Fiberglass Garden Shed Becomes An Architect’s New Studio

A garden shed is sometimes more than it seems. For instance, this right here is a multifunctional shed, a little something that architect Richard John Andrews built for himself in the backyard of his London home. The Light Shed as it was called has a timber frame and is clad in black corrugated fiberglass which allows it to be strong and durable while at the same time being lightweight which is an important factor in this case as it greatly simplified the building process. The shed has a translucent polycarbonate roof hence the name.

The design of the shed is slightly asymmetrical which gives it a modern and eye-catching look
The design of the shed is slightly asymmetrical which gives it a modern and eye-catching look
Given the location and nature of the shed, this had to be a simple, low-budget project
Given the location and nature of the shed, this had to be a simple, low-budget project

The Light Shed was built in only 21 days and has a total surface of 12 square meters which may not sound like much but is enough to turn this into a nice working space with the possibility to also be used for entertainment purposes and social gatherings. The shed is a combination between a studio and a summer house thanks to its modular and flexible design. The interior is welcoming, with walls lined in plywood, a desk area for two, a sofa bed, storage closet and a bathroom. At the front there’s also a small cork seating area. Sliding glass doors open up the shed to the garden and together with the roof they let in plenty on sunlight.

The sliding doors offer a peek inside, allowing natural light to flood the interior during the day
The sliding doors offer a peek inside, allowing natural light to flood the interior during the day
The exterior of the shed is clad entirely in fiberglass panels which give it a pretty imposing look
The exterior of the shed is clad entirely in fiberglass panels which give it a pretty imposing look
One section of the interior is occupied by a double workstation
One section of the interior is occupied by a double workstation
The roof lets in diffuse ambient light which gives the interior a wonderful glow
The roof lets in diffuse ambient light which gives the interior a wonderful glow
The interior design is simple, modern and mostly relying on built-in furniture
The interior design is simple, modern and mostly relying on built-in furniture
Although small, the shed also has room for a tiny bathroom
Although small, the shed also has room for a tiny bathroom