Stix and Stones is a shed and fencing company with a vision! Paul Neal, the owner, had spotted the increasing trend for people to use their garden sheds for more than just storing their garden and DIY tools and was looking to capitalise on this. The advantage of the typical garden shed is that it doesn’t need planning permission and many creative homeowners have exploited this fact to use their gardens (and sheds) more effectively. While the English garden shed has long been a treasured symbol of eccentricity, the uses to which it is now being put are numerous, with customers interested in using their sheds for garden games rooms, mini-gyms and even pottery glazing studios! In addition, the increasing interest in work life balance and the growth of flexible working has resulted in many homeowners seeking additional working space and the ‘luxury garden office’ is becoming a popular option. Although planning permission is not required for the typical garden shed (rules do apply to larger structures) local authorities are taking an interest in this new trend and are increasingly insisting that sheds, especially those used for work purposes, should meet building regulations, particularly in relation to fire safety. As a result of increased customer interest and demand for ‘luxury’ sheds, Paul was keen to find a product that would allow him to build high quality sheds that would meet building regulations but also maintain the unique character and aesthetic of the traditional garden shed. That product was James Hardie’s HardiePlank™ siding. Paul explains, “HardiePlank™ siding has the look of wood but enjoys the huge advantage of being non-combustible and fire resistant. This product, used in combination with Rockwool and Thermocell, allows us to build sheds that are both well insulated and highly resistant to fire. HardiePlank™ siding allows us to create traditional looking sheds that enjoy the benefits of one of our most modern building materials.” Stix and Stones, Colchester ‘Shedding’ for the future!

To find out how HardiPlank® could improve your developments visit our website at: www.jameshardieeu.com Please visit www.jameshardie.com for additional product information and availability, installation information, warnings and warranties. © 03/2008 James Hardie International Finance B.V. All rights reserved. TM and ® denote trademarks or registered trademarks of James Hardie International Finance B.V. is a registered trademark of James Hardie International Finance B.V. The June BBA logo is a registered trademark of the British Board of Agrément. Paul was very impressed by the durability of...