By Matthew Pericard
Envisage a log cabin high up in an alpine region nestled amongst a wooded backdrop. Idyllic don't you think well these types of buildings are steadily becoming a fixture to many people's gardens these days.
And no we are not talking exclusively to those in the Home Counties. As public interest has grown in log cabins so to have the number of styles and sizes available. And that also means log cabins, although relatively expensive, can now be considered a worthwhile investment above that of people's perception that they are an indication of affluence. Such garden buildings are in fact extremely practical.
Log cabins have been around for a long time, the 1600's if to be believed, so they are not new. However they have developed from being the humble woodland dwelling to something that is desired. The successful concept of an interlocking structure has manifested into housing developments, particularly in North America. They are very much associated to the landscape and the use of natural materials, in this case pine. Surprisingly for softwood, pine is incredibly strong if milled in the right manner as well as possessing a distinctive grain and smooth finish. That said the role of a designer these days is to develop a building that is practical and that could be conceivably lived in.
As alluded to log cabins are practical in that they offer a free standing space for the occupant to personalise. They can be used typically as a garden office, home gym, sauna room, children's playroom or simply as a place to relax. In other words they can be compared to a spare room or house extension. They offer considerably better value than a house extension and less upheaval in constructing. Depending on the size of garden and size of garden building some have internal walling allowing you multiple use.
In terms of style log cabins dominate an outdoor setting. Commonly sporting a shaded overhang and veranda feature, ideal for the summer time, or a front fascia filled with window glazing lighting up the interior. Sized as little as 2.5m x 2.5m even small to medium gardens can accommodate them ensuring that they are exclusive not only to those with expansive gardens and money to burn. And so to those aspiring garden connoisseur's out there on a budget, log cabins can be affordable, stylish and practical.
For further information log cabins and other types of garden buildings whether it be a wooden garden shed, metal shed, garden storage, summerhouses or greenhouses you'll find all you need to know in one place.
