10/03/2026
From an unused corner of the garden to a fully insulated mancave/garden room and gym.
This project started out as a fairly underused area of the garden (first photo), with a small outdoor gym space covered by a shade sail.
After a bit of weather it quickly became clear the canopy wasn’t the right solution – the sail began to sag, collect rainwater and leak. This is a fairly common problem with tent-style shelters or shade sails when they aren’t properly installed with enough height or tension for proper water runoff.
Rather than trying to patch it up, the decision was made to transform the space into something far more practical.
A new timber structure was built to create a proper garden gym and man cave, turning what was once an unused part of the garden into a dedicated space that can be used all year round
For this project, reclaimed pallet timber was used as the external cladding to keep costs down while giving the building a unique character. This one is ready for the final coats of varnish, but cladding options are fully flexible – from reclaimed timber through to modern cladding systems or fully glazed contemporary garden rooms.
The building has been constructed using a solid timber frame with a fully insulated structure throughout. The stud walls are fitted with 50mm acoustic insulation within the outer cladding leaf. The internal walls have been boarded with 12mm OSB and plasterboard, providing additional strength and a durable surface ready for the next stages of decoration.
Along with an insulated ceiling void, creating a comfortable space that can be used year round. The interior has been plasterboarded and is ready for decoration, with ventilation installed.
Inside, an additional stud wall separates the gym area from the man cave, creating two distinct spaces, complete with professionally fitted bespoke doors.
The roof has been constructed with 50mm Knauf insulation and a waterproof membrane beneath corrugated aluminium sheets, ensuring the structure remains weatherproof and dry. The same layered construction has been applied within the external wall build-up to maintain insulation and durability throughout the building.
The space is now ready for decoration and can be wired directly into the mains to suit the client’s needs.
Projects like this can be designed to suit different styles and budgets, whether that’s a practical garden gym, man cave, home office, bar or a modern garden room.
What was once just an unused corner of the garden has now become a proper outdoor room that adds real usable space and value to the home.
If you’ve got ideas for improving your garden or creating your own outdoor space, feel free to get in touch.
SMD Building & Joinery
South Manchester
07496 325861