THAT’S the ‘shed of the year’? Artist’s ‘Frankenshed’ creation built from recycled timber and old fence posts triumphs over 200 contestants to win 2023 competition
- Archie Proudfoot, from London, has been crowned winner of shed of the year
The 2023 winner of the prestigious Cuprinol Shed of the Year has been announced with judges giving top marks to a multi-coloured marvel known as the ‘Frankenshed’.
Shed-owner Archie Proudfoot, from London, used all his skills as an independent artist and sign painter to triumph over more than 200 other entrants which included A-frame ski chalet in Essex and a Japanese-inspired tea room in Bristol.
Mr Proudfoot’s creation was voted top of the ‘Colourful’ category by the general public and chosen by judges as this year’s overall winner
Mr Proudfoot named his effort ‘The Frankenshed’ because he brought it back from the dead showcasing ‘the highest levels of technicolour transformation.’
Before extensive renovation work was completed, the standard shed was a rotting wreck.
Archie Proudfoot (right), from London, is crowned Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2023 winner for his creation
Before renovation, the shed had been a shell of rotting timber
Mr Proudfoot battled it out against over 200 impressive shed entrants to become victorious
But applying a little elbow grease, Mr Proudfoot rebuilt the shell with recycled timber, old fence posts, and a colourful pop of colour.
It is now a beautiful airy, work space which Mr Proudfoot hopes will become an award-winning creative haven.
Describing his process, Mr Proudfoot explained that he had battled against the odds to rescue the rotting structure as he ‘saw potential.’
He explained: ‘When I began renovating it the floor was 80% rotten, so was the roof and so was the window sill. By all rights it should have been torn down and replaced. But I saw the potential for something special.
‘Once all the rot had been cut away it was still standing somehow. I rebuilt the floor with recycled timber from old fence posts and the window sill was remade using a single bed frame that was set for the skip.
‘A living breathing shed once again I began to use my skills as a professional artist and sign painter to turn it into something special. A large new window replaced the three old cracked ones.
‘Once the outside was complete I began work on the interior.
‘What started as a bored attempt to save a rotten shed turned into the most elaborate and enjoyable piece of artwork I’ve ever created. The Frankenshed is now a beautiful place to while a way an afternoon sketching, writing, tinkering or potting plants for the garden.’
In it’s 17th year, the Shed of the Year competition is arguably as British as Fish and Chips and weather chat.
In order to triumph, Mr Proudfoot had to fend off 25 other entries on the shortlist.
The 26 sheds that made the shortlist for Shed of the Year 2023 – scroll down for more details
There are various categories, including ‘budget’, ‘cabin/summerhouse’, ‘nature’s haven’ and ‘pub/entertainment’ as well as ‘simple but effective’.
Each of the sheds has been given a name by its owner, ranging from being named after a loved relative to a moniker with a pun – including one shed that is called Buckingham Pallets.
Head judge and founder of the competition, Andrew Wilcox, said: ‘We’re now in the seventeenth year of the competition, and each year I am always surprised and delighted by the level of creativity shown by our entrants.
‘Many have shown how they can create something masterful from reclaimed materials and on a budget. Equally, we have seen a lot of people go all out in an effort to build gorgeous garden escapes for them and their family.’
Marianne Shillingford, of Cuprinol, said: ‘My world revolves around colour, and seeing how people have been using it to transform their outdoor spaces has been really inspiring.
‘Colour does a lot to calm, energise, and bring people together, and I am constantly in awe of how these creative sheddies harness its power to create the perfect outdoor space.’
Shortlist for Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2023
1. The Frankenshed, London (Category: Colourful)
The Frankenshed in Greater London was built by Archie Proudfoot, as an old shed was ‘brought back from the dead’
The Frankenshed in Greater London was built by Archie Proudfoot, who explained that the name derives from the shed having been ‘brought back from the dead’.
He said: ‘It was a standard eight by four timber shed that had been left to rot at the bottom of a neglected garden. When I began renovating it, the floor was 80 per cent rotten, so was the roof and so was the window sill.
‘By all rights, it should have been torn down and replaced. But I saw the potential for something special.’
2. The Shed, Ulster (Category: Colourful)
Meeting requirements: The shed has a bright interior with multi-coloured tiles on the walls
The shed was built by Dave Webber, who uses it as a place for relaxing and watching TV
This shed in Ulster was built by Dave Webber and is a colourful space where he can relax, watch TV, listen to music and store some of his motorcycles.
3. Head, Hearts and Hands Hut, Cambridge (Category: Simple but effective)
This shed in central Cambridge has been built by the community, for use by the community
The simple but effective shed is built on Cambridge City Council land in Empty Common Community Garden
This shed in central Cambridge has been built by the community for the community, according to Charlotte Synge, who help lead the project.
It is built on Cambridge City Council land in Empty Common Community Garden.
Charlotte explained: ‘It is a shed for gardeners to relax in and make hot drinks etc. But crucially, it is a shed for people from groups in Cambridge who want to come together to work towards transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future.
4. The Tea House, Bristol (Category: Simple but effective)
This Japanese-inspired tea room is at the end of a garden in Bristol and was built from recycled materials by Peter Lawson
The shed adheres to a simple format with meditation cushions and an authentic Japanese tea set
This Japanese-inspired tea room is at the end of a garden in Bristol.
It was built from recycled materials by Peter Lawson, who said: ‘A lot of the wood came from an old playhouse, rotten stuff cut out and replaced with pallet wood and old fencing found lying discarded outside strangers’ houses.
‘The only things I’ve paid for is screws, preservative and paint.’
5. The Nott Shed, Oxfordshire (Category: Simple but effective)
This shed in Oxfordshire is called ‘The Nott Shed’ as it belongs to Lisa Nottingham who describes it as her ‘sanctuary’
This shed in Oxfordshire is named ‘The Nott Shed’ after owner Lisa Nottingham who describes it as her ‘sanctuary’.
She said: ‘My potting shed is my escape from a stressful job, a place where I can just relax and breathe.
‘It is where I can grow plants, sit and drink my coffee and listen to the birdsong around me. It is quite simply my happy place.’
6. Small But Mighty, Norfolk (Category: Simple but effective)
This ‘small but mighty’ shed in Norfolk belongs to Rebecca Boulter and was designed on a scrap of paper
This ‘small but mighty’ shed in Norfolk belongs to Rebecca Boulter. It was designed on a scrap of paper and built from scratch using nearly all reclaimed materials.
It is used for storing gardening tools as well as dog biscuits, and is a place to keep seeds and grow seedlings.
7. Number 82, West Yorkshire (Category: Budget)
This budget shed in Leeds was built by Lotte Shaw and cost less than £250 to complete
The shed provides valuable covered growing space on an allotment that doubles up as tool storage
This budget shed in Leeds cost less than £250 to build. It was built by Lotte Shaw, who said: ‘I’ve always loved old wooden framed windows and have been collecting discarded ones from building sites for the best part of a decade.
‘When I took on my allotment a couple of years ago, I decided I wanted more covered growing space and the windows came into their own. It doubles up as a potting shed and tool storage space.’
8. Ethel, Kent (Category: Budget)
This shed in Kent belongs to Mary Fudge who wanted a covered space to relax in while she was at her allotment
This shed in Kent belongs to Mary Fudge, who wanted a covered space to relax in while she was at her allotment.
She explains the shed is named after her ‘late Nana’ Ethel.
She said: ‘I kitted it out with repurposed items I already had including my Nana’s old garden chair, 1950s metal drawers that were in my late dad’s workshop and an old cabinet.’
9. My Little Slice of Heaven, Kent (Category: Budget)
Another budget shed is this one in Kent, which is called ‘my little slice of heaven’ and was built by Sarah Allen
Sarah is an avid recycler who collected old floor joists for the walls and bricks for the floor
Another budget shed is this one in Kent, which is called ‘my little slice of heaven’.
It is owned by Sarah Allen, who said: ‘I have always wanted a greenhouse but we back onto a golf course and regularly have golf balls landing in the garden.’
‘I am an avid recycler and I started collecting old floor joists for the walls and bricks for the floor, pallets for the shelves and double glazed units from an old skip for the windows and even old conservatory sheets for the roof and after a few weeks my shed was born.
‘We covered the entire side facing the golf course in recycled chicken wire to protect it from stray golf balls.’
10. The Buckland Family Summerhouse, Aberdeenshire (Category: Cabin/Summerhouse)
The Buckland Family Summerhouse in Aberdeenshire has been transformed into a useful outdoor space
It has been stocked with books, cards and games, as well as radio, bird and wildlife books and binoculars
The Buckland Family Summerhouse in Aberdeenshire started off as a shed inherited by Lisa Buckland from the previous owners.
The previous owners had used it mainly as a greenhouse and Lisa has transformed it into the outdoor room that it is today.
She said: ‘The summerhouse has been stocked with books, cards and games like battleship, chess and labyrinth. It also has a radio, bird and wildlife books and binoculars, making it a lovely place to relax.’
11. Tin House’s Tin Shed, Kent (Category: Cabin/Summerhouse)
This shed in Kent is called Tin House’s Tin Shed and it sits in a well designed garden under a willow tree
The shed is proudly owned by Nicola House who built it in the garden of her council house
This shed in Kent is called Tin House’s Tin Shed and is owned by Nicola House.
She said: ‘The shed is under a willow tree, at the end of an award-winning garden – Gardeners’ World garden of the year judges choice 2022, which I’m very proud of.
‘It is only a council house but we must all aim high.’
12. A-Frame Ski Chalet, Essex (Category: Cabin/Summerhouse)
This A-Frame ski chalet is in Essex and was built by Alex Dodman for his family and friends to use
The modern interior of the A-framed cabin includes a TV and lighting, as well as the internet
This A-Frame ski chalet isn’t in the Alps or Whistler, it is far closer to home in Essex.
It is owned by Alex Dodman, who said: ‘Last year, I built a swimming pool for my children at the top of the garden, so I decided to rip down my old shed, re-use all the wood and build this cabin up here.
‘My wife can sit on the porch with friends while the children and their friends can swim. The cabin has a TV with the internet for the children to enjoy.’
13. Bee Café Shed, Suffolk (Category: Nature’s Haven)
The Bee Café Shed in Suffolk was created by Paul Martin as a project during his retirement
Paul says that inside is ‘a place to relax, do some potting, listen to the bees, play a little chess and maybe explore the cocktail tray’
The Bee Café Shed in Suffolk was created by Paul Martin as a retirement project.
He said: ‘I started building bee cafes to help hungry and thirsty bees on their daily commute.
‘Bee cares are portable wooden planters loaded with bee-friendly flowers in bloom. They are placed to provide the pollen and nectar wherever they might need it to get from A to Bee without flagging.
‘My plan is to request each of my neighbours to give up one square foot of their garden to host a bee café so that we can eventually build a Bee corridor here in Great Bealings.
‘Inside is a place to relax, do some potting, listen to the bees, play a little chess and maybe explore the cocktail tray.’
14. Tikki Bar, South Yorkshire (Category: Pub/Entertainment)
The Tikki Bar in South Yorkshire has a colourful exterior using a pink and blue theme
The colour continues inside the Tikki Bar shed with a bar and seating areas
The Tikki Bar in South Yorkshire was built by the Kenworthy Family. It was a labour of love that was created using reclaimed and recycled materials.
15. Shepherds Rest (Category: Pub/Entertainment)
The Shepherds Rest shed in Wiltshire was built by John Sheppard, who uses it to entertain family and friends
The Shepherds Rest shed in Wiltshire was built by John Sheppard, who said: ‘The shed is my man cave. I have had PTSD since the 70s and this is a place I can go to have some quiet time and to have some former Army mates round to talk about the good old days.
‘I watch the rugby in here and it is also a great place for my family to have friends round without the need to dress up to go out.’
16. The Pamper Shed, Poole (Category: Colourful)
The Pamper Shed in Dorset’s Poole was created by Laura O’Mahony during lockdown
Laura describes the shed as a pink beauty salon that is a joy to treat people from
The Pamper Shed in Dorset’s Poole was created by Laura O’Mahony.
Laura explains: ‘It is a beautiful pink beauty salon that was set up during lockdown and maternity leave, after being a mobile beauty therapist.
‘It is full of décor I’ve collected over the years and it is a joy to treat people from it.’
17. Mok Wood Art Shed, West Lothian (Category: Natures-Haven)
Recycling is at the heart of this shed built, which is in West Lothian and is made from 80 per cent reclaimed material
This shed is in West Lothian and is called Mok Wood Art Shed. It was built by Michael Fendrych from 80 per cent reclaimed materials.
18. Carl’s Surf Shack, Cheshire (Category: Unexpected/Unique)
Carl’s Surf Shack in Cheshire is owned by Jane Tomlinson, who moved into the new build house in 2021 with her husband Carl
Carl’s Surf Shack in Cheshire is owned by Jane Tomlinson. She moved into the new build house in 2021 with her husband Carl, who was involved in a fatal cycling accident just before Christmas that year.
Jane said: ‘This year, I went ahead with our plan to landscape the garden and decided on a nautical theme as Carl was a talented, fanatical windsurfer and surfer.
‘The focal point of the garden is the summerhouse, which sits in a specially designed beach area. It’s a lovely place to sit and remember Carl and the great times we had.’
19. Golden Behinde, Suffolk (Category: Unexpected/Unique)
This shed in Suffolk was built by Harry Scott and was inspired by the officer’s quarters on the Golden Hinde
This shed in Suffolk was built by Harry Scott and was inspired by the officer’s quarters on the Golden Hinde.
Harry said: ‘My boys wanted a place where they could party, read and study in the garden.
‘They saw the full-size replica of the Golden Hinde in London and decided to build their own version. I mean, if it was good enough for Sir Francis Drake to party on round the globe, it was definitely good enough for them.’
20. I Am Reusable, North Yorkshire (Category: Unexpected/Unique)
This shed in North Yorkshire is run as a community food bank, which is open seven days a week, 365 days of the year
This shed in North Yorkshire is run as a community food bank, which is open seven days a week, 365 days of the year.
It is run by more than 60 volunteers and helps to feed more than 100 people a day.
21. Buckingham Pallets, Tyne & Wear (Category: Unexpected/Unique)
A former pigeon loft is also one of the entries in this year’s Shed of the Year competition
This former pigeon loft was transformed during lockdown by Neil Wheatley.
Neil hints in the name of the shed that it is now fit for royalty as he called it Buckingham Pallets.
22. The Makershed, Derbyshire (Category: Workshop/Studio)
This shed n Derbyshire is owned by Kerry Truman and proved a wellbeing saviour during lockdown
This shed in Derbyshire is owned by Kerry Truman and proved a wellbeing saviour during lockdown.
23. Nan’s Woodworking Shed, Buckinghamshire (Category: Workshop/Studio)
Sarah Glass took up woodwork in her 60s and now has a dedicated space to work on her projects
This workshop is owned by Sarah Glass, and is where she makes furniture and other items from wood.
She took up woodwork at the age of 62, four years ago. She said: ‘It is a fully equipped workshop with lots of machinery such as a table saw etc.
‘I also wanted it to be an attractive addition to the garden, so I decorated the shed on the outside with stencils.’
24. Tangerine Dream, West Sussex, (Category: Workshop/Studio)
This shed in West Sussex is called Tangerine Dream and it includes an office space
The polycarbonate shed section is inspired by the cinema of the 1980s
This is a shed of two halves, with one being a polycarbonate shed inspired by 1980s cinema and the other half being a California mid century office space with a large picture window.
It is in West Sussex and is owned by Ben Hillman.
25. Tardis Cabinets of South Wales, Llangyfelach, (Category: Workshop/Studio)
This workshop shed is in Swansea’s Llangyfelach and is owned by Gary Dorr
It is the headquarters of Gary’s cabinet-making business and is fully equipped
This workshop shed is owned by Gary Dorr and is the headquarters for his cabinet-making business.
26. The Smugglers’ Notch, West Midlands (Category: Pub/Entertainment)
This shed in the West Midlands is called Smuggler’s Notch and was built by Tim Griffths
The interior resembles a traditional pub setting with bar stools and beams on the ceiling
This Smuggler’s Notch was built by Tim Griffths. It is the West Midlands and has a bar under a canopy facing onto the garden.
Tim said: ‘Behind the bar is the traditionally-styles ‘snug’ with a collection of books and artefacts, some of which used to grace my father’s home bar.
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