, which can be very advantageous.

Investing in a garden studio through a leasing solution is a smart choice for those looking to create a flexible and affordable personal workspace. This approach aligns with the principles of the circular and functional economy, where value is generated by the use of a product rather than its ownership. Whether you are a freelance worker looking for a quiet space to focus, or a small business looking to optimize workspace, the leasing solution for a garden studio could be the ideal solution for you.

If you’re seeking a leasing solution for a garden studio, know that at Woodcab, we offer these various options. We are here to help you find the solution that best fits your needs. You can visit our Leasing page for more information or contact us directly.

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The Advantages of the Leasing Solution for your Garden Studio

An Affordable Garden Studio

With leasing, you can enjoy your garden studio with monthly payments without long-term commitment. This option is particularly interesting for freelancers and small businesses.

And for those who prefer to own while having a tighter budget, second-hand purchase offers an attractive alternative.

An All-Inclusive Package

Tax Advantages of Leasing

Flexibility and Customization Options

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How do you fit an office into a small room ?

Fitting an office into a small room can be a challenge, so here are some of our tips.

A strategic location

Place the desk near a window to benefit from natural light and views, if possible.

At Woodcab’s, we offer 3 types of opening to the outside : our large fixed window (ideal for transporting to the outside), our strip window (perfect for ventilation and views from the office), and our glass door, which brings in more light.

Choose modular furniture

In a compact office, every centimetre counts. Modular furniture can be adjusted and reconfigured to maximise the use of available space.

Workspace requirements can vary from day to day. Modular furniture means you can quickly adapt the environment to suit the tasks at hand. This promotes versatility and efficiency.

A real saving in terms of taste : rather than investing in several fixed pieces of furniture, modular furniture can fulfil several functions. This can reduce purchase and maintenance costs.

As your profession develops or your needs change, modular furniture can be adapted to keep pace with these changes. This avoids having to buy new furniture every time you change.

Focus on wall shelving

Have you thought about maximising storage space by installing wall-mounted shelves ? These are ideal for books, files and office accessories.

A word of advice : make sure you install them at the right height to avoid visually overloading the room.

Light colours

Light colours, such as white, beige or light grey, reflect natural and artificial light better, helping to brighten up the space. This reduces the need for intense artificial lighting, which can be more pleasant for your eyes and requires less electricity too.

They also give the illusion of a larger space, creating a more open and less confined atmosphere, which can help reduce feelings of claustrophobia.

What’s more, they act as a neutral backdrop, making it easy to add touches of bright colour or decorative elements to personalise the space without making it feel cluttered.

So opt for light colours to give an impression of openness and brightness, a more positive and relaxed atmosphere, which can contribute to employees’ well-being and a pleasant working atmosphere.

Well thought-out lighting

The importance of adequate lighting for work cannot be underestimated. Good lighting creates an environment conducive to concentration, reduces eyestrain and promotes productivity.

It also helps to minimise errors and health risks. By ensuring that you have the right quantity and quality of light, you can optimise your efficiency at work while preserving your well-being.

So make sure you have good lighting at your work surface, with an adjustable desk lamp for example. Combine this with a wall light that will provide the necessary illumination for the whole space, without taking up floor space.

Minimise clutter

A clutter-free office can have a significant impact on health.

By eliminating clutter, you reduce mental stress, promote clarity of mind and improve concentration. A clean, organised workspace can also reduce distractions, increasing productivity.

What’s more, a clutter-free office allows better air circulation and limits dust accumulation, contributing to a healthier environment for your lungs.

In short, a tidy desk is not only pleasing to the eye, it also promotes your general well-being. So avoid clutter by keeping only the essentials on your desk. A word of advice : it’s a good idea to run cables through the worktop so that you can hide them but still have easy access to them.

A cluttered desk means a cluttered mind !

With Woodcab, the office layout has been carefully thought through and is designed to be modular, so that even in a small space you can have everything you need to be both productive and comfortable !

Thanks to our perforated panels, it’s very easy to attach different elements such as shelves, pictures, coat hooks, etc. We also offer our own sleek furniture elements as an option.

A plug & play solution : all you have to do is connect 2 sockets and switches and a light point!

Our pine panels create a protective envelope that’s plain and bright.

All in all, a compact, modular office that’s separate from the home is a wise choice, as it allows you to isolate yourself and make the most of the space available, while offering the flexibility needed to adapt to the changing needs of a modern working environment.

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01 June 2023

The ecological benefits of garden studios

At the heart of the eco-responsible trend, garden studios are much more than just an aesthetic addition to your outdoor space. They embody a true symbiosis between habitat and environment, combining comfort, functionality and respect for nature. Here are five ecological advantages of these innovative structures:

1. 100% wood design for a low carbon footprint

Wood is a renewable resource, and requires less energy to process than other building materials. What’s more, wood is biodegradable, making it an environmentally-friendly choice.

A modular and demountable design, thanks in particular to mechanical fixings, allows you to take a circular approach, both in terms of reusing materials and giving your garden studio a second life.

2. Reduces travel-related CO2 emissions

The trend towards hybrid working is becoming widespread in most occupations. By offering a space to work from home, garden studios reduce the need to travel, thereby cutting transport-related CO2 emissions.

3. Green roof for better insulation

A green roof increases the insulation of the garden studio, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning and cutting your energy consumption. It also preserves biodiversity by providing a habitat for insects and birds.

4. Harmonious integration into the environment

Thanks to their wooden structure, garden studios blend naturally into their environment, limiting visual impact and encouraging biodiversity.

What’s more, installing the foundation screws means you don’t have to pour a concrete slab, so you can keep the ground clean even the day you decide to move your garden studio.

5. Promotes well-being and beauty

The presence of wood, the view over the garden and the natural surroundings encourage well-being and concentration. As well as being environmentally friendly, these garden studios are aesthetically pleasing and require very little maintenance.

Choosing a wooden garden studio is an ecological, practical and aesthetic choice. It’s an ideal solution for a more sustainable way of life, and a perfect substitute for a traditional extension that’s much less environmentally friendly.

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How can you create your own workspace in your garden ?

Working from home can be a challenge, especially if you lack the space to create your own office. That’s where a garden office can be extremely useful.

It’s a place where you can retreat to work, create or simply relax and breathe. Here are some of our tips and tricks for creating your own workspace in your garden :

Plan your space

Before you start building or buying a garden office, think about the ideal location in your garden. Also think about the size of the garden office you want, as well as the features you want to include, such as windows or a sliding door.

*At Woodcab, we will work with you right through to the positioning of the openings so that they fit in with your everyday life.

Opt for a natural design

The purpose of a garden office is to allow you to work in a natural setting. Try to choose a design that blends in with your natural surroundings and uses natural materials, such as wood.

Invest in functional, comfortable furniture

Make sure you choose comfortable furniture that will suit your professional needs. Take into account the level of storage you need (lots or few shelves? enclosed storage?). The ideal solution is to opt for a modular system, which will allow you to vary the location of the storage according to your needs.

Acoustic comfort for concentration

It is essential to create your own bubble so that you can stay focused throughout the day: whether it’s for a brainstorm, a video conference, a business meeting with one of your clients/patients, etc.

Adding decorative elements

To make your workspace more pleasant, add decorative elements that reflect your personality. Add plants, pictures or photos that inspire you.

Make sure your workspace is well-lit

The choice of lighting is crucial to creating a comfortable and productive working environment. Make sure you have enough natural light depending on the orientation of your garden, and invest in a quality light fitting to illuminate your workspace at all times.

Create a relaxing atmosphere

Your garden office should be a place where you can relax and recharge your batteries when you’re not working. Add comfortable cushions, a rug or even a sound system to create a relaxing atmosphere.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create your own workspace in your garden. Take advantage of the natural environment to work, create or simply relax and breathe.

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Woodcab, the ideal alternative to extensions

We often look to extend our living space by adding an extension to our home. However, this can be expensive and requires planning permission. An alternative that is often overlooked, but which can offer many advantages, is the addition of an annexe in the garden.

Garden annexes are self-contained structures that can be installed without the need for planning permission in many cases. There are many advantages to this approach, for both customers and architects :

Flexibility of use

Firstly, a garden annexe can offer flexibility that a house extension does not. They can meet specific needs such as a space for teleworking, an artist’s studio, a sports room or even a guest bedroom. These structures can be easily customised to meet the needs and wishes of clients, which can add considerable value to the property.

A carefully considered choice of sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials

What’s more, at Woodcab, these are built using sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials. By choosing environmentally-friendly materials, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.

Real savings

This also represents a considerable advantage in terms of budget. The construction and labour costs of workshop production are under control and lower than those of a traditional house extension project (particularly because of the weather, travel and the unknowns of the site).

In conclusion, placing a Woodcab in your home offers many advantages over traditional house extensions, including flexibility, durability and lower cost. We’re confident that more architects will be offering this solution to their clients in the future, as it’s so important to think about creating sustainable, personalised homes that meet the unique and changing needs of each client.

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Can I place a garden studio in my garden ? What rules apply ?

In many cases, people dream of building a garden shed but are unclear about the planning regulations that need to be complied with. There are a number of obligations that fall under regional jurisdiction.

In all cases, we recommend that you call your local authority before embarking on a garden extension project, as local planning regulations may be more restrictive than regional regulations (especially in urban areas or those with protected heritage).

The shelter must always be located in a courtyard or garden area, at the back of the house, not visible from the street.

Here is an overview of the regulations in force in the three Belgian regions: Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region.

Make your dream come true in Flanders

If you live in Flanders, we’ve got some great news for you! You don’t need planning permission to install a Woodcab garden studio if the structure does not exceed 40 square metres and is set up at least 3 metres from the side boundary of the plot. Flemish regulations specify that you are entitled to have several garden annexes (including sheds and greenhouses) provided that the sum of their surface areas does not exceed 40m2. In some communes, you will be asked to make an online notification specifying the nature of your request, for which you will receive a notice within 30 days.

Take advantage of extra space in Wallonia

In Wallonia, the CODT (Territorial Development Code) has been relaxed in recent years. You won’t need planning permission for a garden studio measuring less than 20 square metres, as long as it’s set back at least 1 metre from any adjoining boundary and the height of the cornice is less than 2.5 metres. Another step towards your own peaceful oasis.

Your urban refuge in the Brussels-Capital Region

Even in the Brussels-Capital Region, no planning permission is required for a garden studio measuring less than 9 square metres. The regulations require you to maintain a certain distance from the boundary of your property. This distance can be reduced with your neighbour’s consent or subject to certain conditions. This way, your quiet space doesn’t disrupt the harmony of your neighbourhood.

“Does appearance and design matter?”

For all 3 regions, the materials used for the facades must be similar to those used for the house or be made of wood.

At Woodcab, we offer buildings that have been designed to comply with regulations, with surfaces to suit all requirements, as well as suitable heights and materials. We strive to make your garden studio installation experience as simple as possible. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, and to help you understand regional and local specificities.

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Why separating work and private life can have a real impact on your life balance ?

Working from home can be a challenge, especially if you lack the space to create your own office. That is where a garden office can be extremely useful.

Here are some of the advantages of this separation :

Creating a mental division

Working from home can make it difficult to mentally separate work and private life. By creating a physical distance, you can put yourself in a frame of mind that allows you to focus on work during working hours and concentrate on family life outside working hours.

Avoid distractions

By having a dedicated workspace, you can avoid the distractions of family life. Children can play and other family members can go about their business without interrupting your work.

Creating a professional working atmosphere

A dedicated workspace can help create a professional working atmosphere. It can help you focus on your work and be more productive.

Improving your family life

By keeping a distance between your work and your family life, you can devote yourself fully to your family life outside working hours. This can help you improve your relationship with your family and spend more quality time with them.

Taking care of your mental well-being

Working from home can be stressful, especially if you find it difficult to separate your work from your family life. By creating a distance between your work and your family life, you can look after your mental well-being and avoid unnecessary stress.

In summary, it is important to have distance between your work and your family life so that you can enjoy the benefits of each aspect of your life. By creating a workspace dedicated to the garden, you can significantly improve your productivity, your mental well-being and your family life.