A Garden Office that is another bespoke design to match the clients home-working demands plus a love of a beautiful rural setting.  Garden Room in Derbyshire.

THE COUNTRY LIFE
August 9th, 2010

Firstly may I just say that the lack of blog updates is no indication of a lack of action at "Swift Towers"! Quite the opposite in fact.  Swift have been busier than ever before with more Garden Room orders producing a further variety of buildings..... proving our versatility and delighting our clients. A smart artists garden studio in South Manchester, a stunning garden gym / garden office in Cheshire to name but two. Please look at the gallery for latest pictures.

We hve also just completed a charming and individual garden office that is set in a rural hamlet in Derbyshire.  This example has a pitched slate roof complementing the cedar clad walls and bags of windows to enjoy the views, daylight and add a certain style to the appearance.

Keep looking... we are soon to be making improvements to our website as well as more additions to our range of buildings.  Thanks for looking.

THE HEAT IS ON!
May 26th, 2010

It doesn't seem any time at all since I was writing about the strength of our Swift Garden Room roofs and how they could bear the weight of the heavy snowfalls!  Now we have just come out of a mini heatwave which saw temperatures soaring. What can you do to keep your cool in your garden office or studio when the heat is rising through such amazing weather?

All the standard ways will work; open doors and windows, put on a fan, or even bring in a portable air-conditioning unit. These units can be very effective but are sometimes noisy because of the powerful refridgeration system combined with a fan. The more effective ones also rely upon a hose being connected with the outside. You can stick this out of an open window, but then you will be allowing more heat in! 

Due to the building systems that we use, it is possible to introduce two superior alternatives to your existing Garden Room.  Firstly you can install a portable air-con unit with a proper venting system, a lot like a tumble dryer vent.   Our SIPS wall panels are strong and robust enough to have this sizeable hole cut through them, then a sleeve installed to prevent moist air blowing where it shouldn't. If existing clients want guidence on the best position for the vent then they should simply give us a call.

The ultimate solution to temperature extremes is a two-part climate control system. Inside is a neat, quiet and stylish fan to circulate the air whilst the working end... the compressor and heat exchanger are outside where they are out of sight and out of mind. These systems can be fitted to any of our range of new garden studios, garden offices and garden lodges, together with units that are already being enjoyed by our clients.

Other features to make your Swift Garden Room all the more enjoyable include window blinds, sun canopies (motorised as an option) and even solar panels!  Just call us for a chat.

Garden room providing multi functional garden retreat.  Working from home in the garden studio and also space for relaxing.  This room is in Helensburgh, Scotland.  Remember, we can build your Garden Room in the following areas: Manchester, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Yorkshire, and of course, Scotland.... amongst others!

HAPPY FRIDAYS
May 14th, 2010

There is nothing better than receiving positive feedback from a happy client! Take a look at our Testimonials page to see the comments just received from Graham and Geraldine Ryal who are thoroughly enjoying a Garden Studio that combines a garden workplace with a garden retreat. 

We see feedback as "The Breakfast of Champions!"

By asking every client to appraise our services and products we are able to gain a clear picture of what we are doing right and where we can work to make improvements.

Garden Rooms are fast being recognised as a legitimate and financially secure method of extending your home. By comparison with loft conversions, conventional home extensions and cellar conversions, the process is simple and painless!  Nearly all the work is carried on outside and even this is speedy because of the pre-fabrication of the major building elements. Add to that our concerted efforts to keep you informed and involved in the Swift progress and you will soon be enjoying your Garden Room / Garden Office / Garden Studio... whatever you are seeking.

Have a great weekend.... we will!

SO BUSY!
MAY 9th, 2010

Well, that warmth and beautiful sunshine that appeared a few weeks ago set the phones ringing and the site survey requests buzzing down the ethernet!  Add to that the general election having taken place (though at the time of writing there is no conclusive outcome!) and people have clearly decided to start deciding.

So, what are we doing? 

Following a planning application due to the house being a new build in a conservation area, we have started work on a new artists studio in the gardens of a beautiful house in Hale, Cheshire.  Stuning doesn't come close to describing this fantastic new house that has had all our tradesmen arriving with eyes all over a house that impresses from every angle.

So, why a new studio in the gardens of a huge, multi-million pound house of grand proportions?  Simple: our client values the prospects of persuing his passion of painting in a completely seperate environment.  Somewhere that has privacy, independance, quality and all the facilities that he could need.

We will post some photos of the build in the gallery in a few days.

Once again our build team have been impressive with their skill, their speed, and their attention to detail. Also, our suppliers have once again prepared a building in their factory that has then been dismantled, transported and erected with the slick professionalism that would impress a German engineer!

This build joins other local garden rooms, garden offices and garden studios in Timperley, Altrincham, Cheadle, Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Poynton. Plus we have been nusy surveying new work in Sheffield, Flintshire, Chester, North Wales, Manchester, Didsbury and Stockport.

Todays comitment.... not to leave the blog without a new posting for so long......

Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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Garden Room displaying bespoke design features. Perfect as a garden studio that will impress and become a proud addition to your home.

PLENTY OF CURVE APPEAL!
March 11, 2010
OUR NEW MODEL - ”THE CURVE” –  GIVES YOUR SWIFT GARDEN ROOM THE REAL WOW FACTOR AND DEFINITELY SETS YOU APART FROM THE REST!
Everything we design and build is tailored to your requirements and preferences… it’s simply what we do to ensure that the Garden Room you invest in will be enjoyed and used to the maximum.
We’re now delighted to offer this stunning new model to expand our designs and introduce something unique to garden room living.  This striking Swift Garden Room is an eye-catching combination of yin and yang where sharp corners are elegantly softened by a curved roof line.   Feng Shui principles tell us it’s important to balance our energies, so if you want something different that makes a real statment and creates harmony within yourself and your environment – then this one is certainly for you!
Whatever kind of space we create for you, the one thing that all of our clients say is that their Swift Garden Room becomes a very special place.   So why not give your home that much envied ”Curve Appeal”  in your own back garden and make that very special place a stunning, architectural talking point?
Please take a look on our products page to find out more about The Curve and tell us what you think.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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Warrington Home Office Garden Room. ... and when not busy in his garden retreat, this space becomes a family room where some special time can be spent with the young children who made these fine snowmen!

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW...
January 5, 2010
Just a quick reassuring blog!
Snow is very heavy stuff, especially when it melts and compacts a little, followed by a fresh fall and more compaction.  Just like it has been over the past few days. This can cause structural damage caused by the considerable strains and loadings that are placed on buildings.
Worry not if you have a Swift Garden Room!  Every single one of our buildings is individually designed and engineered by qualified specialists.  We are not just creating the most practical and attractive place to work, rest or play, but also one that is structurally sound and reassuringly robust.
Designed to take a minimum of 600mm (around 24 inches) of  standing snow, you can feel confident that the snow that looks so pretty on your Swift Garden Room is doing no harm whatsoever.
This isn’t something that feels very relevant most of the year, but isn’t it nice to know that you are dealing with professionals who are looking at all possibilities?
Enjoy the snow, and keep safe!
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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A bespoke garden studio on Cheshire that provides a really great extension to the family house. Although we operate around a large area, because we are based in South Manchester, we often attract enquiries from the main towns of Wilmslow, Cheadle, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Stockport and other North West centres.

COLD WORK, BUT WORTH IT!
December 22, 2009
We promised completion before Christmas and we have delivered! .. though it got a bit chilly towards the end!
Our clients in South Manchester wanted a new room for a variety of family uses.  A large Garden Studio was designed to be perfect for their needs and the wheels started turning to complete the order in time for the festive period. The order was confirmed at the begining of November and by the start of December site work was underway.
Swift Tree Services carefully removed some trees and branches that needed felling and would have been difficult to access after the building was complete.  Foundation pads were laid and a Sunday delivery of the pre-formed and fully prepared wall, roof and floor sections ensured an early start on Monday morning.
By day two the building was erected and then work started on the installation of the beautiful bi-fold doors. By the end of just 8 working days the building was complete, including an extensive curved decking area.  The decorators moved in and two days later were putting the finishing touches to the Garden Studio.
One job that remains outstanding is sweeping the lawn, but the first frosts and snow coverings have made this rather a challenge!
So, a huge and beautiful Swift Garden Room, built with care and accuracy within 7 weeks of the order being confirmed…. that’s Swift service!
If you want any more information on our buildings, that could quickly transform your business or family life… or both… please call us on 0800 3102 800
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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REMOTE CONTROL GARDEN ROOMS!
November 2, 2009
Well, that’s it for light evenings for a while, even if early birds can once again see some morning  light from around 7.00am!   And, what a difference it makes to outdoor living….. unless of course you have a Garden Studio or Garden Room!
In the autumn and winter months they become a refuge of peace and warmth.  They glow from their place in the garden and are insulated from whatever the weather chooses to throw at them.
A constantly popular option that our clients are choosing is a remote control lighting system.  These appeal on a number of counts:
Firstly, and for the gadget lovers amongst you, they give you yet another remote control with more buttons to press.  You won’t get confused with those for the TV, DVD, Stereo,etc, as on the model we use, this is in the form of a key fob-sized unit with just four buttons.  Plus there is a standard looking light switch unit that can be moved around or maybe attched to the inside wall near to your back doors.
Secondly, you can safely and comfortably switch on the outside and/or inside lights of your Garden Office or Garden Studio from the main house.  Great if you want to have the lights on to guide you down the path when you want to walk to work/rest/play.
Thirdly, you can add more items to switch on and off.  Maybe some other garden lights to brighten up the path, or what about some lights to shine into the trees and bushes?  This can add a whole new dimension to your garden, especially when viewed through the big windows of the your garden retreat.
So, here’s the technical bit (if you’re interested):  The unit has four 10 Amp circuits and a 200 metre range from the wireless switch.  The unit will control your lights, water features, electric shutters and gates etc. Once programmed, you just fix or place the indoor wireless switch in a suitable location and the installation is complete.  The unit uses wireless radio frequency to communicate, so no extra wires from the house to your outside room.
This is one of those features that is relatively cheap (for most installations, less than £300.00 complete) and yet adds a real touch of class and refinement to your outdoor/indoor living.  We are all for things that add to the enjoyment of our products and will always be receptive to requests.
Here’s a few areas that we will examine in future blogs.  They may inspire you to aspire towards a great new detached extension:
• Amazing flooring couture to “tickle “your feet!
• Bespoke cinema and audio systems plus optional extra sound insulation.
• Saunas and hot-tubs
• Interior design to add flair and panache to your surroundings.
• Showers, WC’s and kitchenettes (al-fresco dining with a twist?)
• Hideaway beds
As you have probably gathered, here at Swift Garden Rooms we aim for you to fully utilise and thoroughly enjoy your new space…..whatever it takes!  Boys toys, relaxing sanctuaries, ultra-efficient working environments and always somewhere to be proud of!
Please keep looking on our website for new ideas and future reports on our  domestic projects. ..Cheshire Garden Studios, Garden Room in Scotland, Garden Bothy in Wales….. we love variety!   Thanks for reading and don’t be shy… post a comment!
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Tree surgeon serving Poynton, Macclesfield, Wilmslow and surrounding areas. Tree lopping, tree trimming, tree removal, tree shaping.... just call us for friendly and helpful information.

 A FAMILY AFFAIR
October 19, 2009
Swift Garden Rooms is a progressive company which strives to keep upping the ante so we can offer a complete service that’s second to none.  Well – it’s all been happening at Swift – again – and we’re proud to announce that our son Adam has joined the Swift Organisation.   Adam is the founder of Swift Tree Services which gives you another opportunity to create more space in a different way and allow more light to flood into your garden. If you want your trees pruning or felling, please contact Adam and arrange your free site survey/quote to get a fully professional service.  More details can be found at www.swifttreeservices.com
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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GRAND DESIGNS MADE US SMILE!
October 12, 2009
Having been at a very busy Grand Designs Show at the NEC in Birmingham – we came away smiling!  Not only did it tell us how well we’re competing in the garden rooms market - it also highlighted our high standard of quality in creative design, build, materials and customer service.  
There’s no doubt at all that cedar cladding is widely being used as an attractive 21st century product, both for it’s longevity and contemporary appearance and we’re very excited to already be getting even more creative with our bespoke service.
We continue to source high calibre products to ensure we remain on top of our game so we can inspire you to have a beautiful custom made building which fits your setting and satisfies your needs.  We have plenty of ideas which we can put into practise and we are already working with our technicians to deliver the WOW FACTOR FOR YOU!
So if you want to do business with innovative, energetic and enthusiastic people, all you need to do is take action and make a simple FREE phone call to 0800 3102 800 and make change happen!   We always say we’re “Swift by name and swift by nature” and our clients agree .
We’re definitely a company which doesn’t stand still…Watch this space!
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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SWIFT COMMON SENSE COULD GET YOU MORE SPACE FOR CHRISTMAS…
October 12, 2009
The one thing about common sense is…it’s not that common!  Maybe if our politicians applied some – we wouldn’t be in the confused state we’re in right now.  The good news is – at Swift Garden Rooms – we’re not confused at all because we apply common sense everyday - so we do what we say we’ll do and we do it on time!
Talking of time, (and not wanting you to miss out) we thought we’d just remind you that the present rate of 15% VAT is going back up to 17.5% in January.   That’s only 12 weeks away!
So what does that mean?  In short – it means that if you’re considering having one of our buildings - RIGHT NOW would be a very good time to take some action and investigate the possibilities!
Why?  Well – your building immediately comes in at a lower price than it will do in 2010 because of VAT and if you place an order “swiftly” you’ll have your brand new room ready for Christmas!
And…We’ll even put in a Christmas Tree with lights for you!
Now that’s what you call festive spirit and your sensational Swift Garden Room offers a great place to indulge in more of that festive “spirit” with your family and friends.  What a Merry Christmas that would be and just imagine how many more pleasures would be on offer for you throughout 2010…and beyond!
Are you excited yet?  We bet you are!  Who wouldn’t be?  And if you need reminding what a fantastic service we offer, then get right onto our website and read what our customers are saying about us and how their detached extension has transformed their lives.  We’ll even arrage for you to visit them if you want to see their Swift Garden Room and get a take on their perspective and experience.  
You’ll also notice that we don’t litter our website with “offers.”  Quite simply – -we don’t need to and neither do we want to.  Our service and products are all about value and we know that every single client we’ve built for, without exception, say they’ve had outstanding value and a service which has exceeded their expectations.  Building an authentic relationship is far more important to us than cutting prices, which often results in cutting corners and therefore diminishing quality.  We won’t compromise on quality and we’re proud to be transparent in our ethics and policies.
So if you’ve been procrastinating and you’re still contemplating creating more space – there’s no time like the present for a Swift Garden Room Christmas present!
All our expert advice, design and site survey comes free – even your phone call is free on our FREEPHONE number 0800 3102 800 – so get in touch with us right now so we can create some magic for you and show you how easily and effortlessly you can have the space you need.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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THE JOYS OF GARDEN LIVING
September 17, 2009
Now that we’re coming into Autumn, many people will be spending less time in their garden……………….apart from those people who have all year round living in a Swift Garden Room of course!  It never ceases to amaze me what people get up to in their gardens and what other joys we are open to, merely by being more aware and experiencing garden living.
Whilst doing a site survey recently, home owners referred to their rear garden fence as the “squirrel motorway” as we watched the visiting squirrel fly across the top with amazing dexterity.  As it disappeared behind their established  Mountain Ash, the afternoon sun reflected the magnificent glow of red berries.  I was shocked to discover that the tree was indeed quite old and was actually being supported by a pair of ladies tights!
A recent client kindly sent over some photographs of her Swift Artist Studio, showing the evening sun on the cedar cladding which provided a fascinating backdrop to reflect the silhouette of a cat on her fence – marvellous!  It reminded her of a puppet show.
If you have any fascinating stories about your garden – why not share them with us and post a reply?  We’d love to hear from you.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS
September 3, 2009
Already we are in September and the question on many people’s lips is “What happened to our summer?”  There is no doubt at all that our weather conditions and marked seasonal changes normally associated with the UK appear to be very different to how they were in the past.   I can not remember experiencing British hot showers and warm winds as has been the case in August this year – in some ways very pleasant – yet in others posing the question “What is causing our planet to change?”
Air pollution, global warming and natural resource depletion are the most pressing environmental issues facing our world today.  At Swift Garden Rooms, we take responsibility for implementing ways to increase our contribution to eliminating such problems and protecting our planet.  We constantly maintain environmentally friendly solutions in both our design and build as we continue to strive to make a positive difference on all levels.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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Garden Studio making an impressive focal point in any garden space. All our garden rooms are of high quality and built to exacting standards. 10 year insurance backed warranty as standard.

OUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY AND THE CREDIT CRUNCH
August 18, 2009
I was chatting with a client the other day who was asking me about our philosophy towards our business and the credit crunch. (Which has apparently been going for 2 years now since Gordon Brown announced we were entering into a recession)   Our philosophy is definitely one of an abundant mindset which displays integrity and an authentic approach to our business.  When I came across the “The Seven Aptitudes of Abundant Intelligence” by Kim George, a new acquaintance of mine Dawn Gibbins (Founder of Barefoot Living) added an eighth, which being at the bottom appropriately supports all the others – perfect!  These aptitudes truly resonate with us and if they resonate with you also – please feel free to share them with others………..
THE EIGHT KEY APTITUDES OF ABUNDANT INTELLIGENCE
1. Self-worth.  Abundant people understand their uniqueness and how they add value to their customers, their networking partners and others in their lives.
2. Empathy.  Abundant people do their best to understand and serve their customers in any given situation, and they sustain themselves through tough times by networking with supportive friends who are able to provide reciprocal support empathically.
3. Self-expression.  Abundant people are convinced that they are the best with whom to do business and they retain a professional posture of sticking to their personal standards, which pulls people to them.
4.  Actualization.  Abundant people don’t sit on the sidelines waiting for things to happen. They take action consistent with their skills and talents. They accept responsibility for their actions and don’t blame others for shortcomings. If they face a barrier, they ask for help and support to find an acceptable solution for all sides. They comfortably give and receive.
5. Significance.  Abundant people are confident about their uniqueness, knowing they are the best person for a particular job. They demonstrate self-confidence when asking for business, building their social capital and following up.
6. Surrender.  Abundant people don’t view surrender as a form of weakness, rather a sign of letting go of old habits, attitudes and behaviours that don’t serve them in a healthy way. They see potential opportunity in everything that passes by.
7. Inquiry.  High Abundance Intelligence means high openness to other points of view. Uncertainty is a reason to thrive and be curious. Security in their curious and creative aptitude enables abundant people to move through all challenging situations. Learning while acting keeps them growing and improving while being pioneers in their industry.
8. Love.  Abundant people openly give and receive love; they openly share their feelings and care for the people around them. They bring love into the work place and their homes. They are a pleasure to do business with, work with and socialize with. People are attracted by their warmth of personality.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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FRIDAY THOUGHTS...
July 24, 2009
What a great week! Despite the inclement and totally unpredictable weather doing its level best to upset our project management, we are coming to the final stages of another fantastic build. Photos and testimonials of this bespoke studio will be on the website soon.
This has been a typically in depth project. Starting with calls to planning officers to confirm that we could proceed without planning permission, and also that a tree could be removed lawfully. Then an old asbestos garage was dismantled and taken away by specialists, tree felled and stump ground out.
After consultation with the enthusiastic clients the exact position for the Swift Garden Room was marked out and work began on groundwork and foundations. Cables and pipes were laid in readiness for the build which, as always started with a day of great activity. After just a couple of days the main building was erected and work started on the external cedar cladding and the internal partitioning.
Just a couple of weeks later and decorators were finishing off a stunning looking building that has received as much attention on the interior design as it has on the outside. The resulting office / guest suite / chill-out room / you name it….. is attracting admiring comments from the neighbours and is delighting the new owners.
A total of fourteen different specialist trades were employed in this project with 23 people working on the site throughout the build process. From electricians to interior designers and from carpenters to gardeners.  Decorators, fencers, ground workers, driveway layers… the list is long.  The success of the final building is down to having the highest quality of trades-people and professionals, plus managing the whole scheme to take the minimum time and create the most perfect result.
That’s one of our key jobs!  However complicated a project may seem, we love pulling the team together to make it all work, beautifully.
And now for the weekend; and off to the Tatton Park RHS show to relax…. and take in more ideas for our clients!
Have a great weekend yourself.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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WHO ENJOYS A SWIFT GARDEN ROOM?
June 20, 2009
We are often asked at Swift Garden Rooms “Who is your typical customer?”
Well, there certainly is a great demand from people who need more space and are able, or unable to move house to achieve this goal.
Often the arrival of a new baby puts pressure on the house accomodation and inspires families to re-think – maybe forcing the “office” out of the former spare bedroom.  A garden office provides the ideal solution in this case and once we’ve carried out a site-survey and settled on the very best room for your needs, the actual build can usually start within 3 or 4 weeks with minimal disruption to work schedules.  A couple of weeks later and it’s time to move the furniture in, switch the coffee machine on, boot up the computer and get down to business!
So, what kind of people find this as a perfect solution?  Here’s a brief profile of some of our clients to show the variety of needs and uses for their own individual, bespoke living space:
A professional photographer uses his for a peaceful base from which to carry out all his admin work, plus a stylish venue for meeting clients who want to review their pictures and select their orders.
A deserving, busy mum who yearned for a sanctuary in which to read, paint and relax now has a room which hides at the bottom of the garden amongst mature trees and shrubs.  Perfect peace!
A national newspaper journalist needs somewhere to concentrate on his writing as well as to review the relevent feeds on his sky channels. His newly expanded young family are just a few strides away, yet his productivity is boosted.
A professional businessman who works from home a few days each week strolls to work on his 30 second commute.  At weekends and in the evenings he is often found sitting on the leather settee with his daughter watching  a Disney DVD…quality time!
People who used to invade our clients’ house for therapy and treatment, now arrive at a beautiful new studio with all the facilities and style that enhance and expand their business every day – outside of their home life.
A wife who used to have to tolerate her husband and son playing an electric guitar, can now watch them enjoy their hobby at the bottom of the garden while she and her daughter enjoy peace and quiet in the house. Whenever they entertain in the garden, they now have a new room where they can serve food and drinks, or retreat inside when the sun goes down.
A former chef and talented artist who now paints in her dedicated studio at the bottom of the garden, has freed up her dining room so she can entertain her guests with her culinary delights – double whammy!
…………. the list goes on, and is constantly becoming more varied as more people see Swift Garden Rooms as the simple solution to creating more space.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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CLIMATE CONTROL
June 20, 2009
Climate Control really is the one of the most luxurious additions to your Swift Garden Room….
And please remember, Climate Control (often referred to as Air Conditioning) is not just a device to blow chilled air into the room. A good quality system has a number of settings that will not only cool the room on a warm day, but will provide an efficient and economical heating system whenever needed.
At Swift Garden Rooms we now deal with a local supplier and installer of climate control systems who are one of the country’s leading companies in this field.  Easily included in the build process, our past clients should not feel left out, as a system can usually be fitted to an existing room with minimal disruption.
The great thing about split systems is that the bulky section that includes the compressor and the fan are all kept out of sight with minimal sound, as they are mounted on the outside of your building.  The pipework and wiring also run outside and up the wall to where they come through to meet the internal unit with it’s circulating fan and display panel.   All our systems have remote control.
Please get in touch woth any of your experiences and questions.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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CEDAR CLADDING:  NATURAL OR TREATED?
June 15, 2009
Western Red Cedar is the beautiful natural wood that we typically use to clad your Swift Garden Room.  The variety of colours is such an endearing feature, as is the mellowing over time, as the surface of the wood naturally bleaches. This produces a gradual shift in colour to tones of silver grey.
The rate at which the colour changes primarily depends upon the amount of sunshine on the surface.  A south facing garden room can show signs of colour change within a few weeks in the summer months (especially on one of the often-promised “Indian Summers!”)
Many of our clients choose to allow nature to take it’s course and let the wood settle into it’s mature silver hue. This has one great advantage that it takes absolutley no effort nor expense!  Even when left untreated, the natural oils in cedar help to make it resistant to decay or attack for a very long time –  typically over 30 years.
If you want to return your cedar to it’s original glory, then a light sanding will remove the silver-grey layer and reveal the colours beneath.  It can then be left once again to repeat the cycle, or treated with a preservative or stain.  Beware, because cedar is quite a soft wood, frequent and repeated sanding will, over time, lessen the thickness and integrity of the cladding, so don’t go unnecessarily overboard!
Sadolin Treatment is one example of a preservative and colouring that can be applied and makes a dramatic difference to the appearance of yourcedar.  Some of the contrast between the orginal subtle shades is lost, though a very smooth sheen finish is gained and the same colour will last for up to two years.  Then it will be required to lightly sandpaper the finish and apply further coats as required.
Ruskins Danish Oil is another product that helps to enrich and retain the original colours.  It can be applied with either a cloth or brush and produces a soft sheen finish and has less effect on the delicate shades.  It does not contain the same level of filters to prevent bleaching.
If you decide to apply a preservative yourself please be aware that, as with most things, preparation is the key to a high quality result. Lightly sand the wood prior to the first coat to remove any dirt and debris.  After the first coat is applied you will probably see a “furry” finish appear; a little like a peach! Don’t panic, it is just the finest surface fibres of the cedar standing to attention! They should be removed before the next coat by – you guessed it - another light sanding.
Isn’t it great to have a choice on your chosen finish?
If you would like to see photographs of some of our buildings that show the variety of finishes then please get in touch.  We’d be happy to show you.
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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A WHOLE NEW CONCEPT IN HOME EXTENSIONS!
May 20, 2009
Our poolside gym is on it’s final day of completion and we started another office build at the beginning of the week. In amongst all of the building activity we’re still getting great feedback from existing clients who are savouring their detached extension and the benefits which come with being separate from the daily activities in the home. I was chatting with someone at a dinner party last weekend and they were saying how their study was crammed and how much they’d appreciate a garden office space outside their home. Isn’t it strange how the environment we work in at home, which enables us to produce our income and demands the majority of our time being spent there, is typically one of the smallest rooms in the house? Everyday living space is now at such a premium that we just can’t bring ourselves to have an office taking up so much room in the home! Swift Garden Rooms really does give the answer to this problem and instead of squeezing your office into the smallest space available – you can have a bespoke designed garden office, built for your specific needs. And these building are so flexible you can get creative and have them for multiple uses. Our free site survey is what brings all your possibilities to the fore. In fact we’re just designing a garden office which will also couple up as an occasional annex for parents to stay in when they visit………….now that’s a swift result! If you have any thoughts regarding a garden office, garden studio, Granny Annex or garden lodge, then please respond to this blog and share your comments with us. We’d love to hear from you!
Posted by Swift Garden Rooms
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WHAT A SHOW!
May 6, 2009
WOW! What a busy time we had at The Design show this weekend and although the weather gradually worsened each day it didn’t seem to deter any people from visiting our stand and coming in to take a look at what a Swift Garden Room is all about. Indeed – many said how warm it was inside and were glad to take advantage – even the band members popped in to get warm and some commented on the advantage of having a music room in their back garden, away from the house. We made many new acquaintances over the weekend – both personal and business – and came away with a substantial list of enquiries and requests for surveys, which we’ll be following up throughout this week. The feedback we’ve had has been very positive and it’s amazing how many people hadn’t even considered the potential which lies in their own back garden to create a detached extension for the space they need. As expected, we had plenty of takers for garden offices, as well as gymnasiums and teenage rooms. Having a dedicated space away from home life is really starting to catch on! So – the week ahead is another busy one at Swift Garden Rooms – our build of a pool room and gymnasium in Prestbury starts today and we’re off to see a Head Teacher on Friday who wants a planning/preparation room for his staff – marvellous! We also have a client who has asked us back to create another room because he’s so impressed with our first one! Looks like we’re in for a busy summer! BRING IT ON!
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THE DESIGN WEEKEND TATTON PARK
April 27, 2009
Two halves will make a whole!
After being invited to exhibit at the prestigious Home and Garden Design Exhibition at Tatton Park, Knutsford on the Mayday bank holiday weekend, we have been busy preparing a display to really show you what our Swift Garden Rooms are all about!
 The only challenge is (that despite us probably providing the fastest way to add space to your home) the two and a half days we are given to build our stand is even beyond our rapid standards to start from scratch. So, the studio that we are going to exhibit is being factory-built in two parts and brought to site on the back of a large lorry. Some careful work with a crane, fork lift, and many strong hands will see it placed on Plot 6, between the bandstand and the Restaurant, in good time for the opening on Saturday morning. Many of our suppliers will be on hand to lend a hand, as will KozyGardens.co.uk, who’ll be adding a splash of colour to our garden display.
Swift Garden Rooms are using this event to launch their special offer for all clients who order a room during May; a quality 32″ HD ready, LCD TV and a Blu-Ray player. A free gift that may well make your new Swift Garden Room a great time to relax with the kids while watching Disney in splendid quality, or perhaps use it as a fabulous screen for your computer. Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy this and that it adds to the positive experience of dealing with the Swift Garden Rooms family company.
We hope to see you at the show over the weekend. Come and see this fine example of one of our garden rooms and perhaps chat with some of our many existing clients who’ll be calling in to see us.
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 LATEST STUDIO NEARS COMPLETION
April 27, 2009
Finally the rain came, after one of the sunniest builds we have had for a long while.
After just a few days the building is fully watertight and the finishing touches are being put to a room that is set in our clients’ beautiful garden, and is soon to become a tranquil artist’s studio and a perfect spot from which to admire the plants and wildlife in this Lancashire location.
All has gone according to plan from the delivery of the main panels to the painting and decorating. Extra decking has really linked this Swift Garden Room to their setting and the owners are looking forward to many a relaxing spell enjoying their new space.
While the builders are completing the final stages on this project,  foundations are being prepared for our next Garden Office in Rural Cheshire that ’s to be used as a poolside Gymnasium.  We’re then onto our next build of a home office for a young family, then another office for a successful business woman……………  It’s all go!
Look out for more photos and testimonials to come on our website!
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JOIN US AT THE DESIGN WEEKEND TATTON PARK 2nd – 4th MAY
April 22, 2009
Earlier this year we were approached by the prestigious Design et Al Magazine to exhibit a Swift Garden Room at their show at Tatton Park, Knutsford during the May Bank Holiday weekend.   We’re now busy finalising all of the arrangements for our latest design of the Swift Garden Rooms studio to be erected and ready to view throughout the weekend.   We also have an amazing offer for customers who place orders with us during May, so why not come along and really explore the exciting possibilities for creating more living space in your garden – all year round.   Swift Garden Rooms offer high-end designs for those looking for the “Rolls Royce” in alternative living accommodation.   Whether you need an office, chill out room or just more space – Swift Garden Rooms have the simple solution to creating that space – easily and effortessly in a matter of days.   You won’t even know we’re there unless of course you want to sit and watch your new “detached extension” grow in your garden, before your very own eyes!
Come and find out more – we’re near the Bandstand – you can’t miss us!   See you there!
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 BBC RADIO INTERVIEW WITH CATH
April 3, 2009
This week started bright and early in the Lawson house with Cath driving off to Manchester at 6.30 on Monday! She had been invited to appear on the morning show on BBC Radio Manchester in their “Business Boast” feature; chatting about how we have shrugged off the collapse of our franchisors and set up Swift Garden Rooms.
1 hour, 20 minutes and 45 seconds into the following i-player link is where you’ll find the feature. It only lasts a few minutes and ends with Eamonn O Neal and Dianne Oxberry in fits of laughter… listen to the end!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p002lbkq/Eamonn_ONeal_and_Dianne_Oxberry_30_03_2009/
Since then we have had loads of feedback and even more support in our role as the leading supplier of Garden Rooms, Garden Studios, Garden Offices and Garden Lodges!
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ANOTHER GREAT AND PRODUCTIVE DAY!
March 19, 2009
Welcome to our blog on this beautiful sunny day!
We are nearing completion on our latest Studio…. a large bespoke model that has some great features and we are delighted with the progress. As always, our clients have some specific needs for this new space, and all plans are going perfectly.
Our new full page advert has appeared in Cheshire Life magazine to support our large display stand at the garden and design exhibition at Tatton Park near Knutsford over the May Day bank holiday weekend. We are also launching more marketing initiatives in the London area and are looking forward to keeping our nationwide teams of installers very busy!
A flurry of leads in Scotland has proved our truly national presence.
We feel really honoured that our garden rooms are able to make so many people’s life easier and more economical in this “credit crunch”.
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