The Evolution Of Bakers

Evolution of Materials

In the beginning, our buildings were exclusively crafted from timber, featuring either a shiplap or log lap design. This reflected the style of the time, with offerings including standard and heavy-duty sheds, cabins, and a wide array of summer houses. Typically, these structures were unlined and single-glazed, suitable mainly for warmer months.

While timber boasts excellent environmental credentials, its maintenance requirements and susceptibility to natural movement when exposed to external elements posed challenges.

Around 2005, as clients sought summer houses for year-round use and garden offices, we began exploring alternative materials offering better longevity and durability. Embracing this principle early on has been instrumental in our evolution over the years.

 

 

Why We Upgraded Our Timber Buildings

Our first improvement to our buildings involved deepening the timber rebates of doors and windows to accommodate double glazing for better insulation. Then, we began installing UPVC doors, followed by UPVC windows to address leaking issues observed with wooden windows. We also upgraded internal linings by offering painted versions in timber and later in MDF. However, despite these upgrades, we still faced the challenge of timber cladding until 2014.

 

In 2014, we were presented with a brand new cladding material, Medite Tricoya Extreme or ‘MTX’. This cladding promised a lifespan of 50 years without painting, using timbers grown in just 25 years. Initially sceptical, we conducted extensive research over 18 months and found the product to be truly remarkable. In fact, we still showcase one of our first test pieces in our show centre!

 

Once confident in MTX, we adopted it as an upgrade alongside a cement board product for fire-rated and low-maintenance solutions in hidden areas of the building. By 2016, this became the top choice for many clients. Today, we offer a variety of alternative cladding options including Millboard Envello, stone, split-face stone, Trespa, Cedral, and more.

 

 

Transitioning to UPVC doors and windows along with MTX cladding solved most issues, leaving only the felt roofs as a concern. Fortunately, we found a reliable solution in rubber EPDM roofs, requiring minor adjustments to our manufacturing process.

In recent years, we've increasingly utilised aluminium doors in nearly every project, finding them superior to UPVC doors. With these changes, our buildings no longer rely on timber.

 

So that was it. From then on, all our buildings were made with these materials rather than timber which meant that we could offer a 10-year zero maintenance guarantee and with a 50-year life expectancy, which is now the foundation of the modern Bakers Garden Buildings.

 

 

Internal Developments

With our external features perfected, our focus has shifted to diversifying our internal offerings over the past three to four years. Our latest internal upgrades include feature walls and the use of new colours and materials to personalise the rooms, creating a cosy 'home away from home' atmosphere. We believe that with the assurance of a building lasting up to 50 years, customers feel more comfortable investing in interior customisation.

We've also developed a wet leisure-ready room for Endless Pools and hot tubs, something typically not considered for a regular Garden Building

 

 

New Services

Feature Walls - Oak Veneer

We've noticed a growing interest among both ourselves and our clients in the trendy concept of the 'feature wall' for interior design. These walls can range from stylish wooden panelling to walls adorned with plants and greenery. Our oak feature walls have quickly become a hit, and we're now offering them as an upgrade to existing clients. With the addition of the latest LED lighting, we can transform a basic, standard room into a warm, modern, and inviting space.

 

 

Black Is The New Grey

With the ongoing trend of black and grey buildings, we're now going to offer our pre-design collection of Kite Garden Buildings in a black edition. These sleek designs feature black cladding, doors, and windows, giving them a modern edge. Surprisingly, although we transitioned away from timber years ago, we're now incorporating it as trims for both interior and exterior detailing. Since these trims are removable and not essential to construction, we have the freedom to experiment with materials and colours, adding a touch of luxury to our buildings.

Another exciting upgrade is the use of black quartz split-faced stone, which we're incorporating into a current project for the entire front of a client's garden building and the hot tub canopy. We're confident this new material will elevate the aesthetics significantly.

As we continue to evolve our garden buildings, our clients discover the endless possibilities offered by Baker's. We are so excited to share all our upcoming developments and offerings with you this year.

 

 

Environmental Aspects

When considering environmental impact, the choice may not be as straightforward as it seems. While timber buildings appear eco-friendly initially, they often require harmful treatments like fungicides and insecticides, plus frequent replacement every 10 to 15 years. Opting for environmentally friendly, zero-maintenance materials like MTX proves to be more sustainable.

 

Just imagine the additional fuel needed to transport new timbers from Scandinavia to a manufacturing facility like ours and then to clients. By using MTX cladding, you can reduce this carbon footprint by fourfold.

 

Our buildings offer superior insulation compared to timber structures, featuring house specification doors and windows with top-tier double glazing. We also incorporate Air Source heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling, providing significant energy savings.

 

While we aim to use timber where possible without compromising longevity and usability, for structures requiring zero maintenance and a lifespan of 50 years or more, modern, house specification materials emerge as the clear choice, maintaining green credentials.

 

Our aim is to ensure that where we can, we use timber without compromising longevity and usability as it is the obvious natural material for this application. However, where we are looking to give zero maintenance and a building that will last up to 50 years or more, it is clear that modern, house specification materials are the best solution and still come with green credentials.

 

With our steadfast approach to the principle of zero maintenance, there is zero compromise in our workmanship and materials used. While this may result in a higher price point, we firmly believe it's justified by the durability and longevity of our buildings. With minimal upkeep required, they retain their new appearance for years to come. Additionally, knowing your building can last up to 50 years instils confidence, allowing you to invest more comfortably in interior features.