Shipping Container Garden Rooms

The benefits of a shipping container as a garden room

Shipping container garden rooms are fast becoming a favourite for homeowners seeking to expand their living space without the stress and cost of a traditional home extension. Blending industrial durability with modern design, these structures provide a unique, eco-conscious backyard retreat.

Here are the standout benefits of installing a garden container room:

• Eco-Friendly Architecture - Repurposing retired shipping containers is a powerful form of upcycling. By utilising an existing steel structure, you significantly reduce the carbon footprint and material waste associated with new construction projects.

• Rapid Installation - Because the structural shell is pre-existing, the container conversion and fit-out often happen off-site. Once ready, the unit can usually be craned into your garden in a single day, eliminating the noise, mess, and disruption of having builders on-site for weeks.

• Incredible Versatility - These rooms are a blank canvas. Whether you need a soundproof music studio, a dedicated container home office, gym, guest suite, or sauna, they can be insulated, clad in timber, and fitted with large glass doors to suit any purpose or aesthetic.

• Durability - Crafted from corten steel, shipping containers are designed to survive the high seas. This makes them impervious to rot, mold, and pests, offering a lifespan and security level that far exceeds traditional wooden summerhouses.

Why choose a shipping container for a garden room?

You should choose a shipping container for a garden room because you gain a solid, weather-resistant structure that already meets many of the demands of outdoor use.

Steel containers come with a natural strength that resists rot, warping, and pests, unlike timber sheds. Their robust design helps them stand up to harsh weather with minimal maintenance.

Design & install your container garden room

Here is an overview of the container design and installation process:

• The Process - Your room is converted and fitted out entirely off-site. Once completed, the unit is delivered and craned into position on your prepared base, usually allowing you to move in within hours of arrival.

• Dimensions & Materials - We offer a wide range of sizes to suit any garden, from compact 10ft pods to standard 20ft units and expansive 40ft spaces. Built from rugged Corten steel, they can be clad in cedar, larch, or composite to blend with your landscaping.

Do I need planning permission for a prefab garden room?

Most container garden rooms do not require planning permission if they meet specific conditions under Permitted Development Rights. These usually include limits on height, location, and use. For example, the unit generally must not exceed 2.5 metres in height if installed within 2 metres of a boundary.

You’ll also need to ensure the garden room is used for activities ancillary to your home, such as a workspace or recreational area, not for permanent accommodation. Situations that may require approval include listed buildings, conservation areas, or larger multi-container units.

The cost of a custom-built container garden room

The price of a custom-built container garden room depends on its size, specification, and intended use. A standard 20ft x 8ft unit typically starts around £5,000 to £6,000, while larger or high-end conversions with full insulation, electrics, and plumbing can exceed £15,000. Costs vary based on design choices and the level of interior finishing your request.

The best way to understand the costs associated with your new garden room is to get in contact with BCL and discuss your project with us!