WH

Wooden House Craft

Crafted timber garden buildings & outdoor structures

Custom
Tailored plans
Sustainable
Responsible timber
Durable
Weatherproof finishes

Beautiful garden buildings, carefully designed and expertly built

We design and build timber garden houses, studios, sheds and pergolas that blend with landscape and perform through seasons. Our process starts with a site-sensitive design, material selection prioritising sustainably sourced timber, and detailed joinery to ensure tight weather resistance and elegant structural expression. Whether you need a compact tool shed, an insulated studio for work, or a multi-room garden lodge, we offer end-to-end service from concept to installation.

Clients value the combination of practical durability and considered detail: recessed joints, breathable claddings, protected thresholds and maintenance-friendly finishes. We produce working documentation, user guidance on care, and seasonal servicing options to ensure your structure remains functional and beautiful for decades.

Phone: +351964949953
Address: Estr. Principal da Corrente 146, 3020-165 Coimbra, Portugal
Email: woodenhousecraft@icloud.com
timber garden house exterior

About Us — craftsmanship rooted in material intelligence

Our studio was founded by woodworkers and small-build specialists who saw an opportunity to bring refined timber craft to gardens and small outdoor projects. Instead of treating garden buildings as throwaway structures, we design them with long-term serviceability in mind: considered junction details, replaceable cladding elements, and access for seasonal inspections. Every project begins with careful observation — wind direction, sun path, drainage behaviour and existing planting — so the building becomes part of the garden’s ecosystem rather than an imposition. We sketch thoughtfully, produce scale drawings, and discuss materials openly, letting clients choose finishes that match both function and aesthetic.

Materials are selected for longevity and reparability. We prefer slow-grown timbers with stable grain and proven durability, and where possible we use reclaimed elements that add character while reducing embodied impact. Connections emphasise mechanical fastenings and serviceable seals rather than permanent adhesives, which means future maintenance or alterations are straightforward. For insulated studios intended for year-round use we detail vapour management, breathable boards and thermal breaks to protect both the timber and indoor comfort.

Beyond fabrication we support clients with maintenance schedules, seasonal care checklists and optional service visits. The goal is not merely to install a building but to ensure it continues to operate as intended: dry thresholds, stable foundations and claddings that allow timber to breathe while keeping weather out. We also document warranties and provide a simple log so owners can track care, repairs and upgrades across the lifetime of the structure.

craftsman shaping timber

Key Advantages — why our garden buildings stand the test of time

Full advantages
advantages overview

Site-responsive design that minimises microclimate stress

We begin every project by reading the site: identifying prevailing winds, seasonal sun angles, drainage patterns and the relationship between building footprint and nearby planting. This informs orientation, roof pitch, and sheltering details that reduce moisture ingress and wind-driven rain exposure. By responding to microclimate we extend cladding life, reduce maintenance frequency and improve occupant comfort in summer and winter. The outcome is a building that integrates with its immediate environment and resists the localized stresses that commonly shorten the life of poorly sited structures.

Precision joinery for durable connections and serviceability

Our joinery prioritises mechanical strength and future service access. Joints are dimensioned for seasonal movement, fastenings are corrosion-resistant and critical elements are arranged so replacements do not necessitate full disassembly. We avoid concealed fixes that complicate later repairs; instead we use accessible plates, bolted brackets and discreet maintenance gaps that maintain aesthetic purity while enabling straightforward renewal. This approach reduces long-term repair costs and preserves the structural logic of the building across cycles of wear and care.

Sustainable timber sourcing and material stewardship

We source timber with known provenance and prefer FSC-certified or responsibly reclaimed stock. This reduces environmental impact and supports stable, durable material choices. Material stewardship goes beyond selection: we design with waste reduction in mind, nesting workpieces to minimise cutoffs, and keeping offcuts for secondary elements like cills and trims. Finishes are chosen for repairability—oils and thin-film stains that can be renewed locally rather than industrial coatings that require specialist stripping—so the lifecycle of the building can be extended through simple local interventions.

Detailing to manage moisture, ventilation and thermal movement

Moisture control is central to timber longevity. We specify ventilated cavities behind cladding, overhangs to protect openings, raised thresholds and breathable membranes where appropriate. Where insulation is used we detail vapour control and serviceable ventilation paths to avoid trapped condensation. Proper detailing prevents rot, preserves finishes and reduces structural movement that accelerates wear. These details also contribute to comfortable interior conditions and reduce the need for reactive repairs caused by poor moisture management.

Customisable interiors with robust base construction

While exterior longevity is crucial, we also design interiors to be flexible: load-bearing points for shelving, integrated conduits for future electrics, and simple panel systems that allow layout changes without structural alteration. This means studios can evolve — from a quiet workspace to a guest room or hobby space — without major refits. The building’s skeleton is robust and insulated where needed, with interior finishes selected for easy cleaning and modest maintenance.

Maintenance planning and transparent lifecycle costs

We supply each client with a simple maintenance plan that itemises seasonal checks, expected consumables and typical timelines for oiling, seal replacement and minor corrective works. By translating likely maintenance into predictable costs and actions, owners can budget sensibly and avoid deferred care that leads to expensive repairs. Our recommended cycles and checklists are practical, often doable by the homeowner, and supported by optional service visits for clients preferring a hands-off approach.

Services — end-to-end timber building solutions

Site survey & contextual design

We start with an on-site visit to map levels, drainage, neighbour sightlines and sun patterns. Designs are iterated to respect existing planting and microclimatic features, producing drawings and a clear scope that balances aesthetics with buildability.

Detailed drawings & planning support

Production drawings, joinery details and, if required, guidance for local planning approvals are provided. We coordinate with surveyors and certifiers where structural input is necessary and prepare documentation suitable for a smooth permit process.

Fabrication & precision joinery

Our workshop produces pre-fabricated panels and joinery assemblies that reduce on-site time and improve tolerances. Each component is quality checked before delivery and labelled for straightforward site assembly.

Site assembly & weatherproofing

Skilled crews assemble structures, detail flashings, fit doors and windows, complete cills and thresholds, and apply final protective coatings. We run commissioning checks for doors, drainage and thermal continuity.

Insulated studio options & service integrations

For year-round studios we offer insulated panel systems, breathable membranes and routed conduits for future electrical installation. We coordinate with trusted electricians and HVAC specialists for integrated systems.

Aftercare, maintenance visits & upgrades

Optional annual or seasonal service visits cover oiling, adjustment of fixings, and minor repairs. We also provide upgrade paths for decking, screening and interior fit-outs as client needs evolve.

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installation and joinery

How to begin

1) Request a site survey via the contact page or call; 2) receive a brief design proposal and cost estimate; 3) approve drawings and schedule a workshop slot; 4) enjoy site assembly and handover with care documentation. We keep the onboarding simple to move from idea to reality efficiently.

Materials & options

  • Slow-grown softwood and select hardwood claddings
  • Reclaimed timber elements for character trims
  • Breathable board systems, insulation and vapour-control layers
  • Durable oil and micro-porous finishes for exposed surfaces