A Private Garden Retreat for Fitness, Focus, and Recovery in Monterey, South Dublin

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

This project involved the design and build of a planning-exempt bespoke garden studio for a private residence in South Dublin. The homeowners wanted a single, high-performance space that could support fitness, wellness, and focused work, without overwhelming the garden or requiring planning permission.

Working within a compact 25m² footprint, the challenge was to create a building that felt generous, purposeful, and refined. By shaping the structure to follow the natural boundary of the garden, Shomera maximised usable internal space while allowing the studio to sit comfortably within its surroundings.

Client Brief

The homeowner approached Shomera with a clear set of goals:

Create a dedicated home gym and sauna for daily wellness
Incorporate a quiet, insulated office space for focused work
Maintain year-round comfort with strong thermal performance
Deliver a premium finish that blends naturally into the garden
Keep the build planning exempt and completed efficiently

Shomera’s Design & Build Solution

Shomera delivered a fully bespoke garden studio, carefully designed around the garden’s shape to make the most of every square metre within the planning-exempt limit.

Key elements of the solution included:

Custom layout: A boundary-led footprint that maximised internal zones for gym, sauna, office, and discreet storage
Natural materials: Cedar cladding chosen for warmth, durability, and long-term visual appeal
High-performance joinery: Rationel Aura+ triple-glazed windows and doors to support insulation, light, and comfort
Refined finishes: Aluminium joinery in RAL 1035 Pearl Beige externally, with soft RAL 9002 Grey White interiors for a calm, contemporary feel
Efficient delivery: Completed on site in just three weeks, including foundations and drying time

The Final Renovation and Extension Result

The finished studio is a high-performance, multi-use garden building that feels both luxurious and practical. Inside, distinct zones support fitness, relaxation, and productivity, while the overall design maintains a calm, uncluttered atmosphere.

Project Highlights

A private wellness retreat with space for training and sauna use
A quiet, comfortable home office separated from the main house
Strong thermal performance for year-round usability
A refined structure that enhances the garden without dominating it
Added daily value without the need for planning permission

Experience the Shomera Difference

With Shomera, you’re not just gaining extra space, you’re choosing a partner you can trust to deliver it beautifully, efficiently, and with total peace of mind.