Looking back, 2020 was a year that brought about a radical change to our working environment. When the initial lockdown hit in March last year, we all retreated to the safety of our own homes, and took with us our laptops, our files and even the office plant sitting on the edge of a desk , confidently thinking we would all return to the familiarity of the office in the near future.
As the months went by, our new lockdown life started to evolve and we became quite accustomed to zoom meetings, juggling home-schooling and working at the dining room table with the rest of the family. The reality of going back to the office full time became less appealing as we adjusted to a different kind of normal that we were not actually that opposed to.
Finding the right place for an office at home
For many of us, sharing the spare bedroom with our children during home schooling was novel at first, but soon became rather challenging. At Blue Forest, we realise that there is a need for creating a separate home office/studio space that keeps you at home, but takes you away from the everyday hustle and bustle of home life. Allowing the children to have their space, make a noise and not worry about disturbing you when you are on that all important conference call, or just giving you your own safe haven to relax and unwind for just a little while.
Whether you need a separate studio for your office work, or a creative hub, or even a mini gym, we have designed a number of ground based structures that have all the charm and character of an original Blue Forest treehouse, the only difference is they are based on the ground and not up in the trees. We have called this new versatile range of ground based structures our Down to Earth Collection.
Each style has been based on a popular treehouse design and can be tailored to suit your individual needs. From wood burning stoves to reading nooks, kitchenettes to wrap around decks, the options are endless. We though we would give you a sneak peak at the collection below:
The Cabin
This classic style cabin will fit perfectly within any setting. The interior measures 18m2 and the high beamed ceilings give you a wonderful sense of space. The elegant rectangular windows add to the charm of the cabin and also provide additional natural lighting. The cabin is clad in Cedar with a Cedar shingle roof, ensuring the structure is sustainable, will weather beautifully over time and requires minimal maintenance.
The Oast
The vertical Cedar cladding of The Oast along with the Cedar shingle turrets create an elegant feel while providing a magical appearance both externally and internally. The 11m2 interior has plenty of windows to allow the natural light to flow in, and the reading nook offers the perfect chill out space to relax and unwind with a good book.
The Chalet
For those looking for a little bit more space, and something a bit different, The Chalet is the answer. With a separate secret room, this structure is perfect for larger families wanting to incorporate a home studio with a little bit of fun. The inside space measures 17m2 and the exterior is a wonderful mix of Cedar shingles and Cedar cladding on the exterior walls, with Cedar shingles on the turreted roofs.
The Studio
Last but not least we have The Studio, offering the most internal space with an area of 22m2, this structure is perfect for a home gym or creative studio. The natural curves of The Studio along with the combination of vertical Cedar cladding and Cedar shingles ensure that the structure will blend in beautifully in any natural environment and weather to a beautiful silvery grey over time.
The benefits of a ground based structure
Although we are well known for our treehouse structures, and we absolutely love them, there are definite benefits to building a structure on the ground. The main one being that they do not require planning permission! All structures built more than 30cm above the ground, regardless of their size, require planning if built here in the UK. Therefore, by designing a ground based structure you automatically eliminate this unnecessary stress element.
Additionally, having a ground based structure reduces the need for large screw piles and elaborate foundations, therefore minimising the cost of the build. You are also able to position the structure anywhere within the garden, rather than being confined to a certain area between tree trunks. Although we do still think all our structures look their best when nestled amongst the trees!
If you would like to find our more about our Down to Earth Collection, then please do get in touch by calling the office on 01892 750090 or emailing info@www.blueforest.com. We would love to hear your thoughts and work with you to create the perfect home office or studio!