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Entries for Shed of the Year 2016 are now open – so what exactly makes a ‘Shed of the Year’?
We take a look back at the past five years of winners and find out what makes a shed stand out from the crowd.
2015 –Inshriach Distillery
From hen house to farm shop and gin distillery this shed was a highly unusual contender for shed of the year and it was its uniqueness that made it stand out from the crowd when it came to last year’s victor.
The transformation meant the former dilapidated hen house evolved from a pile of wood into a thriving business housing a popular gin Saloon Bar, Ladies Waiting Room and General Store with a gin distillery on site.
Inshriach Distillery – An impressive transformation from a hen house.
2014 – Allotment Roof Shed
What makes the Allotment Roof Shed so special is the green roof and its sustainable credentials. While the shed itself houses a studio for music and art, the roof of the shed is an allotment where vegetables are grown. It’s an attractive feature which was born out of the need for the owner and designer to make the best use of space in the back garden.
The majority of the shed was made from recycled materials, with solar panels providing energy for the lighting, and there is even a tin bath on the roof for a summer soak!
The Allotment Roof Shed – Fancy a roof top bath?
2013 – Boat roofed shed
Located 750 feet above sea level in the Cambrian mountains, this shed is made from recycled materials and is designed throughout in a nautical theme. The striking roof of this shed is made from a clinker built boat 14 ft long and 7 ft wide, providing a highly waterproof shelter.
2012- Woodhenge
A predominantly wooden shed this design has created a stylish ‘backyard pub’ for the owner and friends to enjoy. Displaying a collection of more than 100 real ale bottles, this pagoda is an ode to summer nights drinking with friends.
Woodhenge
2011- Songs from the Shed
Originally a First World War billet hut, Songs from the Shed is steeped in history. The house that the shed belongs to was built for heroes returning from the war so they could have a smallholding with income. During the construction of the house, former soldiers lived in the shed so they could have a smallholding with income as they readjusted to civilian life after the war. The shed is also home to acoustic music sessions and performances.
Founder of Cuprinol’s Shed of the Year competition, Andrew Wilcox said: “Each year the competition seeks to crown the most amazing sheds from across the country and it seems the nation’s love of sheds is stronger than ever.”
Only resident in the UK (and Ireland) are eligible to win the Shed of the Year title & prizes. But don’t worry – for those sheddies outside the UK, the title of “International Shed of the Year” is up for grabs.
A panel of judges will select an initial shortlist of sheds. Next, a public vote will be held on the website to find the category winners. A final judging panel will then select the overall winner of Shed of the Year 2016 – Good luck!
Notes on Competition
- Terms & Conditions of entry
- The Garden Office category will be merged with Workshop & Studioscategory
- The Budget and Historic categories continue for 2016 (after featuring on the Channel 4 showthis summer).
- The Tardiscategory has been merged with the Unique category so add your Whovian sheds to that
Thinking of entering?
Hopefully the previous winners have inspired you and given you a flavour of past contestants.
Every year the calibre of the entrants is extremely impressive and judges are wowed again and again with the weird and the wonderful.
It takes a special shed to claim the title but if you have a unique concept, the title of Shed of the Year 2016 could be yours.
Be sure to let us know if you’re entering this year by giving us a tweet.
And if you’re looking to build the perfect shed, whether you’re entering or not, you’ll want to take a look at our product range to accompany your project.