Selecting the right location for an oak building in your garden is crucial to ensuring that the building remains a cherished and functional addition to your outdoor space for years to come. 

While we often focus on the benefits of oak-framed buildings, such as their durability, natural beauty, and timeless appeal, choosing the right place to position one is just as important as getting the design features and craftsmanship just right. 

Whether you’re planning a garden office, a summerhouse, or a cosy retreat, here are some essential tips to help you place your new oak garden building in the perfect spot.

Environmental Factors to Consider When Locating An Oak Garden Building

Environmental factors are key to determining the best position for an oak garden building on a particular site. 

Look at Sunlight and Shade

One of the first things to consider when choosing a location for your oak garden building is how the sun moves across your garden throughout the day. Think about how much natural light you want to let into the building. 

If you’re creating a space where you’ll spend a lot of time during the day, like a garden office or a studio, you’ll likely want to position it where it will receive plenty of sunlight earlier in the day. This will not only make the space feel warm and inviting but can also help reduce the need for artificial lighting.

On the other hand, if you’re designing a summerhouse, you might prefer a location that offers some shade during the hottest part of the day. This can help keep the interior cool and comfortable, making it a perfect retreat during the summer months. 

You also need to consider the changing seasons and how the amount of light might vary, ensuring that your building remains enjoyable year-round.

Consider Wind and Exposure

Wind exposure is another crucial environmental factor to take into account. If your garden is in a location that experiences strong winds, you’ll want to choose a spot that offers some natural protection. 

Positioning your oak building behind existing structures, trees, or hedges can provide a windbreak that helps to shield the building from the elements. This not only enhances the comfort of the space but also helps to protect the building itself from potential weather-related damage.

In areas where wind is less of an issue, you might want to take advantage of the breeze to keep the space well-ventilated, especially during the warmer months. Carefully considering the direction and strength of prevailing winds can help you determine the best orientation for doors and windows, making the space more comfortable and energy efficient. 

Think About Water 

Water management is another key consideration when selecting a location for your oak garden building. You’ll want to avoid areas that are prone to flooding or where water tends to pool after rain. Excess moisture can be detrimental to the building’s foundations and can lead to long-term issues like wood rot or mould.

Ideally, you should choose a location with good drainage, on slightly elevated ground if possible. If your preferred site is in a low-lying area, consider installing proper drainage systems or raising the building slightly to prevent water from accumulating around its base. 

Consider, too,  how water runoff from the roof will be managed—downspouts, rain gardens, or even water collection systems can help keep the area around your building dry and well-maintained.

Decide Which Views You Want to Enjoy

The views from your oak garden building can greatly enhance your experience of the space, so it’s worth taking some time to consider what you want to see from the inside. 

Whether you’re looking out onto a flower garden, a vegetable patch, a water feature, or a distant landscape, positioning your building to maximize these views can make it a more enjoyable place to spend time.

Consider both the immediate surroundings and the broader vistas. For example, placing your building so that it overlooks a well-tended garden bed or a pond can create a peaceful and visually appealing environment. 

If privacy is a concern, you might also want to orient the building away from neighbouring properties or busy streets.

Other Practicalities to Consider When Deciding Where to Position an Oak Building in Your Garden

While aesthetics and environmental factors are important, don’t forget about practical considerations like 

• Accessibility: Think about how you’ll access the building from your home and whether you’ll need to create a pathway or steps to ensure easy and safe entry. A well-placed building with a clear and convenient path will encourage you to use the space more often.
• Which utilities may be required and how they will be connected. 
• Future plans for your garden. Make sure the oak garden building you place won’t stymie any future efforts to make the most of your property. 

About Us

We here at Loosehanger Oak pride ourselves on our attention to detail, as well as our environmental credentials. We provide an end-to-end service – taking care of everything from initial idea to finished construction. We handle all the small hassles and let you relax and look forward to enjoying your new oak building or oak extension.

Contact Gary today to begin your journey, book a free site visit and consultation, and join our many contented customers as you embark on your own oak framed construction project.