Many companies nowadays are embracing remote working setup, and due to this fact, many employees are busy creating their perfect office environment at home. Of course, setting up a dedicated home office is the first thing you should do, but what if you need a quick change of scenery? Are you open to building an outdoor workspace so you can switch things up?
An outdoor workspace would do wonders for your health, focus, productivity, and motivation. Designing and building this requires a lot of preparation.
Here are some tips to remember:
Step 1: Engage a draftsman and builders for the job
Building an outdoor workspace is comparable to building a granny flat or a shed within your property.
First, call your local council to ask about the current and relevant planning regulations. It is a great idea to build a dedicated outdoor workspace, but the planning regulations and local government schemes control what you can and can’t do.
Next, you need to engage design and construction professionals for the job. For a custom project like this, you will need the services of a draftsman for the working drawings, then find builders who specialise in building outdoor structures.
Consider signing up to Superdraft to access one of the nation’s largest networks of architectural drafters. Superdraft customers can also avail of our build tender service, where our Project Consultants will tender your plans out to local builders, and help you compare quote inclusions and differences, and choose the best builder for your project.
Image credit: Malgosia Janicka Photography
Step 2: Incorporate daylighting in your design
Tell your draftsman to make your outdoor office well-lit during the day whilst staying protected from the elements. Custom work enables you to request these helpful design ideas.
Why is daylighting essential to your outdoor office design?
- You get to kick start your day with a healthy dose of vitamin D.
- You get to save money on power because the early morning sunlight brightens and heats the space naturally.
Step 3: Install acoustics
Nothing beats a quiet outdoor workplace. A simple installation of wall and ceiling acoustic panels is enough to block outside noise and keep all work sounds inside the office.
Image credit: Malgosia Janicka Photography
Step 4: Establish a relaxing spot
Give the area surrounding your outdoor office some love and function. Keep the space open so you have room for a quick workout. Place your favourite gym equipment there to inspire you and remind you every day.
Exercising reduces one’s stress and boosts one’s mood. So when the going gets tough at work, please take a quick break and sweat it off! A burst of physical activity will improve your productivity.
Of course, grow a garden around your outdoor office. There are so many benefits of having views of nature and plants around us while working. Some of these benefits include:
- Reduction in stress levels
- Boosting of productivity
- Better air quality
- More attractive workspace
- Reduces ill health
- Reduction in noise levels
- Boosting of creativity
Image credit: Malgosia Janicka Photography
Step 5: Make your outdoor workspace inspirational
For added inspiration while working outdoors, we highly recommend:
1. Playing productivity music
Play the music that gets you worked up during work hours. Of course, things like this are personal. Make sure your office has excellent acoustics to avoid disturbing the neighbours.
2. Displaying art
Hang and display art that speaks to you, inspires you, and encourages you to be better every day. Art is also personal, so go with what works for you and incorporate it into your outdoor workspace. It could be a painting, a sculpture, or something creative that you or a special someone has created for you.
Image credit: Malgosia Janicka Photography
Why build an outdoor workspace?
Working from home is not far from working in an office. There are days when you feel like you can take on anything; there are times when you need a little push.
Having an outdoor workspace gives you an option to be out in the open and expose yourself to nature. In addition, it kills boredom and boosts your productivity when needed!
Writer’s tip: If you can’t arrange an outdoor workspace, you can consider working from coworking spaces. Apart from the change of scenery, you also meet new people too!
Written by Architect Ashley Anderson. Minor edits have been made to suit Superdraft’s readers and customers.
I am an architect specialising in new construction projects.
