My-pavilion.com

In the United Kingdom, the word shed has a different connotation than in the United States. We here in the states think of a backyard “shed” as a utilitarian affair, primarily meant for storage. In the U.K., they expand the term to “garden shed”, which can be used for a variety of habitable purposes.

Alex Johnson, a U.K. based journalist, has pioneered a wonderful blog site which he calls Shedworking. His primary focus is on garden sheds for use as home offices, although the site has grown to encompass the entire phenomenon of personal outdoor structures. It’s as broad a compendium as you’ll find on the internet.

A while back, the New York Times interviewed me about an emerging trend – the development of backyard personal structures. I explained that houses are becoming more multi-functional, and people are capturing free outdoor space for all kinds of uses.

This exquisitely handsome Seattle backyard home office was recently featured in the New York Times. It was designed by Ryan Smith, a Seattle architect, for a sales rep who works from home. Smith used the project as a springboard to start MetroShed, which now offers similar prefabricated buildings, starting at $10,000.

This nicely sited spa enclosure is available through Summerwood of Toronto, supplier of a variety of shippable backyard buildings. Sliding doors get out of the way for an open feeling – but when weather is less cooperative, the enclosure provides protection. Large windows on three other sides provide for light and an open feeling. The palladian windows at the top are a pleasant decorative touch. The deck and pavilion are nicely integrated along with outdoor bench seating. For pricing and other information, contact summerwood.com.

Mark Gandy runs a packaging design company in London. He teamed up with designer Kim Parker of Havenwood Limited to develop this fabulous little outbuilding in his own back yard. He calls it the “Gar Den” because it serves as a combination garden shed and den for him. Garden tools etc. are stored in hinge-lidded bench seats, saving the space for getaway use. It’s decorated with pictures, a sound system, beer fridge, lighting, heating and upholstered seats. The outer deck and landscaping make it a welcome little escape for its owner. Mark says that on a cold night, it’s great to snuggle to the adjacent fire pit with some mulled wine.

Antiques dealer Richard Shapiro has built quite a pavilion for himself. It harkens back to Roman times, complete with columns of the classical order. Sometimes, pavilions are built for no other reason than whimsy, to which Shapiro will openly attest. See more photos and story from the LA Times.

When you need a specialized equipment or accesories for compact land-based spaces, sometimes the best place to turn is the boating industry. A company called Dickinson Marine makes a fantastic miniaturized propane heater that is not only pretty to look at – like a fireplace – but will also heat a small space in a jiffy, and maintain warmth.

With deft planning and installation, it can be an attractive add to a pavilion, simultaneously taking the chill out of the air, and adding a special visual feature.

Jay Shafer, who lives in a house of approximately 100 square feet, uses a Dickinson unit as his primary heat source. You can see it in operation, Jay’s house on YouTube.

In a post-modern version of the Airstream, Architect Andy Thompson has developed an intriguing, green and sustainable mobile-home-style living quarters in approximately 300 sf of space. Dubbed the miniHome, it incorporates features such as solar power, wind turbine, a green roof, and a rainwater collection system.

Clearly for those who have modernist tastes, the interior spaces however are very clean, green and multi-functional.

YouTube Link

Steve Chernicky built a playhouse for his daughter, because he couldn’t find one that he liked. He turned that personal experience into a business – Lillyput Playhomes – that now ships stock and custom playhomes throughout the world.

What’s particularly interesting about his little buildings is the attention to detail and proportion. Without children standing next to them, it’s hard to tell the miniatures from their full-scale counterparts. Often, Lillyput will duplicate a real home in miniature.

If you are building a custom pavilion, or if you have design latitude regarding roofing materials, you may want to consider a copper shingle roof. Copper – when new, or if treated – can maintain a golden reflectivity that will make your little building literally and figuratively shine. If your building will be viewed from a distance, a copper roof will certainly stand out.

One of the nice features about copper shingles – when compared with copper standing-seam roofing – is that it can be installed pretty much in the same way as asphalt roofing.
And it will last for many more years.

Take a look at Bennington Copper Roof Shingles.