21st Century She Shed

Listening to the radio in my car this week I heard Joel Bird talking about his allotment roof shed which won the Cuprinol Shed of the Year award in 2014 which made me think of my own 21st Century high tech “she shed” which I invested in, primarily, as a space to complete my interior design studies.

After much research I chose a relatively high quality log cabin complete with light well, double glazed “tilt and turn” windows and double glazed French doors opening onto the garden. For maximum comfort I paid a little extra to have the floor insulated, and for durability, had the timber factory finished.

Prior to the erection of the building I made provision for electrical power, broadband, TV, and telephone cables to be available for connection on completion. Once the shell was erected the cables were hidden behind skirting boards, under the floor boards, and in some discreetly positioned plastic trunking. To ensure all year round use of the space I invested in an air conditioning unit which is capable of heating or cooling the room depending on the ambient air temperature. With the use of the remote control unit I can switch it on or off from inside the house or alternatively preset the timer. The space also boasts a sophisticated lighting system which is operated by way of a programmable EIB switch. There is a 5 amp lighting circuit for table and floor standing lamps and a ceiling mounted string of adjustable halogen spots.

To furnish the cabin to accommodate my vast collection of books, magazines, fabrics, and drawing equipment I begged, borrowed and bought some key pieces. The pine bookshelves were bought new and unfinished. The plans chest and filing cabinet were design office cast offs. The lovely Habitat table was bought on Ebay for £51, and the wicker chairs and cushions were retrieved from the garden shed. I chose an eggshell paint from the Little Green paint range to finish the shelving, plans chest and cabinet to tie in with the colour of the fitted carpet.

Entries for the 2015 Shed of The Year close on Friday May 1st. Go to www.readershed.co.uk  for more information.
See http://www.lugarde-garden-buildings.co.uk/prima-max.html for similar log cabins
See www.coolelectrics.com for air conditioning and lighting controls.