About this garden shed
This 8′ x 12′ contemporary garden shed (96 sq/ft) sits in a large garden in Ambleside, West Vancouver, a few blocks from the beach. The owners have a mid-century house on nearly an acre of land, and the shed was designed to blend into the garden and still be easy to reach.
Quick facts about this West Vancouver garden shed
- Location: Ambleside, West Vancouver, BC
- Size: 8′ x 12′ (96 sq/ft, about 8.9 m²)
- Design: Contemporary single-slope garden shed
- Foundation: Gravel base
- Overhangs: Front 18″; sides 6″
- Siding: LP SmartSide
Blending into the garden
Modern houses often have little storage, and this one was no exception. The shed has dark siding with orange trim and a single-slope metal roof, so it fades into the trees and bamboo around it. The colour scheme and the position were chosen by the owners.
Getting to the site
The shed sits beyond a stream and a stone-lined bank, so reaching the site took some planning. The materials were hauled on a trailer behind a pickup truck, and a plank across the creek is visible in the photos near the building spot.
Preparing the pad and floor
The site was cleared and levelled, and a gravel base was laid. The floor frame went on top, followed by the plywood floor deck.
Details of the finished shed
The roof is a single slope with metal panels and an orange edge. A band of high windows runs under the roofline, and the door is a custom flush-mount door.
Inside the shed
Inside, the open door looks straight out to the bamboo, and a row of clerestory windows sits above the door opening.
Why a dark shed disappears into a garden
Dark siding blends into shaded gardens, where trees, shrubs and bamboo cast deep shade. Bright orange trim adds a small accent that picks up the colours of the garden. A single-slope roof keeps the shape simple, so the building reads as part of the landscape.
What a shed like this stores
A 96 sq/ft shed is large enough for garden tools, a mower, furniture cushions, bikes and seasonal gear, with space for shelves along the walls. Clerestory windows add light without using wall space.
Planning for a hard-to-reach site
When a site is far from the street, or across a stream or slope, panels and materials may need to be carried in by hand or brought in on a trailer and moved in stages. Prefab sheds help because the pieces are built in advance and put together quickly on site.
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 | Ambleside, West Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 8′ x 12′ (96 sq/ft, about 8.9 m²) |
| Design | Contemporary single-slope garden shed |
| Foundation | Gravel base |
| Overhangs | Front 18″; sides 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Roofing | Metal |
| Ceiling | Bare |
| Door | 40″ custom flush-mount door |
| Windows | High clerestory windows (see the photos) |
| Electrical | None |
| Heat | None |
| Customization | Door |
More photos
The photos below show more of the garden, the site works and the shed details.
What to plan before building a garden shed
A shed in a large garden is simple, but access and the base need attention.
- 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 West Vancouver shed rules.
- Access: think about how panels and materials will reach the site, especially across a stream or slope.
- Base: a compacted gravel base keeps the floor dry in a damp garden.
- Colour: darker siding blends in among trees and shrubs.
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 is the shed made of?
LP SmartSide siding with orange trim, a metal roof and a 40-inch custom flush-mount door.
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 West Vancouver shed rules and confirm with the district.
Why was the site hard to reach?
Getting to the building spot was a challenge, because it sits past a stream and a stone-lined bank.
How does the shed blend in?
Dark siding, orange trim and a position beside bamboo and trees help it blend into the garden.
What windows does it have?
A row of high clerestory windows under the roofline lets in daylight.
What can you store in an 8×12 shed?
Garden tools, a mower, bikes and seasonal gear, with 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.