A Garden Structure
A garden structure is not just a wendy house.
I am just going to post a few pictures of things in the garden including a wooden shed or two so that you can get a few good ideas.
Here is a small wooden shed that I built for a step-by-step book on garden structures.
A garden structure and a Wendy house are both types of outdoor structures, but they serve different purposes and have different designs.
A Wendy House
A Wendy house is a type of small playhouse for children, usually made of wood, and is designed to provide a fun space for children to play and imagine. It often features windows, doors, and a simple pitched roof. While a Wendy house can be a charming addition to a garden, it is primarily intended for play and not as a functional garden structure.
On the other hand, a garden structure can refer to a wide range of outdoor structures that serve various functions in a garden or outdoor space. For example, a garden structure could be a pergola, gazebo, or arbour, which are designed to provide shade, support climbing plants, and add an aesthetic element to a garden. A garden structure could also be a shed or storage unit for garden tools and equipment or a greenhouse for growing plants year-round.
In summary, while a Wendy house is a specific type of playhouse for children, a garden structure is a broader category of outdoor structures that serve various functions in a garden or outdoor space.
Where To Site These
The ideal location for a garden structure will depend on its specific purpose and design, as well as the layout of your garden or outdoor space. Here are some general guidelines for siting common types of garden structures:
Wendy house: A Wendy house is typically placed in a flat and level area of the garden that is easily visible from the house. It should be situated in a safe and secure location, away from any potential hazards such as water features or steep slopes.
Pergola or arbour: A pergola or arbour is usually sited in a sunny location to provide shade and support climbing plants. It can be placed near a patio, deck, or outdoor seating area to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space.
Gazebo: A gazebo is often located in a flat and level area of the garden, away from any obstructions such as trees or buildings. It should be placed in a location that provides a good view of the garden and allows for easy access.
Shed or storage unit: A shed or storage unit should be situated in a location that is easily accessible and provides ample space for storing garden tools and equipment. It should be placed on a flat and level area of the garden and away from any potential hazards.
Greenhouse: A greenhouse should be located in a sunny location that receives plenty of natural light. It should be placed on a flat and level area of the garden and away from any trees or buildings that may shade it. Overall, when siting any garden structure, it is important to consider the purpose of the structure, its design, and the layout of your garden or outdoor space to ensure that it is placed in the most suitable and functional location.
Here are some additional considerations for siting garden structures:
Access: Ensure that there is adequate access to the garden structure, especially if it is a shed or storage unit that will require frequent visits. Make sure there is enough space to manoeuvre larger items in and out of the structure.
Orientation: Consider the orientation of the garden structure in relation to the sun, wind, and prevailing weather patterns. A greenhouse, for example, should be oriented to receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.
Privacy: If the garden structure will be used for relaxation or entertaining, consider its privacy. A pergola or gazebo, for example, can be placed in a secluded area of the garden to provide a private retreat.
Drainage: Ensure that the site of the garden structure has adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling around or underneath the structure.
Proximity to utilities: If the garden structure requires access to utilities such as electricity or water, ensure that it is located near a power source or water supply.
By considering these additional factors, you can ensure that your garden structure is sited in the most suitable and functional location for its purpose, design, and intended use.
Not for the patio but you will need plans for walls or any form of enclosure and roof.
I would like to build a closed patio which will be separate from the house. Do I need a plan and approval?
If your approved plans include the patio, you don’t need new plans. Just be sure to follow them. If you want to make changes to the approved plans, you can submit a “built as” rider to the plans.
Hi
I want to close up my patio to make a study area – Do i need plans to close it up.
I submitted plans to put in the patio of 14sqm which was approved before I built up the patio.
Cape Town – Windsor Park
Good day
Do we need plans to built a loose standing a Tree house for the kids?
Area- Eldoraigne Centurion
Hi Janek and Penny
Thank you very much for your website it is extremely helpful.
Do you know if the area of a tool shed is measured on the inside or the outside.
I am asking because if I use large concrete block bricks the inside will be a lot smaller.
Many thanks
Ralph
Hi we live on a complex of cluster houses (Home Owners Association) and one of the neighbours has erected a “wendy” type structure in their back garden which they are using as storage. It’s possibly 5 x 5. It can only be seen by one neighbour and that’s if she stands on her balcony and leans over. No-one else can see it. There’s a big argument now about it being legal. Should they have plans for this?
Good day
I live in Tshwane, and I want to erect a 36 sqm carport structure in my backyard. It will be closed on two sides – fence between myself and neighbours. It will not use it to park my car; but rather used as an entertainment area (shelter). Do I need a plan or approval from the municipality?
Regards
Shaun
Hi there.
I am staying in a townhouse complex I want to replace my cargola with a solid roof. At the moment there is no roof on the cargola. The chairperson of the complex said in order for me to put a solid roof on the cargola I need a plan and also municipal approval. He also send me pictures how the final product must look. Can you assist me in what to do. Your response will be highly appreciated.
Regards
Vernon
Hi please can you advise if a neighbour needs plans for a lapa constructed on my boundry wall and where I can inspect this in centurion. tshwane. Thank You
Hi. What size can a greenhouse wood wooden beam and sheeting roof be without building plans? How far should it be positioned from the boundary wall.
Do I need plans for a garden toilet fir a gardener?
Regards
Olga
Hallo my neighbor built a wooden shed in his back yard that looks more like a shack than a Wendy House. Is this allowed without plans? If this is allowed, then anybody can build whatever they want in their back yards without plans.
Hi there. I’d like to check whether an open PVC pergola would need permission from council (City of Cape Town)? Thanks
Unfortunately not. Please be aware that you will need approved plans
Good day!
I wish to put up some 1 and 2 bedroom wooden houses (Wendy houses) on the Bluff, Durban. Anyone have any info on contacts etc please?
Yes you will need plans.
Hello
I would like to build a workshop (2m x 3m) with a table and all my tools (drill, saws, etc). Would I need plans for this? It will definitely have windows and a door, but not intended for human living.
I just want a space to do my hobbies (carpentry, woodwork, etc). I’m in Sandton.
Any form of wall or fence over 1.8 m requires plans.
hi, I want to enhance my landscaping by adding 6 lattice screens, there will be fastened to the existing boundary wall (on my side of the wall) – the intention is that these screens will be covered by plants and other greenery over time…
on my side on the fence these screens measure 2.5m – do I need building plans for this ?
Hi Pauline, Most municipalities in SA only require a written notification that you intend to erect a garden shed that will be considered “minor building work” Do keep a record/or copy of the letter as proof that you complied with the bye-laws.
Hi, do one need any plans to put up a Wendy House in my Garden? Many people have mentioned that I need to get plans from Municipality, I am in Pietermaritzburg and it would be used for storage in my back garden.
Thank you!
Hi Sikhalo,
We do not do any Certificates at all. You need to contact the NHBRC directly. All the contact details are on the website here: NHBRC
Goodday
I would like to know how much you charge for NHBRC Certificate and how long does it take for one to have it.
Hoping for a speedy respond as I would love to start ASAP.
Regard.
Sikhalo Sikhonde