At Pod Space, we specialise in creating flexible, sustainable, and beautifully designed modular buildings that enhance the way our clients live and work. This case study explores an exciting two-phase project for a client in West Lancashire who initially wanted a standalone garden room but later chose to seamlessly integrate it with their home, transforming it into a fully functional garden room extension. The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient space that blends the best of modern design with practical living.
The Brief
The client, a family living in a contemporary design property in suburban Preston, approached us looking for a solution to a common challenge: the need for additional space without the upheaval of a traditional extension. The family needed an extra room that could be used for a gym and sauna with views out to their stunning garden.
Their initial idea was a standalone Eco Pod in a dis-used area of the garden. However, during the design process, the family began envisioning a longer-term solution that could evolve with their needs. With careful planning, we co-ordinated a phased approach: first, construct a detached Eco Pod as a multipurpose garden room; later, connect it to the house via a corridor-style link, transforming it into a modern garden room extension.
Design & Planning
From the outset, the client was drawn to the clean lines and sustainable ethos of the Eco Pod range. After the initial consultation and feasibility study, we designed a custom pod measuring 6m x 4m with sliding doors to the front elevation to maximise natural light and garden views/access. A separate side door was designed in to allow for the retrospective connection in to the house. Internally, the pod featured:
The exterior was clad in sustainably sourced thermally treated timber with striking black aluminium trims, in keeping with the sleek aesthetic the client admired.
In anticipation of a future connection to the main house, the pod was positioned closer to the rear boundary than usual, allowing for a future linking corridor to be built without sacrificing garden space. We also supplied sufficient timber for the corridor connection as well as some garden projects to match in with the new extension.
Phase 1: Construction of the Standalone Pod
Construction of the standalone pod was completed and handed over in just under fourteen weeks from the placement of the order. Our modular off-site construction process meant minimal disruption for the client—particularly important for a busy working family. The pod was delivered and installed with precision, thanks to pre-prepared groundworks and close coordination with our team.
Phase 2: Integration into the Main House
After our handover of the building, the client separately undertook the connection in to the main house. A quick and simple process as everything had been planned in and accounted for in advance. The end result is a stunning and coordinated addition to an already beautiful home.
The Result
The final result is a seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor space, contemporary design and traditional home life. The garden room extension now functions as an integral part of the home, providing a flexible space that provides the family with a room for exercise and relaxation.
It’s a compelling example of how modular architecture doesn’t have to mean temporary or detached—and how, with foresight, a garden room can evolve into something far more integrated and permanent.
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