WORKSHOP GUESTROOM
Location: Ivinghoe, Bedfordshire
Year:2025
Type: garage conversion
Status: construction
The project began with the small workshop building being in good condition but with very poor insulation. To make it suitable for year-round use, the floors, walls, and roof had to be upgraded to meet current energy standards without compromising the original structure.
The clients were keen to use the pitched roof as a loft space for sleeping, but after assessing the ceiling height, I realised this would create a cramped and uncomfortable space. Instead, I proposed a more functional layout: placing the bedroom at one end of the building and the kitchen with a small living area at the other. These two spaces are separated by a centrally located bathroom, which brings structure and clarity to the plan.
In the living area, I designed built-in furniture that provides generous storage and integrates a TV. The layout allows the space to be easily transformed into a compact home office when needed, without cluttering the room.
I used timber and a palette of natural tones throughout the interior to reflect the character of the surrounding cottage garden. The result is a warm and quiet space that blends in with its environment and offers flexibility for both rest and work. Every element was carefully considered to make the most of the available space while maintaining a calm, natural atmosphere.
My clients—a young couple with a baby and a dog—live in a charming, former pub nestled in a quiet hamlet. In their garden stood a compact workshop, previously converted into a home office. When the space was damaged by flooding, they took the opportunity not just to repair, but to rethink.
They came to me with a clear ambition: to transform the structure into a stylish, self-contained guestroom with an en-suite bathroom, while also making it work as a flexible home office. With limited space to work with, the project demanded creative, space-saving design solutions and a refined sense of style.
The couple chose to work with an architect to ensure a high level of design quality and originality. We focused on balancing comfort with functionality, integrating clever built-in furniture and thoughtful detailing to allow the room to adapt seamlessly from guest accommodation to a workspace. The result is a calm, characterful garden retreat that serves both as a welcoming place for visitors and an inspiring spot for focused work.
