These days more and more people are looking for increased space in their homes, whether that be so as to accommodate children who either won't go away or keep coming back, grandparents who need to be close, or home offices that demand a separate area.

For Paul Ryan, and his cousin Alan Bailey, it's a market that hasn't been adequately attended to here in Ireland – until now. The cousin's have recently ventured into business together with Strongwood (located on the Bandon Road Roundabout), specialising in luxury log cabins, amazing garden summerhouses, and top-quality timber decking.

Paul says that there's not much his cousin doesn't know about quality timber construction having helped hundreds of customers maximise their outdoor space while running a cabin design and decking business for years.

The seeds of this particular seized opportunity were sown when the cousins discovered a company in Holland who can completely custom create timber structures to the client's spec. They subsequently decided to bring the concept home with them to Ireland. Already huge throughout Europe and the UK, the idea of making timber structures that fit easily into your garden and that are warm, light-filled and super-practical was just too good to pass up, so Paul and Alan have opened Strongwood to help the people of Cork house their friends, relations and home businesses.

"These structures take timber cabins and summerhouses to a whole new level," says Paul. "Brand new to Ireland, and exclusive to Strongwood, these luxury units have a host of potential uses, one of the most exciting being as an extension to your living space, without all the expense and general hoo-hah you'd have to endure if you built on a concrete addition. They comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are perfect for use as a guest house, home office, games room- the possibilities are endless."

Continuing, he said, "They are really gorgeous looking structures; very spacious and airy, and can be designed to your exact specification depending on your intended usage. One couple want one for their daughter returning from abroad, as they knew she wouldn't be in a position to buy a house, and they had simply run out of room in theirs."

If the structure takes up less than half your garden you probably won't need any planning permission, but Paul and Alan are well versed in all the rules and regulations and will walk you through everything that needs to happen for your own particular requirements. A granny flat, a GP's surgery; an office-just think of the possibilities. They're double glazed, and Strongwood have their own electrician on staff to ensure all the heating and lighting are perfect; they can be insulated (although wood is a natural insulator so they're toasty in the winter), plumbed-whatever you need.