Cedar Roof Garden Studio

When Mary Taylor from Torquay decided she needed more space, a garden room or studio came to mind.  Her family had a number of requirements for a multipurpose building including her daughter’s business interests in book sales, a yoga exercise room, plus additional space for entertaining guests and other recreational uses.

Mrs Taylor searched extensively for a suitable building for her garden room and was unimpressed with her initial findings. She wanted to purchase from a supplier in the South-West and searched throughout Devon and Cornwall.  However, reading an advertisement in the Devon Life magazine for John Shields Woodwork she approached us and asked for a brochure.  Mrs Taylor was impressed by the smooth purchasing process which included a site visit from John Shields, followed by advice on planning, building regulations, site preparation and written quotations and drawings of the proposed building.  A further site visit during the ground preparation process enabled John Shields to check for himself the work done by outside contractors.

The decision to purchase from John Shields Woodwork was based on the quality of the product which took priority over the price, and furthermore the speed and dedication of John Shields and his staff in providing the information and quotations that were required.  In addition, Mrs Taylor’s son, Tony, was able to view the products on line on the John Shields Woodwork website. The size chosen was 6 metres long and 3 metres wide.


The family decided to choose a building with a tongue and groove pine lined interior.  The highest specification of insulation was chosen.  This included 65mm Celotex insulation throughout the building, double glazing with a Low-e coating for heat retention, and argon filled cavities within the glazing units.  A 900mm veranda was added to further enhance the building and to give the appearance of a summerhouse.  For the window and door finish a light oak stain was chosen.  The walls were of natural pressure treated wood colour.

Mrs Taylor particularly liked the look of a cedar shingle roof having considered the alternatives of felt shingles, slate or a plastisol corrugated steel roof.

During the construction Mrs Taylor’s electrician was called in to do the first fix wiring for lighting and sockets. This fitted in perfectly with the timing of the build.

Mrs Taylor is delighted with the finished product and is happy to recommend John Shields Woodwork in the future.