This contemporary garden shed was built for a home in Tsawwassen, in Delta, BC, in May 2016. It sits beside the house on a gravel pad, with dark lap siding painted to match the house, a white roll-up door and a low single-slope roof. It was lifted into the back yard by crane.
About this shed
The goal was a shed that blends into its surroundings. The lap siding and colour match the house, so the shed looks like part of the home instead of something added later. White trim and a white roll-up door pick up the white window frames on the house.
A roll-up door opens straight up instead of swinging out, so it needs no clear space in front of it. That matters in a narrow side yard beside a planter. It also gives a wide opening for bikes, a mower or garden bins. A small window high on the side wall lets in some daylight.
The shed was built off site and lifted into the back yard by crane in one piece.
| Location | Tsawwassen, Delta, BC |
|---|---|
| Style | Contemporary, single-slope roof |
| Siding | Lap siding, painted to match the house, white trim |
| Door | White roll-up door |
| Windows | Small high window on the side wall |
| Base | Gravel pad |
| Delivery | Lifted into the yard by crane |
| Built | May 2016 |
What to plan for a shed beside the house
How close can a shed be to the house?
It depends on your city. Many zoning bylaws set a minimum distance between a shed and the house, and fire rules can apply when buildings are close together. Check your local shed rules before you pick the spot.
Why choose a roll-up door?
A roll-up door needs no swing space, it can’t blow shut in the wind and it gives a wide, clear opening. It works well in tight side yards and for storing bikes and wheeled tools.
How do you make a shed match the house?
Use the same siding profile, the same body colour and the same trim colour as the house. Matching these three things makes a new shed look like it was always part of the home.
When is a crane needed to place a shed?
A crane is used when a finished shed can’t be wheeled or carried into the yard, for example when the house, fences or gardens block the way. Plan where the crane truck can park and keep power lines in mind.