What our clients needed: • Create a garden folly that doubles as a well-built shed for crafts and storage. • Size the structure large enough for comfortable storage without dominating the garden. • Discreetly locate the shed in the far corner of the rear yard while maintaining existing trees. • Ensure that the structure is protected from the weather and carefully detailed to deter access of wildlife and rodents. FUNCTION • Construct the shed slab close to grade to permit easy access for bicycle storage, while building shed walls above grade to ensure against termites and dryrot. • Install a French door and operable casement windows to admit plenty of daylight and provide views to the garden. • Include rugged built-in work bench, shelves, bike racks and tool storage for a rustic well-organized and efficient space. • Incorporate GFIC electrical service for safe access to power at this distant corner of the yard. • Position energy-efficient interior lighting to ensure space can be used year-round. • Switch control of exterior light from house and from shed for ease of command. AESTHETICS • Design and detail the shed to coordinate with the Arts and Crafts style house. • Include an arbor for future flowering vines, further softening the shed’s garden presence. • Simple and rustic interior surfaces ensure that the space is easy to clean. • Create an aged and softly weathered appearance, and protect the exterior siding by finishing the cedar with a custom-colored semi-transparent stain. INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION • Factory-built components were pre-assembled to allow for a speedy assembly and for a shorter on-site construction schedule. • Each component was easily transported through the yard without disturbing garden features. • Decorative exterior trim frames the door and windows, while a simpler trim is used inside the unadorned shed. OBSTACLE OVERCOME • The structure is located in the corner of the yard to avoid disturbance of a curly willow tree. • The low-profile structure is positioned close to property lines while staying beneath the allowable daylight plane for structures. • To comply with daylight plane close to fence, the roof form combines hip and gable forms, with door located at gable end. • The height of the modest interior is maximized, without exceeding the allowable building height. CRAFTSMANSHIP • The concrete slab was precisely formed and finished for ease of shed assembly before the factory-built components were delivered to site. • Precision planning meant the pre-framed door fit exactly between raised concrete curb.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country detached shed and granny flat in Charlotte.

The Aurora can be labeled as a greenhouse shed combo. It includes four large aluminum windows with tempered glass for safety. On top of that, it features 509 cubic feet of storage space for gardening tools and equipment or plants. With the many windows, light is aplenty. However, there is even the option to add solar shades so you can control the amount of sunlight coming in. In addition, you can add a power ventilation fan to remove excess heat and bring in cool air inside. If you looking to grow plants and vegetables all year around and store stuff, the Aurora greenhouse shed combo is just what you're looking for. It's a customer favorite.

Mark Woods
Mid-sized contemporary detached shed and granny flat in Seattle.

Modern glass house set in the landscape evokes a midcentury vibe. A modern gas fireplace divides the living area with a polished concrete floor from the greenhouse with a gravel floor. The frame is painted steel with aluminum sliding glass door. The front features a green roof with native grasses and the rear is covered with a glass roof. Photo by: Gregg Shupe Photography

Maintaining the setback distances suggested by the building department, Sweeney built a garden shed addition that matched the color and architectural detail of the home. It was placed within 10 ft of the rear property line and 15 ft from the side lot line to provide functional access to the shed and built parallel to the fence. Looking at the landscape, the shed was also strategically placed on level ground, away from water collection points, and low branches.

The soft tones new timber shed and fence compliment the new sandstone paving.
This is an example of a small modern shed and granny flat.

Bespoke cedar clad shed and covered outdoor seating area with fire bowl and wood store benches.
Inspiration for a small contemporary detached garden shed in Oxfordshire.

This is an example of a small country detached garden shed in San Francisco.

Bespoke hand built timber frame garden room = 7. 5 mtrs x 4.5 mtrs garden room with open area and hidden storage.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary shed and granny flat in Surrey.

A Craftsmen-styled compact shed to fit garbage, recycling and green bins.
Inspiration for a small arts and crafts detached shed and granny flat in Toronto.

One of a group of three identical sheds grouped in a row. This one houses the yard tractor and equipment.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional detached garden shed in Portland.

A simple exterior with glass, steel, concrete, and stucco creates a welcoming vibe.
Photo of a small contemporary detached granny flat in Austin.

Architectural Design by Helman Sechrist Architecture Photography by Marie Kinney Construction by Martin Brothers Contracting, Inc.
Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style detached garden shed in Other.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary detached granny flat in Baltimore.

Photo of a small midcentury detached granny flat in Vancouver.

Photo of a mid-sized detached garden shed in Other.

Ollie Hammick
This is an example of a mid-sized industrial detached studio in London.

Photography by Brent Bear
Mid-sized traditional detached greenhouse in San Francisco.