About this garden shed
This 8′ x 12′ contemporary garden shed (96 sq/ft) sits on a gravel pad in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver, beside a stone retaining wall. A new baby in the family meant strollers and car seats, so the owners wanted bikes and gear out of the garage and a safe place to keep garbage.
Quick facts about this contemporary garden shed
- Location: Lynn Valley, District of North Vancouver, BC
- Size: 8′ x 12′ (96 sq/ft, about 8.9 m²)
- Design: Contemporary garden shed with a single-pitch roof
- Foundation: Gravel pad
- Overhangs: Front 18″; sides 6″
- Siding: LP SmartSide
Why the owners wanted a shed
The District of North Vancouver moved to bi-weekly garbage pickup, which meant garbage had to be stored for longer. The shed gives an animal-proof place for bins, with room left over for bikes and other gear, so the garage can be used for strollers and car seats.
A single-pitch roof and clerestory windows
The shed has a sleek single-pitch roof with a long row of translucent polycarbonate clerestory windows under the roofline. The windows let in a lot of daylight without using wall space. The owners also added a side window for extra light and ventilation.
Inside the shed
Inside, the framing and sheathing are left exposed, and the clerestory windows run the full width above the wall. The side window and the door are on the same wall.
Why a contemporary shed suits a garden
A single-pitch roof gives a clean modern look and sheds rain and snow in one direction, which makes it easy to control where the water goes. Clerestory windows bring light into the upper part of the shed and keep wall space free for shelves and hooks.
Storing garbage safely
Garbage that is stored outside for longer can attract animals. A closed shed with a solid door keeps bins out of sight and out of reach, and keeps the smell away from the house.
A shed that can be moved
This shed is not permanently attached to the ground, so it can be moved or relocated later if the owners’ needs change. That also makes it a flexible choice for rented properties and for yards that may be redesigned.
Preparing the site
A shed is only as flat and solid as the ground under it. Before delivery, it helps to:
- Pick a spot with clear access for people and materials, and keep it away from trees and overhead wires.
- Level the area and set a firm base, such as compacted gravel or a leveled pad, so the floor stays flat and water drains away.
- Check the setbacks from the property lines and any easements in your city’s shed rules.
- Leave room around the shed to open the door fully and to reach the walls for painting.
Keeping the siding in good shape
LP SmartSide is a primed engineered wood siding that is painted after it is installed. Like any painted wood product, it lasts longest when the paint is kept in good condition. Look the shed over once a year, repaint any worn spots, keep soil and mulch from touching the bottom of the siding, and trim back plants that hold moisture against the walls.
| Location | Lynn Valley, District of North Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 8′ x 12′ (96 sq/ft, about 8.9 m²) |
| Design | Contemporary garden shed with a single-pitch roof |
| Foundation | Gravel pad |
| Overhangs | Front 18″; sides 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Ceiling | Bare |
| Door | 32″ steel door |
| Windows | Polycarbonate clerestory band and one added side window |
| Electrical | None |
| Heat | None |
| Customization | Extra window |
More photos
The photos below show more of the finished shed and the roof.
What to plan before building a garden shed
A garden shed is simple, but a few details are worth deciding early.
- Size and permit: at 96 sq/ft (about 8.9 m²) this shed is under the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. Zoning still applies, so check the District of North Vancouver shed rules.
- Base: a level bed of gravel keeps the floor dry and flat.
- Light: clerestory windows add daylight without taking wall space.
- Storage use: if the shed will hold garbage bins, plan an easy path from the house to the door.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this garden shed?
It’s 8 feet by 12 feet, which is 96 sq/ft (about 8.9 m²).
What are the clerestory windows made of?
Translucent polycarbonate panels that let in daylight under the roof line.
Does a shed this size need a building permit?
At 96 sq/ft it is under the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. Zoning rules still apply, so check the District of North Vancouver shed rules and confirm with the district.
Why was the shed ordered?
The owners needed more outdoor storage after a new baby and wanted a safe, animal-proof place for garbage storage.
Can the shed be moved?
Yes. It is not permanently fixed to the ground, so it can be moved or relocated.
What is the roof like?
A single-pitch roof with a metal surface.
What can you keep in an 8×12 shed?
Bikes, garden tools, bins and seasonal gear, with space for shelves along the walls.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, see all sheds, garages and barns, or read the Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guide.