The Client Brief
The homeowners regularly hosted extended family but found that their existing kitchen and living room became crowded during larger gatherings. With a substantial garden available, they wanted a separate social space that could work as a dining and lounge room, provide overflow accommodation when needed and open directly onto the garden in summer. The building needed to feel permanent and architectural, not like a converted shed, and it had to be comfortable enough for use throughout winter.
The Design Challenge
At this scale, the challenge was making the garden room feel integrated into the landscaping rather than simply occupying it. Large glazed openings, internal furniture layouts and external terraces all had to work together. The room also needed sufficient insulation and services to support long periods of use in colder months.
The Fitrite Solution
The representative project uses Fitrite’s Cirrus, the largest room in the range and the model most aligned with generous open-plan use. The room is configured with a lounge zone, dining area and flexible rear section that can accommodate occasional sleeping arrangements. A wide glazed opening faces the main lawn and external seating terrace, giving the building a strong indoor-outdoor relationship. Fitrite’s steel-frame construction and insulated wall/floor/roof build-up provide the year-round envelope, while heating, ventilation and electrics make the space practical for long social events. The exterior is kept contemporary and restrained so the building complements the house rather than competing with it.
Project Specification
The Project Journey
- Lifestyle consultation – Define guest numbers, furniture requirements and seasonal use.
- Site planning – Position the room to preserve views, lawn and planting.
- Open-plan design – Set lounge, dining and flexible zones with strong garden connection.
- Specification – Confirm glazing, cladding, insulation and electrical requirements.
- Foundation and floor – Prepare the base and insulated structural floor.
- Steel-frame build – Erect the structural shell, roof and insulated envelope.
- Glazing and fit-out – Install the wide opening, services and interior finishes.
- Final handover – Complete testing, snagging and aftercare guidance.
Project Cost
Illustrative project investment: £38,500. This is a representative project value, not a formal quotation. Final pricing would vary according to size, access, ground conditions, specification, finish and any additional works required.
The Finished Result
The Cirrus room functions as a genuine second living space. In summer, the glazed opening allows gatherings to flow directly onto the garden terrace; in colder weather, the insulated envelope keeps the room usable without relying on the main house. The scale is large enough to feel purposeful but the simple architecture keeps it elegant. The family can now host larger occasions without overcrowding their existing kitchen and lounge.
Key Outcomes
✓ Created a substantial second living and entertaining space
✓ Enabled year-round hosting away from the main house
✓ Maintained strong visual connection with the garden
✓ Provided flexible open-plan use for changing family needs
✓ Used Fitrite’s largest garden-room format for a premium result