Rubicon Garden Rooms, a company from North Wales, has created zero maintenance garden rooms using aviation technology, which could potentially help tackle the housing crisis. The company’s buildings could offer short-term housing quickly for homeless people or in case of an emergency.
“The availability of housing, both private and social, is of course a big issue for people in Alyn and Deeside and indeed across Wales. I’m glad Flintshire County Council is building the next generation of social housing, but it’s true to say we need to ensure a mix of housing stock. I was very interested to hear the company’s proposals of using the buildings for housing, incorporating kitchen and bathroom facilities. This innovative idea is a real opportunity to explore,” said newly-elected Alyn and Deeside AM Jack Sargeant, who attended the official opening of the facility.
Rubicon’s buildings can be seen at the company’s new showroom in Shotton. They are made from a wood fibre composite material devised by founder and managing director John Lyon, who was inspired by his 20 years as an engineer at Airbus. The bespoke top-of-the-range units are presently used for everything from home offices to art or music rooms, yoga studios, teenage dens and annexes for dependent relatives. The external material of the garden rooms, made from wood fibre, simulate wood, stone or slate to enhance comfort, zero-maintenance and aesthetic appeal.
The buildings can be installed quickly and at a low cost. They are timber framed and fully insulated, which makes them cosy, yet cheap to heat. The large double glazed glass doors and windows fill the space with daylight and, in addition, the buildings can be moved to a new location, making them the ideal solution for short-term provision.
“The new showrooms have been designed to highlight to customers the range of different options that are available – from fully equipped home offices with bathroom and kitchen facilities, though to hobby rooms and family leisure space. We are expecting to see an increasing number of visitors to the site to see the buildings at first hand,” said John Lyon.
The company is expecting to start up a franchise later on this year, with a five year plan that includes a network of franchises around the UK, coordinated from Shotton.
