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Garden Room Sanctuary / Projects

Scottish Highlands Garden Room

We are delighted to showcase this bespoke Malhamdale Garden Room project, expertly designed and tailored to meet our client’s individual requirements.

When we first started looking for a new garden room, we were just inundated with so many options. The internet was awash with different companies. How do you choose? Well, I guess most people do what we did. You look through their websites. You look for scams. You trawl through Trustpilot and other reviews to see what other people have said. You draw up a shortlist and open up a dialogue with the chosen companies, and see what comes back. What’s their communication like? Are they pushy? Do they give you the information you need, and then leave you in peace? Or do they expect you to make a quick decision? Do they offer incentives or discount to get you to make a decision – which may be the wrong one? Then it’s down to comparing different quotations and using your own judgement to hopefully make the right decision.

And that’s what we did. But then you do have to make a decision – and boy was ours the right one. Why did we choose Garden Room Sanctuary? Well, they ticked all the boxes and we just felt comfortable with them – and particularly with Mark who was our main point of contact.

So, we took the plunge and made a decision and placed our order for the build to happen in mid-October 2025. And this wasn’t going to be easy for them, as we live in the Highlands of Scotland – and it would take the installers a day to get up here – and a day to get home again.

Gary

This project began with those exact concerns in mind. We offer a core range of garden room designs to help clients easily choose a starting point. This project began with our popular Malhamdale model. From there, every detail was tailored specifically to the available space and the client’s exact requirements. This included custom positioning of sockets based on detailed client drawings, adjusting insulation levels for enhanced thermal and acoustic performance suitable for the Highland location and selecting contrasting cladding types to complement the property’s surroundings. 

The Build Process

Step 1: Preparation & Foundations

For this project in the Highlands of Scotland, careful planning was required due to the remote location. All structural elements were manufactured off-site to allow for a smooth and efficient installation. The galvanised steel pile foundation system was then installed to create a stable and low-impact base suitable for the terrain.

For insulation, 25mm Kingspan is installed within the cavity, followed by 75mm of Rockwool. The subfloor is then laid on top of the timber base, using 2400mm x 600mm x 18mm chipboard floor sheets, which are securely fixed in place.

Step 2: Structural Assembly & Insulation

Once the foundation was complete, the insulated floor, wall and roof panels were assembled on-site. Using 100mm acoustic and PIR insulation throughout ensured high levels of thermal efficiency and sound reduction, tailored to the client's requirements and local climate.

For insulation, 25mm Kingspan is installed within the cavity, followed by 75mm of Rockwool. The subfloor is then laid on top of the timber base, using 2400mm x 600mm x 18mm chipboard floor sheets, which are securely fixed in place.

Step 3: External Construction

Western Red Cedar cladding was applied to the front and side elevations for a premium finish, while Thermowood was used to the rear for durability. The insulated composite box profile roof, along with anthracite grey trims and black guttering, were installed to complete the exterior structure.

For insulation, 25mm Kingspan is installed within the cavity, followed by 75mm of Rockwool. The subfloor is then laid on top of the timber base, using 2400mm x 600mm x 18mm chipboard floor sheets, which are securely fixed in place.

Step 4: Interior Finishing

Internally, the structure was plasterboarded and finished with a smooth plaster surface to walls and ceiling. Oak V-groove laminate flooring and pre-painted MDF skirting boards were then installed to complete the internal aesthetic, ready for the client to personalise.

For insulation, 25mm Kingspan is installed within the cavity, followed by 75mm of Rockwool. The subfloor is then laid on top of the timber base, using 2400mm x 600mm x 18mm chipboard floor sheets, which are securely fixed in place.

Step 5: Electrical & Final Fit-Out

Electrical fixtures including four double sockets, brushed chrome spotlights and external lighting were installed according to detailed client drawings. Heating was added via a 1.5kW panel heater. The installation was finalised with anthracite grey UPVC French doors and windows to maximise light and insulation.

For insulation, 25mm Kingspan is installed within the cavity, followed by 75mm of Rockwool. The subfloor is then laid on top of the timber base, using 2400mm x 600mm x 18mm chipboard floor sheets, which are securely fixed in place.

Step 6: Completion & Handover

Despite challenging weather conditions and long travel distances, the team completed the project in just 3.5 days. The build was handed over fully snag-free, exceeding Gary's expectations.

Because we were so far away, we had three guys on the install, which should have taken 4 days but they actually completed it in 3 1/2 days. Josh, Danny and Scott were brilliant and made a superb job of the build, with no problems whatsoever.

I had provided Mark with detailed drawings of where I wanted to have sockets installed around the 6m x 4m room, and this was no problem whatsoever.

They turned up at 8:30 on the first day, with most of the materials they needed being delivered that same morning from a local builders merchants. And they worked hard every day, sometimes using floodlights in the evening to make the most of each day. Their progress was excellent and they clearly were very professional and knew exactly what they were doing.

The quality of the build was superb, and on the final day when I signed off everything there were no snagging queries at all. And the site was left so clean, you would not have know anyone had been there.

Gary

Full Specifications

Measuring 6m x 3.5m with an additional 1m projecting canopy, the garden room was crafted to not only complement its Highland surroundings but also serve as a high-performance, year-round usable space. Elements were customised following detailed drawings provided by the client. The final result is a visually striking structure with exceptional build quality, seamless interior finishes, and elevated thermal and acoustic performance.

Interior Finishes

A 3m aluminium bi fold door and 2m aluminium bi fold door in anthracite grey form the front and corner of the lodge. Great for enjoying campsites and holiday parks with fantastic views. Two 750x750mm opening uPVC windows are placed above the bed and kitchen. The en suite has a 750x500mm opening window.

Exterior finishes

The front and side elevations are clad in Western Red Cedar for a premium aesthetic, while the rear elevation uses durable Thermowood. The roof is an insulated composite box profile in anthracite grey with matching roof trim. Black guttering and a rear downpipe provide discreet water management.

Electrical & Heating

The electrical setup includes four double sockets and a ceiling bar light with four adjustable brushed chrome spotlights. Five external canopy lights and two up/down wall lights enhance the exterior. A 1.5kW panel heater provides year-round comfort, supported by a white fuse box.

Doors & Windows

Access and natural light are provided via a 1.5m UPVC French door with 500mm fixed side panels, alongside two 0.8m x 1.6m top-hung windows. All are anthracite grey externally and white internally.

Client Feedback

The project demonstrates the flexibility of our design and build process. Every material and finish was carefully selected to align with both client preferences and environmental considerations. 

Finished ahead of schedule, the garden room exceeded expectations and now serves as a comfortable addition to the property.

I cannot recommend this company highly enough. If you’re looking for a garden room that looks fantastic and will be professionally constructed and leave you with something that you will be proud of – then look no further. You will not be disappointed.

Gary

If you’re considering a bespoke garden room, get in touch with us. We’ll help you design and build a high-quality space tailored to your needs, delivered with exceptional service just as we did for this project.

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