BS3632:2023 vs Building Regulations: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters
If you're shopping for a high-quality garden room, lodge, or modular cabin, chances are you've come across two very different terms: BS3632 and Building Regulations. While both might seem like quality benchmarks, they serve entirely different purposes—and understanding the distinction could be the difference between buying something seasonal and temporary versus something that feels like a home.
At THC Homes, we’ve seen a growing number of clients actively requesting our services to build Building Regs Leisure Buildings, and we believe the shift is clear: people want long-term comfort, healthier living environments, and a smart investment that lasts decades—not years.
In this article, we’ll explore what BS3632:2023 means, how it compares to UK Building Regulations, and why more customers are turning to buildings that exceed the standard leisure spec.
What is BS3632:2023?
BS3632:2023 is a British Standard that applies to residential park homes and certain types of static holiday lodges. It provides guidelines around:
Thermal insulation
Ventilation
Fire safety
Structural performance
While it’s a step up from older caravan regulations, BS3632:2023 is still relatively limited. It was never designed to meet the full range of requirements for a traditional home. It’s suited for lightweight, mobile structures like holiday lodges or park homes that are only used part of the year—or that require transportability.
What Are Building Regulations?
Building Regulations (often called "Building Regs") are the UK’s official minimum standards for structural safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, ventilation, fire resistance, drainage, and more. They’re what all permanent homes and houses must comply with.
In short, a Building Regs Leisure Building is a structure that’s been designed and constructed to the same standards as a traditional home—offering superior performance, durability, and comfort.
🌿 Built Beyond Regulations: Passive House-Inspired Design
At THC Homes, we don’t just meet Building Regulations—we go further. Our designs are guided by Passive House principles, a gold-standard building methodology developed in Europe and now recognised worldwide for its exceptional energy efficiency, airtightness, and comfort.
Passive House standards:
Surpass UK Building Regs and the upcoming Future Homes Standard
Have been widely adopted across Europe for over two decades
Prioritise thermal performance, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), and low embodied carbon
Reduce energy use by up to 90% compared to traditional construction
While the UK is only just beginning to raise its minimum standards, our customers benefit today from a higher-performance, future-proof home or leisure building that’s built to last.
If you’re seeking a premium leisure building with the performance of a house—and the comfort of a sanctuary—our Passive House-aligned approach is what makes the difference.
Why Our Clients Are Choosing Building Regs Leisure Buildings
In recent months, we’ve seen a noticeable trend: more and more customers are specifically seeking leisure buildings that meet Building Regulations, and moving away from BS3632-compliant models.
Here’s why:
1. Superior Thermal and Acoustic Comfort
The thicker walls and insulation we use in our Building Regs Leisure Buildings mean a more stable indoor temperature year-round—warm in the winter, cool in the summer. But it’s not just heat retention.
Wall thickness and proper insulation also significantly reduce noise, making our buildings feel quiet, calm, and peaceful—whether it's for working, relaxing, or sleeping. This is especially important for clients using these spaces as guest rooms, wellness spaces, or boutique holiday lets.
2. Mechanical Ventilation for Healthier Living
Traditional leisure lodges tend to rely on trickle vents and lightweight fabric construction, which often results in mould growth, dust accumulation, and poor air quality—especially when left closed up for months.
Our homes and leisure buildings are fitted with mechanical ventilation systems, which:
Filter out pollen, dust, and allergens
Reduce humidity and condensation
Provide continuous fresh air circulation
It’s a noticeable upgrade, particularly for clients who suffer from asthma or allergies, or who want to promote wellness within their rental or hospitality offering.
3. Fewer Plastics, More Natural Materials
BS3632:2023 buildings are often built to be lightweight and cost-effective, which means a heavier use of plastics, foams, and other synthetic materials. In contrast, our Building Regs Leisure Buildings use real timber, stone finishes, low-VOC paints, and breathable membranes.
We’re committed to reducing toxic materials and creating healthier environments—not just for sustainability, but for the people who live and sleep inside them.
4. Designed for Longevity
BS3632:2023 buildings typically have a design life of 5 to 15 years—especially if they’re regularly moved or exposed to harsh environments. Even well-built ones may begin to show age, require refurbishment, or lose their value much faster.
In contrast, our buildings are designed to last 30+ years, meeting full building control standards. When installed on permanent foundations like ground screws or concrete pads, they function like a small home—and can even be mortgageable in some cases.
5. A Smarter Investment for Site Owners
A cheap pod might cost less upfront, but many operators are seeing them wear out quickly, especially when used intensively. A BS3632:2023 lodge might be considered semi-permanent, but in colder seasons, it can feel uncomfortable, leading to reduced year-round bookings.
A Building Regs Leisure Building, on the other hand, is a long-term asset:
Higher resale value
Greater booking appeal
All-season comfort and operation
Less maintenance and fewer replacements over time
For a family-run business or high-end park, this can mean a stronger return on investment for decades to come.
NordSky Cabin with Bespoke Shelter, Outdoor Sauna and Integrated Baths
Seasonal vs Permanent: What’s Your Goal?
If you're operating a seasonal holiday park with summer-only lets, a BS3632:2023 lodge might be enough. But if you're aiming for a premium, all-year-round destination—or you’re looking to live, work, or host guests in your building long-term—then Building Regulations are the smarter path.
It’s the difference between a “holiday pod” and a home-grade structure that reflects pride, quality, and foresight.
Why THC Homes?
At THC Homes, we specialise in crafting Building Regs Leisure Buildings that are designed for modern living. From annexes and lodges to bespoke cabins, we focus on:
Smart technologies for efficiency and comfort
Passive House methods for energy reduction
Clean, natural materials and low-toxicity finishes
Modular build quality that meets (and often exceeds) UK Building Regulations
Final Thoughts
As leisure spaces evolve from short-term, seasonal use to full-time lifestyles or long-term hospitality investments, the gap between BS3632:2023 and Building Regs Leisure Buildings is becoming more obvious—and more important.
If you’re looking for a structure that’s comfortable, healthy, sustainable, and built to last—we’d love to talk.
Explore our range of Building Regs-compliant models or contact us for a brochure to get started!
