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Architecture

From floating retreat to vintage taxi: 2018's Shed of the Year shortlist

By Adam Williams
August 16, 2018
From floating retreat to vinta...
The 2018 Cuprinol Shed of the Year shortlist is made up of 24 amazing sheds, drawn from a total of 2,971 entries
The 2018 Cuprinol Shed of the Year shortlist is made up of 24 amazing sheds, drawn from a total of 2,971 entries
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The Boat Pod was built by Barnaby Dearsly as a writer’s retreat, garden folly, artist studio, and children's hideaway
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The Boat Pod was built by Barnaby Dearsly as a writer’s retreat, garden folly, artist studio, and children's hideaway
The Boat Pod is located in Exeter, Devon
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The Boat Pod is located in Exeter, Devon
The Boat Pod is made from the upturned bow of a decommissioned fish trawler built in 1945
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The Boat Pod is made from the upturned bow of a decommissioned fish trawler built in 1945
The Boat Pod is fitted with electrical sockets, a stove sourced from the original mast-step, engineered oak flooring, and a sail canvas door
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The Boat Pod is fitted with electrical sockets, a stove sourced from the original mast-step, engineered oak flooring, and a sail canvas door
The Boat Pod has even been made watertight using marine resin
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The Boat Pod has even been made watertight using marine resin
The Boat Pod is a finalist in the Unique category
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The Boat Pod is a finalist in the Unique category
The Bottle Shed is a finalist in the Eco category
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The Bottle Shed is a finalist in the Eco category
The Bottle Shed's design was inspired by a story written by the owner's primary school teacher, Mrs Arnold
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The Bottle Shed's design was inspired by a story written by the owner's primary school teacher, Mrs Arnold
The Bottle Shed is decorated primarily with recycled bottles
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The Bottle Shed is decorated primarily with recycled bottles
The Bottle Shed is owned by Lauretta and Philip Denton
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The Bottle Shed is owned by Lauretta and Philip Denton
The Bottle Shed is filled with memories, including a collage of buttons the owner collected from her mother and grandmother
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The Bottle Shed is filled with memories, including a collage of buttons the owner collected from her mother and grandmother
The Bottle Shed is located in Scarborough
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The Bottle Shed is located in Scarborough
The Bottle Shed is a finalist in the Eco category
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The Bottle Shed is a finalist in the Eco category
Bricks & Water is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
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Bricks & Water is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
Bricks & Water is owned by Geoff Pike
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Bricks & Water is owned by Geoff Pike
Bricks & Water is located in Salisbury, Wiltshire
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Bricks & Water is located in Salisbury, Wiltshire
Bricks & Water contrasts an unremarkable exterior with an interior full of Lego
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Bricks & Water contrasts an unremarkable exterior with an interior full of Lego
Bricks & Water was first built 12 years ago and over the years it’s become home to a vast Lego collection
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Bricks & Water was first built 12 years ago and over the years it’s become home to a vast Lego collection
Bricks & Water includes a shed-extension, which consists of an adjoining second cabin constructed two years ago
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Bricks & Water includes a shed-extension, which consists of an adjoining second cabin constructed two years ago
Bricks & Water is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
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Bricks & Water is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
Buenai Vista is a finalist in the Budget category
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Buenai Vista is a finalist in the Budget category
Buenai Vista is designed to reflect the environment around it
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Buenai Vista is designed to reflect the environment around it
Buenai Vista is located in Gwynedd, North Wales
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Buenai Vista is located in Gwynedd, North Wales
Buenai Vista is owned by Hywel Jones
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Buenai Vista is owned by Hywel Jones
Each of Buenai Vista's panels represents the surrounding landscape - including a stream that runs adjacent to the shed, and a nearby iron age hillfort
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Each of Buenai Vista's panels represents the surrounding landscape - including a stream that runs adjacent to the shed, and a nearby iron age hillfort
Buenai Vista's owner Hywel Jones has been a qualified carpenter for over 35 years, and it shows with this decorative woodwork
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Buenai Vista's owner Hywel Jones has been a qualified carpenter for over 35 years, and it shows with this decorative woodwork 
The Bush Inn is a finalist in the Historic category
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The Bush Inn is a finalist in the Historic category 
The Bush Inn is owned by John Parks
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The Bush Inn is owned by John Parks
The Bush Inn is located in Hull
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The Bush Inn is located in Hull
The Bush Inn appears at various war revival shows across the UK
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The Bush Inn appears at various war revival shows across the UK
The Bush Inn is built to offer an authentic old-fashioned pub experience
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The Bush Inn is built to offer an authentic old-fashioned pub experience
The Bush Inn hosts re-enactors and war veterans, who come together to play darts, dominos, and cards
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The Bush Inn hosts re-enactors and war veterans, who come together to play darts, dominos, and cards
The Bush Inn is a finalist in the Historic category
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The Bush Inn is a finalist in the Historic category
The Big Top Den is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
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The Big Top Den is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
The Big Top Den is owned by Steve Burrows
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The Big Top Den is owned by Steve Burrows 
The Big Top Den is located in Longcot, Oxfordshire
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The Big Top Den is located in Longcot, Oxfordshire 
The Big Top Den serves as a space for Steve Burrows to enjoy time with his grandsons
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The Big Top Den serves as a space for Steve Burrows to enjoy time with his grandsons
The Big Top Den was constructed without a plan, with Burrows adding onto it as he went
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The Big Top Den was constructed without a plan, with Burrows adding onto it as he went
The Big Top Den has inspired Burrows to build two more sheds for his growing family
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The Big Top Den has inspired Burrows to build two more sheds for his growing family
The Big Top Den is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
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The Big Top Den is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
The Off-Cut Shed is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
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The Off-Cut Shed is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
The Off-Cut Shed is owned by Mark Humphrys
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The Off-Cut Shed is owned by Mark Humphrys 
The Off-Cut Shed is located in Great Ellingham, Norfolk
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The Off-Cut Shed is located in Great Ellingham, Norfolk 
The Off-Cut Shed is made from recycled and upcycled materials
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The Off-Cut Shed is made from recycled and upcycled materials 
The Off-Cut Shed is built entirely from off-cuts collected from neighbors, roofing manufacturers, and trash
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The Off-Cut Shed is built entirely from off-cuts collected from neighbors, roofing manufacturers, and trash
The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
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The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) was built to be used as both a summer house and a green house
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The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) was built to be used as both a summer house and a green house
The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is located in the City of London
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The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is located in the City of London 
The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is owned by Andy Ramsay and Kate Spencer
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The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is owned by Andy Ramsay and Kate Spencer
The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is used to pot and plant, as well as a space to relax with a cup of tea
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The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is used to pot and plant, as well as a space to relax with a cup of tea
The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is built from reclaimed stained glass from the Victorian era, which took nearly two years to collect
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The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) is built from reclaimed stained glass from the Victorian era, which took nearly two years to collect
The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) was built with no plan. Owners Andy Ramsay and Kate Spencer let the glass they were able to find inform the design, using new materials to bring it all together
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The Green House (Great Glass Propagator) was built with no plan. Owners Andy Ramsay and Kate Spencer let the glass they were able to find inform the design, using new materials to bring it all together
The Admiral’s Head is owned by Lee Carrie
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The Admiral’s Head is owned by Lee Carrie
The Admiral’s Head is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category
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The Admiral’s Head is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category
The idea for the Admiral’s Head came about when Carrie purchased an original "Admirals Head" pub sign
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The idea for the Admiral’s Head came about when Carrie purchased an original "Admirals Head" pub sign
The Admiral’s Head is located in Chelmsford
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The Admiral’s Head is located in Chelmsford
Drawing on his 17 years of experience in the Royal Navy, Carrie used the Admiral's Head sign as the driving influence behind the theme of his shed/pub
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Drawing on his 17 years of experience in the Royal Navy, Carrie used the Admiral's Head sign as the driving influence behind the theme of his shed/pub
The Admiral’s Head is filled with vintage naval pub memorabilia - including hanging mugs, pub mirrors, vintage bottled ales, and more
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The Admiral’s Head is filled with vintage naval pub memorabilia - including hanging mugs, pub mirrors, vintage bottled ales, and more
Noah's is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category
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Noah's is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category 
Noah’s was mostly built from re-used and recycled materials
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Noah’s was mostly built from re-used and recycled materials
Noah’s is located in Blackwood,Caerphilly
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Noah’s is located in Blackwood,Caerphilly
Noah’s was built painstakingly during a period of heavy rain - which led owner David Morris' neighbors to joke he was building an ark
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Noah’s was built painstakingly during a period of heavy rain - which led owner David Morris' neighbors to joke he was building an ark
Noah’s is owned by David Morris
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Noah’s is owned by David Morris
Noah’s now serves as a place for gatherings with family and friends
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Noah’s now serves as a place for gatherings with family and friends
Noah's is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category
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Noah's is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category
OSmithers is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category
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OSmithers is a finalist in the Pub and Entertainment category
OSmithers was built three years ago but was extended to double its size last year due to its growing popularity
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OSmithers was built three years ago but was extended to double its size last year due to its growing popularity
OSmithers is located in Hambleton, Blackpool
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OSmithers is located in Hambleton, Blackpool
OSmithers is designed to be a replica of a commercial Irish pub
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OSmithers is designed to be a replica of a commercial Irish pub
OSmithers sports a replica of Blackpool Tower on the roof
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OSmithers sports a replica of Blackpool Tower on the roof
OSmithers is owned by Doug Smith
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OSmithers is owned by Doug Smith
The original structure of OSmithers was actually built by Vickers Armstrong Apprentices during the Second World War. It was later restored and updated by its current owner
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The original structure of OSmithers was actually built by Vickers Armstrong Apprentices during the Second World War. It was later restored and updated by its current owner
Piano Raft is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
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Piano Raft is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
Piano Raft is located in Saltaire, West Yorkshire
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Piano Raft is located in Saltaire, West Yorkshire
Piano Raft is owned by Ben Cummins
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Piano Raft is owned by Ben Cummins
Piano Raft was built over five years
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Piano Raft was built over five years 
The 2018 Cuprinol Shed of the Year shortlist is made up of 24 amazing sheds, drawn from a total of 2,971 entries
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The 2018 Cuprinol Shed of the Year shortlist is made up of 24 amazing sheds, drawn from a total of 2,971 entries
Piano Raft was relocated by being manually pulled on skis from Liverpool to Leeds
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Piano Raft was relocated by being manually pulled on skis from Liverpool to Leeds
As its name suggests, the Piano Raft includes musical instruments
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As its name suggests, the Piano Raft includes musical instruments 
Piano Raft is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
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Piano Raft is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
Rainbow Dream is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
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Rainbow Dream is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category 
Rainbow Dream is owned by Rachael Taylor
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Rainbow Dream is owned by Rachael Taylor 
Rainbow Dream is located in Liverpool, Merseyside
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Rainbow Dream is located in Liverpool, Merseyside 
Rainbow Dream was designed to serve as a creative hub for the owner's flourishing pattern and design business
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Rainbow Dream was designed to serve as a creative hub for the owner's flourishing pattern and design business
Rainbow Dream is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
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Rainbow Dream is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
Scaffold Board Summer House is a finalist in the Unique category
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Scaffold Board Summer House is a finalist in the Unique category
Two of Scaffold Board Summer House's walls rotate when the space needs to be opened up
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Two of Scaffold Board Summer House's walls rotate when the space needs to be opened up
Scaffold Board Summer House is located in Thruxton, Hampshire
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Scaffold Board Summer House is located in Thruxton, Hampshire 
Scaffold Board Summer House is a space for the whole family to enjoy
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Scaffold Board Summer House is a space for the whole family to enjoy
Scaffold Board Summer House is owned by Scott Stickland
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Scaffold Board Summer House is owned by Scott Stickland
Scaffold Board Summer House is a finalist in the Unique category
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Scaffold Board Summer House is a finalist in the Unique category
Two of Scaffold Board Summer House's walls rotate when the space needs to be opened up
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Two of Scaffold Board Summer House's walls rotate when the space needs to be opened up
Shed and Breakfast is a finalist in the Eco category
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Shed and Breakfast is a finalist in the Eco category
Shed and Breakfast is owned by Daisy Bass
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Shed and Breakfast is owned by Daisy Bass 
Shed and Breakfast is located in Bristol
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Shed and Breakfast is located in Bristol 
Shed and Breakfast is a quaint escape that is rented out to provide the owner, who is a stay-at-home mother, with additional income
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Shed and Breakfast is a quaint escape that is rented out to provide the owner, who is a stay-at-home mother, with additional income
Shed and Breakfast also hosts homeless Bristol youth once a month
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Shed and Breakfast also hosts homeless Bristol youth once a month
Shed and Breakfast is a finalist in the Eco category
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Shed and Breakfast is a finalist in the Eco category
Jo’s Shepherds Hut is a finalist in the Historic category
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Jo’s Shepherds Hut is a finalist in the Historic category 
Jo’s Shepherds Hut is located in Dorset
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Jo’s Shepherds Hut is located in Dorset
Jo’s Shepherds Hut is owned by Greg Whale
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Jo’s Shepherds Hut is owned by Greg Whale
Jo’s Shepherds Hut came about when Greg Whale asked his wife Jo whether she wanted a Chevy truck or a shepherd’s hut for their 25th anniversary – she chose the latter
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Jo’s Shepherds Hut came about when Greg Whale asked his wife Jo whether she wanted a Chevy truck or a shepherd’s hut for their 25th anniversary – she chose the latter
Jo’s Shepherds Hut was built from scratch over six months
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Jo’s Shepherds Hut was built from scratch over six months
Taxi is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
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Taxi is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
Taxi is owned by Lee Connelly
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Taxi is owned by Lee Connelly
Taxi is located in Colchester, Essex
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Taxi is located in Colchester, Essex
The idea for Taxi came about when Connelly and his friends tried to repair a vintage taxi but ran into too many issues
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The idea for Taxi came about when Connelly and his friends tried to repair a vintage taxi but ran into too many issues
Rather than sell it, Connelly removed the back of his garage and drove the Taxi into his garden
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Rather than sell it, Connelly removed the back of his garage and drove the Taxi into his garden
Taxi now serves as a spare bedroom and creative space
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Taxi now serves as a spare bedroom and creative space
Taxi is located in Colchester, Essex
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Taxi is located in Colchester, Essex
Taxi is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
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Taxi is a finalist in the Unexpected/Not A Shed category
The Bee Eco Shed is a finalist in the Eco category
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The Bee Eco Shed is a finalist in the Eco category 
The Bee Eco Shed is owned by George Smallwood
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The Bee Eco Shed is owned by George Smallwood
The Bee Eco Shed is located in Sheffield
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The Bee Eco Shed is located in Sheffield 
The Limes is owned by Michael Long in the City of London
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The Limes is owned by Michael Long in the City of London
The Limes is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
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The Limes is a finalist in the Cabin and Summerhouses category
The Limes was constructed by the grandson of a shed aficionado. He built this shed as a homage to his grandparents
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The Limes was constructed by the grandson of a shed aficionado. He built this shed as a homage to his grandparents
The Limes even has the original sign from the owner's grandparents home, dubbed “The Limes”
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The Limes even has the original sign from the owner's grandparents home, dubbed “The Limes”
The Limes is made from repurposed materials
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The Limes is made from repurposed materials 
The Limes includes its own wood burning stove, elevated drinks holders and built in planters
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The Limes includes its own wood burning stove, elevated drinks holders and built in planters
The Limes is a place for friends and family to come together
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The Limes is a place for friends and family to come together
The Temple is a finalist in the Historic category
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The Temple is a finalist in the Historic category
The Temple is owned by Angus Robert Thompson
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The Temple is owned by Angus Robert Thompson 
The Temple was built as a base for historic walks and a space to sell plants from in Dorset
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The Temple was built as a base for historic walks and a space to sell plants from in Dorset
Tudor Playhouse is a finalist in the Budget category
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Tudor Playhouse is a finalist in the Budget category 
Tudor Playhouse is located in Norfolk
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Tudor Playhouse is located in Norfolk 
Tudor Playhouse was built from mostly reclaimed/salvaged materials
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Tudor Playhouse was built from mostly reclaimed/salvaged materials
Tudor Playhouse is owned by Craig Clavin and was built with help from his young sons
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Tudor Playhouse is owned by Craig Clavin and was built with help from his young sons 
Tudor Playhouse is a finalist in the Budget category
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Tudor Playhouse is a finalist in the Budget category
Tudor Playhouse has proved a great father/sons project
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Tudor Playhouse has proved a great father/sons project
Viking Bauhutte is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
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Viking Bauhutte is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category 
Viking Bauhutte is owned by Chris Walter
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Viking Bauhutte is owned by Chris Walter 
Viking Bauhutte is located in Hampshire
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Viking Bauhutte is located in Hampshire 
Viking Bauhutte gets its name from when craftsmen and artisans would stay in a shed on a building site - the Bauhutte - and discuss their building and design ideas over tea (or mead) back in the middle ages
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Viking Bauhutte gets its name from when craftsmen and artisans would stay in a shed on a building site - the Bauhutte - and discuss their building and design ideas over tea (or mead) back in the middle ages
Viking Bauhutte is a workshop, an artists' studio, a family craft room and a space where the owner can design and build cameras
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Viking Bauhutte is a workshop, an artists' studio, a family craft room and a space where the owner can design and build cameras
Viking Bauhutte is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
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Viking Bauhutte is a finalist in the Workshop and Studio category
Hapus Yurt is owned by Jack Fetherstonhaugh
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Hapus Yurt is owned by Jack Fetherstonhaugh
Hapus Yurt is a finalist in the Unique category
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Hapus Yurt is a finalist in the Unique category
Hapus Yurt is located in Abergele, Wales
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Hapus Yurt is located in Abergele, Wales
Hapus Yurt has Wi-Fi, electricity, a spiral staircase and a bathroom with a view
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Hapus Yurt has  Wi-Fi, electricity, a spiral staircase and a bathroom with a view
Hapus Yurt has radiators and looks comfortable and cosy inside
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Hapus Yurt has radiators and looks comfortable and cosy inside
Hapus Yurt has a fully-functioning kitchen made from reclaimed wood
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Hapus Yurt has a fully-functioning kitchen made from reclaimed wood
Hapus Yurt is located in Abergele, Wales
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Hapus Yurt is located in Abergele, Wales
The Yurt Locker is a finalist in the Budget category
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The Yurt Locker is a finalist in the Budget category
The Yurt Locker is located in Suffolk
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The Yurt Locker is located in Suffolk 
The Yurt Locker is owned by Paul Martin
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The Yurt Locker is owned by Paul Martin
The Yurt Locker's creator was at a festival in 2008 which was hit by a hurricane, and to his surprise only the glamping yurts survived. Duly inspired, he built his own
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The Yurt Locker's creator was at a festival in 2008 which was hit by a hurricane, and to his surprise only the glamping yurts survived. Duly inspired, he built his own
The Yurt Locker was originally planned to be used as a "man cave" and for DIY projects, but is now used as a glamping venue and trampoline gymnasium
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The Yurt Locker was originally planned to be used as a "man cave" and for DIY projects, but is now used as a glamping venue and trampoline gymnasium
View gallery - 148 images

A floating shed packed with musical instruments, a vintage taxi used as a spare bedroom, and a luxurious yurt complete with spiral staircase – all feature in this year's Shed of the Year shortlist. Created by enthusiastic amateurs, the competition contains some of the most interesting self-built architecture you'll see in one place.

Now in its 11th year, the 2018 Cuprinol Shed of the Year shortlist consists of 24 sheds, drawn from a total of 2,971 entries. As we said last year, international readers unfamiliar with the UK shedding scene can think of it as somewhat similar to the USA's tiny house movement, but with a big dose of British eccentricity.

"We've been absolutely blown away by the incredible, imaginative and innovative sheds entered into this year's competition," says Shed of the Year founder Andrew Wilcox. "I've judged the finalists eleven years running now, and it's amazing to see how the s