A model flying enthusiast is reaching for the skies thanks to his new garden room, built using aviation technology pioneered in Deeside.
Adrian Hazeldine is using the new building at his Cheshire home as a workshop where he cares for his collection of remote controlled model planes – many of them replicas of military planes, with wingspans of more than six feet.
The new 20 sq metre building was made by Deeside-based Rubicon Garden Rooms – founder John Lyon was inspired by his 20 years as an engineer at Airbus to develop a zero-maintenance wood fibre composite material.
Adrian’s love of model flying took off three years ago, after he retired from his job as an IT director with an insurance firm. His hobby was beginning to take over his home until he hit on the idea of creating space in the garden of his Prestbury home.
“I wanted a purpose-built room and began researching what was out there,” said Adrian.
“Most seemed to be made of timber, which I didn’t really want as they would take a lot of looking after.
“I came across Rubicon Garden Rooms and their products really appealed as they are incredibly low maintenance and well insulated.
“Model flying was something I had been interested in for a long time, as well as an interest in engineering, which helps when you are building model aeroplanes. But it was only when I retired that I had the time to pursue it. I looked around for a club and joined South Cheshire Remote Control Society.
“I have learned a lot from my fellow members at the club, some of whom have been involved in the hobby from an early age. Flying our model aircraft out in the open air is great fun.”
Adrian has a range of aircraft, with his favourite types being ‘Warbirds’ – old, military, radio-controlled aircraft. His largest model is a Maule civil aeroplane, the largest and heaviest of his collection, with wings spanning six and a half feet.
Adrian, who has two grown-up daughters, a son and four grandchildren, is married to Tracey, who is also delighted with the new garden room.
He said: “I previously had my model flying stuff in the house and frequently across the kitchen table as I’m not the tidiest of people, so it is a great relief to Tracey that everything is now contained in the garden room.”
Adrian had a design in mind when he approached Rubicon to build his garden room and was delighted when this was translated into reality.
He added: “I knew what I wanted and this was completely understood by John at Rubicon.
“The new building is five metres by four metres, with double doors, workbenches around three sides and a central island unit.
“Building the garden room was a challenge due to the layout and uneven nature of our garden but it all worked well in the end and I now have a light, well insulated, low maintenance room which I really enjoy being in.”
Rubicon, based in Rowley’s Drive, Shotton, designs, makes and installs bespoke top-of-the-range units that are used for everything from home offices to art or music rooms, yoga studios, teenage dens and annexes for dependent relatives.
Fully insulated, the hi-tech wood fibre composites simulate wood, whilst other products simulate stone and slate in order to enhance comfort, zero-maintenance and aesthetic appeal.
Rubicon managing director John Lyon said: “Our bespoke service means our customers can create exactly what they need, without any worries over maintenance.
“It just takes a few weeks from start of the design to completion of the installation, so there’s very little disruption to their family life.
“They are a perfect way to indulge a hobby without it taking over a family home, as Adrian has shown.”
More details at rubicongardenrooms.co.uk or call 01244 552813
