Discussions

I was wondering if there are people out there who would buy an outdoor office or "Zen Zone".  
It is a shed, insulated and designed on the interior to feel like just another room in your house, but it's purpose is to distance yourself from the world to rather relax or get your work done.  
I was curious as to if this is a concept that Brandon citizens are interested in.

Your business idea sounds like a nice luxury for those who can afford it. But just a heads up, there is already a business in Brandon called Zen Zone.

would be very important in this market - any idea what dimension and cost would be?

Sounds like a great option for the guy who can't use his garage or home for a man cave.

No, we have a garage for that. I'm not sure this would fly in Brandon. Just being honest. Maybe posting some photos of your thoughts might bring some positive responses.

Honestly there is no way I would be paying a few grand plus to have a shed sit outside for a family member to "get away" from daily life stuff. Worst case like Kellye said - garage or even basement as the so called "man cave". This is sounding more of a novelty for the upper class with too much disposable income. My "Zen Zone" is out on a lake fishing enjoying nature and actually getting away from it all. It would be cheaper to just drive 5 minutes south to watch the sunset at the Brandon Hills or something like that.

Depends on the cost I would imagine. Other than the electrical, I know many of my family members who could upgrade any standard shed in a couple of weekends, to be an outdoor stand alone 'room'.

concept is nice and easily doable if one is aware of building codes etc. within the city.

but it would depend on price. And if you could make it a sensory deprivation chamber, I'll take a loan out to get it. I suffer from PTSD, and this would be extremely nice.

OK, so your escape is fishing. During the summer months, mine is camping, enjoying my backyard, or going for a long bike ride. I'll admit it, I don't have the patience for fishing. I've tried it, but quickly got bored, but love the fresh fish. Before you call people upper class, remember we all have different interests and different sources of relaxation and enjoyment.  
 
In the winter, having a heated place that isn't my home where I can enjoy a cigar, and a good whisky with friends, and maybe watch a low brow movie like the Hangover or Airplane (three things my spouse (1) won't allow in the house, (2) doesn't like to drink, and (3) won't enjoy) appeals to me.  
 
It doesn't make me upper class or elitist, just looking for a different escape. To each their own.

I have found that the Zen Zone is the very best place for me tune into my body and chill out. The health benefits have been overwhelmingly positive for me and I recommend a few classes of warm yoga a week for anyone trying to de-stress and detoxify! http://zenzonebrandon.ca/

Des said "OK, so your escape is fishing. During the summer months, mine is camping, enjoying my backyard, or going for a long bike ride. I'll admit it, I don't have the patience for fishing. I've tried it, but quickly got bored, but love the fresh fish. Before you call people upper class, remember we all have different interests and different sources of relaxation and enjoyment.     In the winter, having a heated place that isn't my home where I can enjoy a cigar, and a good whisky with friends, and maybe watch a low brow movie like the Hangover or Airplane (three things my spouse (1) won't allow in the house, (2) doesn't like to drink, and (3) won't enjoy) appeals to me.     It doesn't make me upper class or elitist, just looking for a different escape. To each their own. "

Sorry if I came off as judgmental. Actually the fish aspect isn't the relaxing part. It is the smells and sounds of nature. I can close my eyes, not worry about work, family, anything. Clear your mind and breathe. I would not let my wife build some shed in the back yard for thousands just to have a quiet area. I just cannot see a sustainable market around here to make a living off it. Sure some here would say they would use it for medical reasons but my feeling is like having a pool. How many people have high intentions but don't follow through? I admit I am the same, buy a camper but haven't used it as much I thought I would. Same thing. There may be an immediate demand but then I can't see it sustained unless you combined it with building other structures.

If I can offer a similar solution  
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coworking

My guess is the price is going to be high as just buying a shed can run quite a big price. There is also the added expense of running electricity, added insurance plus space issues not to mention fire codes etc. there would also be the added cost of landscaping to ensure the ground is flat. Sounds like a costly project IMO and I really don't think Brandon is a good place to market something like this.