Architect practices are starting to move beyond traditional services and set up companies that design and manufacture modular buildings. Many of these are garden rooms or home offices but some have gone further and offer larger buildings that can be used as self-contained homes.

All of the companies featured below deliver buildings that are super energy efficient, built using high quality materials and designed with aesthetics in mind.

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1. Modulr.space

Modul M1 - small space standard - photo credit - Modulr.space

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• ‍Modulr.space by FDArchitecture Ltd
• Prices start from £25,800 + VAT
• A range of 9 options available.
• The M1 is 3.3 x 2.2 x 2.5 metres to the M9 7.4 x 7.4 x 2.5 metres.
• Delivery time: from 6 weeks.
• Site installation time: from 1 day.

General specification for a typical Modul M1:

1. SIPS construction.
2. EPDM waterproof membrane.
3. Accoya wood cladding.
4. Powder coated aluminium double glazing by Sunflex.
5. Birch plywood wall panels, acoustic and fire treated ceiling panels and cork flooring.
6. LED lighting.
7. Window shades by Kvadrat.
8. Plug-in electric heating or underfloor heating mat.

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2. Bothy Stores

Bothy Stores - Craft Bothy - Photo credit - Bothy Stores

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• Bothystores.com by Artist Bobby Niven and Architect Iain Macleod
• Prices start from £48,000 (turnkey) £39,000 (shell only)
• Three standard products available:

1. Craft Bothy, 4 x 3 x 3.35 metres
2. Artist Bothy, 5.5 x 3 x 3.85 metres
3. Studio Bothy, 7.45 x 3 x 3.85 metres

• Delivery time: from 8 weeks.
• Site installation time: from 1 day.

General specification:

1. Timber closed-panel cassettes with sheep’s wool insulation.
2. EPDM waterproofing.
3. Corrugated steel and Scottish larch cladding.
4. Timber double glazing.
5. White-washed birch plywood lined walls and ceiling.
6. Engineered oak flooring.
7. Anglepoise lighting.
8. Plug-in electric heating, underfloor heating mat or wood-burning stove.
9. Window shutters.

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3. Ecospacestudios.com

Ecospacestudios.com - Studio - Photo credit - Ecospacestudios

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• Ecospacestudios.com by IPT Architects
• Prices start from £18,850 +VAT
• A range of 12 main options available.
• The Ecospace 01 WorkPod is 2.5 x 1.9 x 2.5 metres. The Ecospace 06, 9.7 x 3.9 x2.8/3.9 metres (external). Roof and plan layout variations available for most options.
• Delivery time: from 8 weeks.
• Site installation time: from 1 day.

General specification:

1. SIPS construction.
2. EPDM waterproof membrane providing 50 year lifespan.
3. Western red cedar cladding.
4. Bauder sedum blanket or cedar cladding on roof.
5. Timber framed double glazing.
6. Birch plywood wall and ceiling panels.
7. Rubber or engineered oak flooring.
8. LED lighting.
9. Plug-in electric heating, underfloor heating mat or wood-burning stove.

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4. U-build.org

U-Build.org - BG Renewables - Photo Credit - U-Build

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• U-Build.org by Studio Bark
• Prices start from £7,250 +VAT (Robin)
• A range of 11 main options available
• The Robin is 1.95 x 1.65 x 2.5 metres. The Red Deer is 3.15 x 5.85 x 2.4 metres.
• Delivery time: from 12 weeks.
• Site installation time: from 1 day.

General specification:

1. WISA Spruce or Birch plywood box construction with sheep’s wool insulation.
2. Illbruck waterproof membrane on walls and floor, Butyl membrane on roof.
3. Western red cedar, Douglas fir or larch cladding.
4. Green roof option available.
5. Plywood framed double glazing.
6. Plywood structural boxes form internal finish.
7. Lighting to your choice by separate tradesperson.
8. Plug-in electric heating, underfloor heating mat or wood-burning stove by separate tradesperson.

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5. Kotodesign.co.uk

Koto Design - Workspace #1 Sculpture cabin - Photo credit - Edvinas Bruzas

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• Kotodesign.co.uk by The Koto Studio
• Prices start from £30,000 +VAT
• Multiple cabin and home building options available.
• Koto Workspace #1 cabin is 5.5 metres squared. The largest dimensions are 4.2m wide and 3.7m high. The Koto X Abodu home is 11 x 4 x 4 metres.
• Delivery time: from 12 weeks.
• Site installation time: from 1 day.

General specification:

1. CLT construction with Warmcel insulation.
2. Green roof option available.
3. Standard or charred larch cladding.
4. Accoya timber framed double glazing.
5. Interior wall and ceiling finishes range from painted plaster to birch plywood.
6. Engineered oak flooring.
7. Heating options include wall heaters, electric or wet underfloor heating or wood burning stove. An Air Source Heat pump, solar panels, Mechanical Heat RecoveryVentilation (MVHR) system, hot water storage and Tesla Powerwall can all befitted.

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General Information

Modular building companies tend to charge additional fees for planning permission (if required), site delivery and installation as these can vary from one location to the next.

Most provide an interior design service and can design and install built-in furniture and other fittings, if required. Additional charges will apply.

To keep costs down, it is advisable to stick to the standard options. Straying from the original design will incur design fees (the design of the building is included in the list price) and additional build costs.

Contact the individual building companies for advice on which of their products are best suited to your site and requirements.They will also be able to give you specific guidance on design options, costs, and timings.

More:

Can I build a garden room without planning permission?

Twenty inspirational architect designed garden rooms

Garden rooms – an architect’s guide.

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About the author: Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, encompassing projects ranging from the restoration of historic buildings to the design of contemporary homes.

The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. At Designs in Detail, we advise you appoint a skilled residential architect to provide specific expert advice for your project.

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