Summerhouse
|
This is the summerhouse in the garden at Elgar's birthplace near Worcester. |
There are two common uses of the word, summerhouse (or summer house - the term summerhouse was used by Thomas Jefferson in his writings, but this may represent a regional American preference).
- It can refer to a country house that predominantly serves as a residence or holiday home during the summer.
- Or a structure that is similar to a gazebo, pavilion, pergola or bandstand in terms of basic functionality. These structures are used to create shade in a sunny part of a garden or shelter from rain. They are often built on private property, some are attached to a garden wall but most are freestanding. They generally have a built-in floor and may be screened, curtained or otherwise closed in to protect occupants from the elements. They are generally small, permanent structures that are sometimes octagonal or round. In some situations, it may be necessary to obtain planning permission to construct a summerhouse. The outbuildings portion of the Planning Portal offers guidance for England, but policy in Scotland and Wales may differ. For additional information, the Government recommends making contact with the appropriate local planning authority (LPA).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.
The pace of heating change; BSRIA market intelligence
Electric Dreams, Boiler Realities.
New President of ECA announced
Ruth Devine MBE becomes the 112th President of the Electrical Contractors Association.
New CIAT Professional Standards Competency Framework
Supercedes the 2019 Professional Standards Framework from 1 May 2025.
Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds
Free exhibition at the RIBA Architecture Gallery until 31 May.
PPN 021: Payment Spot Checks in Public Sub-Contracts
Published following consultation and influence from ECA.
Designing Buildings reaches 20,000 articles
We take a look back at some of the stranger contributions.
Lessons learned from other industries.
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.