Abby and Matthew Newton knew they needed more space in their home, but after finding out Cost of extensiondecided to get creative with an unexpected solution: converting an old shipping container into a garden office.
With a fascination with tiny houses and previous experience turning vans into campers, he knew “small spaces can still pack a punch” and had the vision to transform the container with a rustic village twist, styled with a Mediterranean outdoor feel.
As the couple both work in creative industries, it was necessary for the container to be a multi-functional and imaginative space. It is now home to Abby’s photography studio, Matthew’s DJ decks as well as their shared computer setup.
When it came to deciding whether to go ahead with the idea for their unusual garden office, natural lighting was a “make or break” factor, which is why they placed it exactly where the sun hits, which Abby says is “magnificent when the sunset floods in.”
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Transformation journey
Juggling work, parenting, as well as a bad spell of bad weather, the conversion took almost a year to complete, and the couple are now adding the finishing touches, including finding the right wall storage to maximize the space.
From the moment the unit comes in Approved development Size and height regulations, and not being used as a separate living space, meant the couple didn’t need planning permission, which was another win.
When the shipping container arrived, the first steps were to insulate and board it—which they hired a professional to do—and then add electricity. Luckily, his friend was able to help him, kindly offering him a companion rate.
“The container fitted perfectly into the garden and we painted it black to match our neighbours’ black barn behind it. It looks like it blends in so well with the surrounding farm buildings and countryside,” says Abbie.
Since the original doors were “too heavy” to open, the couple decided to swap them for stylish black French doors, which they bought from. leader onlinePreviously used the company for the interior doors of his house. This also helped the space feel “less like a container and more like a room.”
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Creating an interior space
Having previously converted a small space, the couple knew how important it was to get the layout and storage right. They outfitted the container with a large desk with plenty of drawers, as well as boxes for Abby’s photography props. There is also a secret storage space hidden behind a curtain at the back.
When it came to designing the interior, the walls and ceiling needed a neutral shade to act as a backdrop for Abbey’s photography studio. With that in mind, they chose Little Green’s ‘Slacked Lime Mid’, a creamy white, and ‘Olive Colour’, a darker shade that “mimics the color of nature around our rural property”.
This creative space has those features Consider built-in storage For Mathew’s DJ decks and vinyl records, inspired by old-school speakeasy bars and the English countryside, which the couple agree is their favorite part about the whole project.
“My husband sketched the unit, focusing on storage the size of a vinyl record, and making sure his DJ decks were flush with the top. He then used moisture-resistant 18mm MDF to build it, and pushed the decks over the top. He covered it with foam and a nice thick tapestry fabric.” Abby explains.
“He then planned oak to form the slats, which he varnished and attached to the front of the unit to create depth and dimension. We painted it in ‘olive colour’ by Little Green.”
“It’s a beautiful place to work and great for photography if I ever want to play with natural light,” he says. “Plus, double Patio doors Let us see the views of the countryside that made us buy this property.”
“The best thing about the renovation journey is being able to put your own stamp on all parts of your home and garden. Using containers as a starting point has allowed us to do that while being cheaper than buying or moving a large garden office. Loft conversion Or an extension,” Abby concluded.
For more ideas and inspiration, browse through these beautiful Budget garden ideas or this Home extension options.
