The Art Shed

A hideaway in the garden for art, music, and study - and a few surfboards

Location, Backwell, North Somerset

Size, 4.8m x 2.7m, 11sqm inside – set up with two work desks

Materials, British western red cedar cladding, hardwood plywood interior

Type, Pent, 2.5m maximum height

This is Matt’s shed. It was designed by him a few years ago to occasionally work from home while running his previous design business and ethical business consulting work.

It rapidly evolved in use by him and his sons as they went through their senior school and higher education years. Very much a hideaway for quiet study and creative endeavour by the three of them.

Although fairly compact inside Matt placed the window at a level and the door on one end to maximise the free wall space to fit in two work tables, painting easel, and four of his son’s surfboards – plus all of their musical instruments and creative tools.

Used by both sons throughout school and higher education for quiet study and creative endeavour, and a few parties with friends

The Art Shed is nestled between two mature trees and the construction was part of a larger garden makeover which included a new patio, garden wall and paved steps leading to the cabin.

Over the years the plants, ivy and naturally fading cladding have softened and blended the cabin into the garden.

The boys, now men, still hang out in the art shed when they visit – good memories and still some creative activity to come.