Building With Frames was recently commissioned to supply a SIP’s panel annexe that would be attached to the house via a glazed link. The annexe was needed for a disabled relative but designed in such a way that it offers an element of independence of the occupant.
The Building With Frames team works with each client to create the building of their needs, whether that be on a supply only basis or a full-service project. In this case, they were asked to supply the watertight shell of the building. Their clients would then fit out the interior and apparently enjoy doing so, very much.
The customers fitted out the interior of the annexe once the basic weathertight shell was completed.
The 7.5m long by 4m deep annexe has created a spacious bedroom/living space with an en-suite wet room. The space has been designed with the turning circles of a wheelchair in mind. The timber clad annexe is connected to the house via a 3.1m glazed linkway. This is ideal as the family can move between the main house and annexe with ease, whatever the weather.
This linkway is also clever, in that it enables the annexe to be positioned so that it doesn’t crowd an existing extension to the house.
A key part of the brief was to create a light and airy space. To this end, a set of French doors with a full height glazed panel alongside leads off the main room onto a decked terrace. A large casement window has been positioned on the end wall with views over the garden. The wetroom has a rectangular opening window, positioned high, so that it offers light and ventilation but maintains privacy.
All the doors in the annexe are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass, and have low thresholds for easy manoeuvring.
The annexe has been designed to comply with Building Regulations. A joisted floor has been created with 150mm thick SIP’s creating the walls and roof. The building has been wrapped in a breathable membrane and then clad in Siberian Larch cladding. Siberian Larch is a durable cladding with similar properties and lifespan as Cedar. It is significantly cheaper than Cedar so is becoming a popular alternative on garden annexes. The Larch cladding contrasts well with the slate grey woodgrain doors and windows that have been used.
Building With Frames created a concealed guttering system. This is a nice touch as it creates a more streamlined look to the building. They have also finished the roof with a sedum roof covering. As you can see this looks great when viewed from the upstairs of the main house.
The beauty of Building With Frames off-site construction system was that once this annexe was manufactured in the workshops, it was quickly constructed in a matter of days once it arrived on-site. This makes annexes like this a great solution for families looking to create accommodation for a disabled or ill relative.
To learn more about this project, talk to the Building With Frames team on 01872 273 757 or send them an email. Take a look at www.buildingwithframes.co.uk to learn more about their work.