About this shed
This 8×12 contemporary garden shed was built for a North Vancouver home with a modern design and little room for storage. It holds the lawn mower, shovels, rakes and other yard tools, so the garage is free again. The shed was built off site and delivered to the back yard.
Quick facts about this contemporary garden shed
- Location: City of North Vancouver, BC
- Size: 8×12 (96 sq/ft)
- Design: Contemporary prefab garden shed
- Overhangs: Front 18″; sides and rear 6″
- Siding: LP SmartSide
- Door: 36″ fibreglass
Delivered to the back yard
Sheets of 3/8″ plywood were laid across the new sod so the delivery would not damage the lawn, and a 3 ft wooden ramp was added at the door for easy access. The shed has a single-slope roof with an 18″ overhang at the front and 6″ at the sides and rear.
Inside the shed
Inside, the walls and ceiling are plywood. A row of high windows and a side window let in daylight, and the door has a 36″ fibreglass slab.
Why a contemporary style suits a modern home
A modern house often has clean lines, large windows and little built-in storage. A contemporary shed matches that look with a single-slope roof, flat siding panels and a dark door and trim. It keeps the yard looking planned, and it holds the things a modern house has no room for.
What the shed stores
A shed this size is a handy place for a lawn mower, shovels, rakes and other yard tools. Moving them out of the garage frees that space for cars, bikes or a workshop. The plywood walls inside can take shelves, hooks and a tool rail.
Built off site, delivered whole
A prefab shed is designed and built away from the yard, then delivered to the site. Building off site keeps the lumber dry and the cuts accurate, and it means the work in the yard is short and quiet.
High windows let in light
A row of high windows lets daylight into the shed without using up wall space. Shelves and tools can stand right below them, and the windows keep the inside bright without showing the contents to the neighbours.
Preparing the site
A shed needs a firm, level spot with room for delivery. Before delivery, it helps to:
- Pick a clear spot with access for the delivery vehicle.
- Level the ground and set a firm base so the floor stays flat and water drains away.
- Protect the lawn on the delivery route, for example with plywood sheets.
- Check the setbacks from the property lines in your city’s shed rules.
Keeping the siding in good shape
LP SmartSide is a primed engineered wood siding that is painted after installation. Look the shed over once a year, repaint any worn spots, and keep soil, mulch and plants from touching the bottom of the siding.
| Location | City of North Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 8×12 (96 sq/ft) |
| Design | Contemporary prefab garden shed |
| Delivery | Built off site and delivered to the back yard |
| Overhangs | Front 18″; sides and rear 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Ceiling | Plywood |
| Door | 36″ fibreglass |
| Windows | One 18″ x 60″ window, plus high windows |
| Porch and deck | None; a 3 ft wooden ramp at the door |
| Electrical and heat | None |
What to plan before adding a garden shed
A modern home often has little storage, and a garden shed is a quick way to add some.
- Size and permit: at 96 sq/ft, this shed is under the 107 sq/ft (10 m²) limit used by most cities for the building permit. Zoning rules such as setbacks and height still apply, so check with your municipality. See the City of North Vancouver shed rules.
- Protect the lawn: plywood sheets spread the weight during delivery and keep new sod from being torn up.
- Access: a short ramp makes it easier to roll a mower or wheelbarrow in.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this contemporary garden shed?
It’s 8×12, or 96 sq/ft (about 8.9 m²).
What is the shed made of?
The exterior is LP SmartSide siding and the interior walls and ceiling are plywood. The door is a 36″ fibreglass door.
Why does a modern shed have a single-slope roof?
A single slope is a simple shape that drains water to one side and matches the clean lines of a modern house. A taller front wall also leaves room for high windows.
What are high windows for?
High windows bring daylight into a shed without taking up wall space, so shelves and tools can stand below them.
How can a lawn be protected during delivery?
Laying plywood sheets over the route spreads the weight and keeps the new grass from being damaged, as was done here.
Does a shed this size need a building permit?
At 96 sq/ft it is under the 107 sq/ft (10 m²) limit used by many cities. Zoning rules still apply, so confirm with your municipality. The maximum shed size without a permit guide explains the province-wide rule.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, see more sheds, garages and barns, or read the Shed Rules by City.