The rise of garden buildings in the UK: Rethinking space and work-life balance

Since the pandemic, there has been a change taking place in how people use their homes. As working patterns continue to evolve, more homeowners are looking beyond traditional extensions and turning to garden buildings as a practical way to create extra space. From home offices and studios to gyms and garden rooms, these structures are becoming an increasingly common feature across the UK.

The rise of remote and hybrid working has played a key role in this shift. Many households now need dedicated spaces that allow work and home life to be kept separate, without the disruption and cost of moving house or undertaking major building work. Garden buildings offer a flexible solution, making better use of existing outdoor space while avoiding the complexity of large-scale projects.

As demand has grown, so have expectations around performance and finish. Garden rooms are no longer viewed as temporary or seasonal structures. Many are now designed for year-round use, requiring proper insulation, weather protection, ventilation and durable materials to match the standards of the main home.

NBP supports this growing sector by continually developing its product offering to meet the needs of modern garden room construction. This includes an extensive range of cladding options, including fire-rated products, flat roofing systems, insulation, membranes, roofline, trims and fixings, all available through its national depot network or delivered direct to site. By offering a more complete solution, NBP helps trades and installers source materials efficiently and keep projects moving.

The rise in garden buildings also reflects a broader rethink around work-life balance. For many homeowners, having a dedicated space away from the main house helps create clearer boundaries between work and personal life. Garden rooms are also being used for leisure, fitness and hobbies, supporting more flexible and healthier lifestyles.

Stephen Jones, Sales Director at NBP, says:
“Garden buildings have moved on significantly in recent years. We’re seeing more projects that need the same level of performance and reliability as a traditional extension. By holding stock across our depots and delivering nationwide, we’re able to support installers with everything they need to build high-quality garden rooms, without delays or compromises.”

As demand continues to grow, garden buildings are expected to remain a long-term feature of the UK housing landscape. They demonstrate how construction methods and material supply are adapting to changing lifestyles and new ways of living and working.

For more information about Northern Building Plastics and its product range, visit www.nbp.co.uk or call 0113 277 8600.

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