Log cabin?
Does anyone have any experience of log cabins/timber buildings? We have considered various options for our proposed shop (such as using the village hall) but have decided that a new unit would be the way to go, to fit in with funding and planning - would much appreciate any advice on this topic!
Jenny (Siop Talwrn sec.)
Tags
Try Lodsworth Larder in Sussex (http://www.lodsworthlarder.co.uk/ which has a truly stunning wooden shop designed by Ben Law of Grand Designs.
Thank you, Peter, that looks like a fantastic project - rather out of our league, I'm afraid though, as we are only a small village !
We need something about 11x4 m, and thought an "off the shelf" lodge would look nicer than a portacabin - we're concerned about finding a competent joiner to put it up (though it's supposed to be like building a shed!!) and also things like temperature control and security.
Jenny
Dear Jenny,
How about using a modified portacabin? Have a look at Flintham shop who did just that and I think you will agree it looks great. There are other examples of portacabins too - one of the advantages is that it is a relatively low cost solution and a good way of testing the water.
There are plenty of examples of communities who started their community shop in a portacabin and a number of years later have moved to larger and more permanent buidlings. You can have a look at Yarpole shop who are now trading from a beautiful conversion inside the parish church. Another example is Down Ampney who are in the process of moving from a portacabin to an existing community building that is being extended.
Best wishes
Gill Withers
Many thanks, Gill - food for thought there! Flintham looks very attractive inded and definitely what we had in mind - also interested by Down Ampney's use of a construction site cabin, which we are looking at just now in case we cannot raise enough for a log cabin - shame there wasn't a picture though..
It's quite comforting to think that others HAVE already succeeded, sometimes it seems such a long drawn-out process!
Kind regards, Jenny
Hello
If you would like to view some photographs of a shop sited in a portacabin why not have a look at Ide's shop entry on the directory? The interior shots show how they make great use of the limited space available. Click on the following link to have a look. http://www.plunkett.uk.net/shop/ide-community-shop
Harriet
Thank you, Harriet - the Ide shop is lovely, isn't it? Bright and cosy - I particularly like the wooden shelving. Most encouraging, cheers!