Abbie and Matthew Newton knew they needed more space in their home, but after finding out the cost of an extension, decided to get creative with an unexpected solution: converting an old shipping container into a garden office.
With a fascination for tiny homes and previous experience renovating a van into a camper, they knew that “smaller spaces could still pack a punch” and had a vision to transform the container with a rustic countryside twist, styled with a Mediterranean outdoor feel.
Since the couple both work in the creative industries, it was essential for the container to become a multifunctional and imaginative space. It is now home to Abbie’s photography studio, Matthew’s DJ decks, as well as their shared computer setup.
When it came to deciding whether to go ahead with the idea for their unusual garden office, natural lighting was a “make or break” factor, which is why they placed it exactly where the sun hits, which Abbie says is “glorious when the sunset floods in.”
The conversion journey
Juggling work, parenting, as well as a nasty spell of bad weather, the conversion took around a year to complete, and the couple are now adding the finishing touches, including finding suitable wall storage to maximise the space.
Since the unit falls within the permitted development size and height rules, and isn't being used as a separate living space, the couple didn't need to obtain planning permission, which was another win.
When the shipping container arrived, the first steps were to insulate and board it up – which they hired a professional to do – and then add electricity. Luckily, their friend was able to help them out, kindly offering them a mates' rate.
“The container fitted in perfectly with the garden and we painted it black to match our neighbours' black barn behind it. It feels like it’s blended in with the surrounding farm buildings and countryside so well," Abbie says.
Since the original doors were "extremely heavy" to open, the couple decided to swap them out for stylish black French doors, which they bought from Leader Online, having previously used the company for their home's internal doors. This also helped the space feel "less like a container and more like a room".
Creating the interior space
Having converted a small space previously, the couple knew how important it would be to get the layout and storage right. They have kitted the container out with a large desk with plenty of drawers, as well as boxes for Abbie’s photography props. There is even a secret storage space hidden behind a curtain at the back.
When it came to designing the interior, the walls and ceilings needed to be a neutral shade to function as Abbie's photography studio backdrop. With that in mind, they opted for Little Greene's 'Slaked Lime Mid', a creamy white, and 'Olive Colour', a darker shade that "emulates the colour of nature that surrounds our countryside property".
This creative space features a built-in storage idea for Matthew's DJ decks and vinyl records, inspired by old-school speakeasy bars and the English countryside, which the couple agree is their favourite part about the whole project.
"My husband sketched out the unit, focusing the storage on the size of a vinyl record, and making sure his DJ decks were flush with the top. He then used moisture-resistant 18mm MDF to build it, and sunk the decks into the top. He covered it with foam and a lovely thick tapestry fabric," Abbie explains.
"He then planed oak to make the slats, which he varnished and attached to the front of the unit to create depth and dimension. We painted it in 'Olive Colour' by Little Greene."
“It’s a beautiful place to work and is great for photography if I ever want to play with natural light,” she says. “Plus, the double patio doors let us take in the countryside views that made us buy this property.”
“The best thing about a renovation journey is being able to put your own stamp on all parts of your home and garden. Using a container as a starting point has allowed us to do that while being cheaper than buying a large garden office or going ahead with a loft conversion or extension," Abbie concludes.
For more ideas and inspiration, browse through these beautiful budget garden ideas or these house extension alternatives.
