| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Aesthetics and visual appeal | 7/10 |
| Suitability and usefulness | 6/10 |
| Sustainability and recycling | 6/10 |
| Problem solving and brief | 5/10 |
| Overall | 6/10 |
The interior of the Shed can be seen as a separate project. The exterior has a different purpose to the interior and visual aesthetics carry greater importance inside the structure. The space is defined by the shelf area on the right hand side of the space, which was incorporated due to the constraints of the site. This shelf area runs through the ‘Big Shed’ and the ‘Little Shed’ and is utilised in both as a design feature. In the ‘Big Shed’ this shelf forms a small side table, the base for the hearth and a seating area. It was important that these had a visual consistency and ran to the same height throughout this space. This height was defined by the height of the cast iron hearth, which could not easily be modified. The side table was therefore created from oak to have a finished height which matched the hearth. Similarly, the seating area was also created to the same dimensions.
The side table was created using a piece of found oak which had a waney edge (or live edge). This was ripped to the depth of the shelf and side and front bearers were constructed and fitted to the top. The top was waxed and polished. The hearth was a works entrance sign salvaged from a construction site close to our home, and as this was buried in a deep retaining wall, this was initially thought to be a plaque set into the wall. After the brickwork was demolished, this turned out to be a substantial cast iron lintel. During refurbishment it was discovered that the lintel was of a hollow construction and was filled with scrap bricks and concrete. This was removed and made the piece slightly more manageable to move and install. The cushion for the seating area was created at Traditional and Modern Upholstery in Lower Darwen to measurements supplied.
The space is not a full rectangular shape, as the ‘Little Shed’ encroaches into this building. This was a deliberate feature so that the space was not too ‘boxy’. This area has been clad in reclaimed pallet wood to further differentiate these walls from the others in the structure.
The flooring is made from joists laid over the damp-proof membrane, insulation and a further foamex layer. This is to ensure that the space retains heat in colder months. These have been left in a natural state, and a skirting board has been created from these boards so that these are consistent with the appearance of the floor.
The electricity supply outlets and switches has been specified in metal clad units to add an industrial aesthetic to the space. This is further reinforced with the green enamelled industrial light shades salvaged from the East Lancashire Coachbuilders factory in Blackburn in 1992.
The ‘Big Shed’ is a family room, and is in no way a ‘Man Cave’ or an indulgent folly. It is used by all family members as a private space to entertain, relax or enjoy.
The ‘Little Shed’ features a sliding door which maximises the space available on the decked area outside. This sliding door is a home made construction and consists of a solid steel bar runner on which adjustable brackets run over castor wheels. These were self designed and constructed and have proved to be a reliable and useful feature. The door is designed to run in a slot in the floor, so that entry cannot be forced. and is a secure area to store garden equipment, a running machine, tools and cycles. There is also a small chest freezer in there too. This space does not have windows, as these are not really needed in this area.
Marronmade 