SHACK FAQS

'Why do I need a Shack?'

These simple but beautiful buildings can be used in many ways. They can be used as artists studios, fishing shacks, woodland retreats, teenage hideaways, music rooms....the list is endless. Built by a river, lake or pond a shack becomes a perfect place to watch the water. Built in a woodland, the shack becomes a retreat for contemplation and if built in the garden the shack becomes a perfect place for your guests to sleep.

'Why an oak frame?'

A green oak frame, constructed using traditional pegged mortice and tenon joints, is the basis of the shack building. We 'over engineer' our frames using chunky 6 inch posts and 6 by 4 rails. We reveal as much of this oak as possible so that the natural character of this beautiful material is visible from all angles. Externally the new cut oak will 'silver' over time but will gently mellow inside the building. The oak frame needs no preservative and will grow in character year by year.

'What other materials are used?'

Depending on the style of shack required, the frame can be dressed externally with many different materials. Cedar shingles on the roof and waney edge douglas fir cladding work well together to create a 'woodmans hut' that would look perfect in a forest or wooded garden. A combination of steel profile roofing and planed larch create a shack that would not look out of place in a cool urban garden. Large glazed panels can create as much natural light as you need or use cottage windows for a hideaway look.

'Is the shack warm inside?'

The shacks are fully insulated. A very modest sized wood burning stove makes these building toasty warm even on the coldest of days.

'Can you sleep in the shack?'

Each shack has a sleeping loft that spans one end of the building. This can sleep 4 kids quite easily or 2 adults. A sofa bed, or futons that double up as seating, can also be used so even the small shacks can sleep several people.

'What about planning permission?'

Depending on the size and location of the shack it is very likely that it will not need any planning permission. As a rule of thumb, if the shack is in your garden behind your house, at least 2 metres away from your boundary and doesn't fill more than 50% of your available space, you probably won't need permission. However, an enquiry with your local planning department is always a good idea. If you live in a listed buildings or an Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty you will need planning permission.

'Can you provide a shack kit for self builders?'

No. These heavy oak frames are not suitable for self build projects. We see the project through from design to construction.

'Does the shack need foundations?'

Depending on the site conditions, the shack might need a pad foundation on each 'foot'. This is a cube of concrete (about 50x50x50 cm) set in the ground. The feet sit on granite staddle stones that rest on the concrete pads. No trench or slab foundations are needed.