A nurse at Epsom Hospital worked rotating shifts and found it impossible to keep a regular gym membership. Her semi-detached home in Nork had a well-maintained rear garden, and we built a 4.5m x 4m garden gym that gives her the flexibility to train whenever her schedule allows, whether that’s 7am or 10pm.

We kept the design practical and efficient, with rubber flooring, a wall-mounted fold-down bench press, a compact cable machine, and storage hooks for resistance bands and skipping ropes. The space also includes a yoga mat area near the bi-fold doors so she can stretch with the doors open on warm mornings. We fitted low-level LED lighting for late evening sessions that won’t disturb the neighbours.

She told us the gym has been transformative for her wellbeing. After a long shift, being able to do 30 minutes of exercise without leaving the house helps her decompress and sleep better. It’s exactly the kind of practical, life-improving project we love being part of.

A chartered surveyor in Banstead village was tired of the daily commute to his firm’s Croydon office and wanted a professional workspace at home. His detached 1950s property had a wide rear garden backing onto Banstead Downs, and we designed a 5.5m x 4m garden office from our Maxi range with views out across the green space behind.

The office includes a large plan table for reviewing drawings, a separate desk for computer work, and wall-mounted shelving for reference files. We installed enhanced sound insulation so he can take client calls without background noise, and the exterior was finished in dark grey composite cladding that gives the building a sleek, contemporary look against the traditional garden setting.

He now works from the garden office three days a week and says the view of the Downs from his desk beats any office he’s worked in. The daily commute has been replaced by a 10-second walk across the patio, and he reckons he’s gaining back nearly three hours a day that used to be spent in the car.