Matthew's Workshop Cabin

The Journey to the Workshop Cabin

The idea for the cabin grew over several years of conversation and dreaming — I wanted to build the ultimate workshop for crafting high-quality furniture. After dismantling an old, worn-out shed, I knew I didn’t want just another cold, dusty workspace. I envisioned a space where you would genuinely want to spend time — a place that could even serve as a small business hub in the future.

Having known Lee and his team for many years — and having seen the exceptional work they’ve done for us previously — I had no hesitation in reaching out when it came time to bring this project to life. From the very beginning, Lee offered valuable insights into how the cabin could be designed and utilised, helping us ensure the building would work for our needs in the best possible way.

Once we gave the go-ahead, Lee and his team got to work preparing the site, laying the foundations despite the difficult access to the garden. Watching their efficiency was impressive — they kept the site spotless at the end of each day, causing no disruption to the house or surroundings, which gave us real peace of mind.

Soon after, the cabin itself arrived. I wasn’t there to witness the delivery (although I would have loved to see how they managed to get an articulated truck down our narrow street!). Nonetheless, Lee made sure everything was delivered safely. The team from GCS got straight to work, erecting the cabin in just a couple of days. Following that, the electrician came in, allowing me to configure additional fittings to suit my needs.

I honestly cannot recommend the GCS team highly enough — they were brilliant and highly professional from that very first phone call right through to the final touches.


The Result

The final result is absolutely amazing — far beyond what I had imagined. The cabin attracts many admiring glances, and for me personally, it has completely transformed how I work and create my furniture.

The cabin is now a fully functioning workshop with dedicated areas for office work and relaxation. Some people thought it was a bit unconventional to use a summer house for a workshop, but when you see it in person, it just makes sense. What I have now is a highly professional, polished workspace — a place I’d be proud to invite clients to, offering them confidence in the quality of my work.

Thanks to the extraction system and screenings I’ve installed, the environment remains clean and dust-free. Over time, the space has started to reflect my personality more and more. One of my priorities was to make sure the cabin could be used year-round, so we opted for insulation in both the floor and roof. The thick walls also help retain the heat, and with two small heaters (which I can control via an app on my phone), I can maintain a comfortable temperature — even in sub-zero conditions, it stays above 19°C.

The photos included show the cabin’s current configuration, although they don't fully capture how incredible the space feels. One of the best things about these cabins is their flexibility — they can evolve with you and your needs. If you're considering investing in one, I can confidently say you won’t regret it.

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