A former Birmingham University engineering researcher, who recently launched an eco-friendly construction business, is celebrating the completion of his first project.

Nigel Smith set up Solihull-based, My Room in the Garden, in June, and has just successfully finished his first project for local businessman, Martin Smith.

Martin was suffering from a severe space shortage in his bungalow and decided to utilise the extra space in his back garden.

The project took a week to install, after the engineering process had been completed off site. Martin was delighted with the work:

"Space in my bungalow was very limited and the expense of extending was prohibitive, so having a garden room built was a far more cost-effective proposition. It didn't need planning permission and proved to be a very efficient way to build," said Martin. 

"I just left everything to the boys at My Room in the Garden, and hey presto, there was my new office - I'm delighted with the results," added Martin.

Nigel decided to set up the business because of his interest in utilising eco-friendly structural insulation panelling.

The company, based in Millcote Road, Solihull, designs and builds high-quality garden rooms, with an emphasis on eco-friendly buildings that fit perfectly into their surroundings.

The company use eco-friendly, Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs), which can be configured to function in many different ways. This allows an adaptable, bespoke design process.

The garden rooms use foundations that comprise of concrete pads and ring beams made of wood. These foundations use 95% less concrete than slab foundations, and so are eco-friendly, but still provide a sturdy basis for the garden rooms.

The SIPs used, allow for a much better insulated space - meaning the garden rooms are much cooler than conservatories in the summer and a lot warmer in the winter.

Also, unlike conservatories or extensions, these garden rooms don't usually require planning permission, or an application for specific building regulations.

The price of a garden room varies with the size of the construction, but prices start from £10,000, and the structures are sure to add significant value to a property.

Nigel will be showcasing his company in Sutton Coldfield Mall, from September 5, until September 11.

This will give potential customers a chance to see a cross-section of the garden room, and ask any questions about the construction.

Nigel is also offering a fantastic week's free holiday accommodation in Spain's Costa del Sol with every order placed by the end of October.