If you’re one of the over 5 million people who work remotely in the UK, then you may be getting tired of sitting in your spare room, or fighting for space to fit a laptop on your kitchen table.
Working from home can be hard, but there is a solution.
Garden office pods are placed in your garden and provide a calm and relaxing work environment that feels miles away from home, despite only being a few metres away.
Installing a garden office pod can have many benefits, including providing a much happier work-life balance.
But what kind of things does a garden office pod provide?
Let’s take a look, with these ten key features from InFrame Garden Rooms.
Garden Office Pod Features
1. Space
When I say space, there are a few things I mean.
Firstly, one of the main reasons garden office pods have massively increased in popularity over the last few years is because they provide a place where you can work in peace.
This means no distractions, and no awkward interruptions on your next video call.
Another way they provide space is simply in the area they cover.
While garden office pods come in all shapes and sizes, the design of each is always done with space in mind, and how this can be maximised with the area you have in your garden to be covered.
Many of our customers are amazed at just how vast their office pod looks when they enter it, and this is a key benefit of these structures.
2. Insulation
Insulation is key for a comfortable garden office pod that can be used all year round.
No-one wants to be typing away in thick gloves, and no-one wants to be sweating on their laptop in boiling heat.
Good insulation will help keep your garden office pod warm on the colder days, and cool on the hotter days, which will leave you feeling comfortable all year round.
The temperature plays a big part in many elements of a working day, such as productivity, warmness towards other colleagues, and happiness, so having good insulation which will keep it just right is vital.
3. Lighting
Good lighting is essential for any workspace and garden office pods are no exception.
Your garden office pod should come with lighting installed which can illuminate your workspace no matter how dark it gets outside.
One of the reasons many people love garden office pods is because they can feel closer to nature while working, and that’s why we often design our garden offices to allow a lot of natural light to seep in.
Through features such as bifold doors and large windows, there’s no shortage of natural light to help out during the day.
And in the darker months, all you have to do is flick a switch and you’re good to go.
Bad lighting can have many adverse effects, both physically and mentally, so find a garden room that is sure never to leave you in the dark.
4. Power
There’s not much point in having a garden office if you don’t have electricity installed.
From keeping your laptop running, to charging your phone, and even running the fridge where you keep your cold drinks, electricity is one of the first boxes that needs to be ticked when getting your garden room installation ready.
At InFrame, we have a specialist team of electricians who can ensure your electrics are working and ready to go as soon as you get the keys.
Not only that, but we use heavy duty SWA cable to connect your electrics to your main dwelling, meaning it is tough against the elements and is sure never to let you down.
Having electricity is paramount to a successful garden office pod, so make sure it is installed correctly, and made to last.
And don’t forget, with electricity comes WiFi, and this is another vital feature for a good garden office. Our electricians always fit the highest grade armoured data cable, so you be sure that your office pod is hard wired and has full WiFi capabilities for all of your devices.
5. Security
The last thing you need at the end of the day is to pack up your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and more and take it all inside for fear of it being stolen.
A garden office pod should come with a high level of security, as the items kept inside are often of high value.
This starts with the door, which should have a strong locking mechanism so you can rest assured that no-one will be able to get in overnight or while you’re away.
It should also be sturdy, and have walls and windows that are tough to break or damage if anyone did try to enter this way.
You feel comfortable leaving things in your home while you go on holiday, and you should feel just as safe with your garden office.
6. Customisation
If you’re spending eight hours a day in your garden office pod, you will want to like the space around you.
This is where customisation comes in, and this means that you can personalise your space to really make it unique and perfect for you.
This can mean the inside, where you change the layout, flooring, and décor, and also outside where you can amend the shape of your garden office so it fits your garden just right.
Choosing the right garden design can be tricky, but it helps to make notes of what you think is important to you.
Working with a designer who you can share your ideas with and come up with the perfect, customised garden room for you can mean you have the ideal working environment for you.
7. Natural Ventilation
Fresh air is a real positive in a workspace.
Not only does it leave the space feeling more comfortable, but it can also provide a breeze on the warmer days which can help cool things down.
If you have a garden office pod, especially one you are planning to use during the hotter months, make sure there are windows and doors that can be opened to allow some fresh air in.
You’re going to be taking around 6000 breaths throughout each working day, so making sure you’re taking in plenty of natural goodness will be a huge positive of your outdoor office.
8. Durability
A garden office is exactly that, an office in your garden.
What this means is that it is open to the outside elements, and as we all know, in the UK things can get pretty rough out there.
Wind and rain are going to be hitting your office pod regularly, so you must make sure it is strong and sturdy and built to last.
This is a big investment, so your garden office pod should only be using the highest quality materials and workmanship to make a structure that is tough against everything the weather can throw at it.
9. Finishing
If you’re someone who loves their garden, then you may think a garden office pod may not be the best bet.
While it will take up a proportion of your outside space, a garden office pod doesn’t have to be an eyesore.
In fact, they can look great.
With exterior finishes such as wood siding, and interior design features that are sure to wow anyone who enters, a garden office pod can become a real feature of your garden and your home.
These finishing touches don’t just look great, but they’re also functional, also adding to the weatherproof and durable nature of your office pod.
10. Furniture
Office furniture is important.
If you have something dull and boring, you may find you feel less productive. On the other hand, furniture that looks and feels great, such as ergonomic chairs and desks, have been found to increase productivity and work success by 17% in some cases.
This garden office pod is yours, so it is up to you to work with a designer and decide what furniture needs to go in your workspace.
Desk, chairs, plants, posters. Everything from the layout to the colour can be changed to suit you, so make sure you have somewhere that is comfortable (a comfy chair is a must for anyone who spends long times at a desk) and leaves you feeling energetic, productive, and ready to get to work.
Garden Office Pods from InFrame
If you’ve read this article and think a garden office pod would be a big benefit to you and your work-life, then why not get in touch with InFrame.
We use highly skilled craftsmen to design and build office pods that are made to last and sure to feel comfortable.
Not only that, but we can work with you to build a unique garden office that is truly one of a kind.
Want to know more? Then get in touch with our team today.
