About this shed
This rooftop storage shed sits on the patio of a new penthouse condo in Kitsilano, Vancouver. It’s 5′ x 10′ (50 sq/ft), with smooth Hardie panel siding, a cedar soffit and a standing seam metal roof. The condo had very little storage, and a store-bought shed would not have suited the modern patio, so this one was designed to be simple, clean and quiet. It holds chairs, pillows and garden tools.
A simple, modern design
The shed has one sloping roof, flat panel walls and thin aluminum reveals, so it stays clean and modern next to the glass railing. Cedar tongue-and-groove covers the soffit, and the roof is standing seam metal.
Built in the shop, lifted by crane
The shed was built in a North Vancouver shop and trucked to the site on a trailer. A crane lifted it from the street up to the rooftop.
Rolled into place
The shed’s final spot was on the far side of the patio. It was rolled across on pipe rollers, and air bags were used to set it in its final location.
Inside the shed
Inside, the walls are plywood and the studs are left open overhead. One ceiling light and two levels of shelves keep the chairs, cushions and tools off the floor.
| Location | Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC (penthouse patio) |
|---|---|
| Size | 5′ x 10′ (50 sq/ft) |
| Design | Whole building, single-slope roof |
| Siding | Smooth Hardie panel with aluminum reveals and corners |
| Soffit | Cedar tongue-and-groove |
| Roof | Standing seam metal |
| Overhangs | Front 18″; sides 6″ |
| Ceiling | Open stud |
| Door | 36″ smooth fiberglass door |
| Windows | None |
| Electrical | One light |
| Heat | None |
| Customization | Everything |
More photos
The photos below show the finished shed from more angles, with the door, the walls and the roof details.
What to plan before building a rooftop storage shed
A shed on a condo roof needs more planning than one in a backyard.
- Access: measure the elevator and stairs, or plan a crane lift and a place for the truck to park.
- Roof load: ask the building engineer what the roof deck and its waterproofing can carry.
- Approval: get the strata or building manager to sign off before you build.
- Wind: plan how the shed will be fixed down, because wind is stronger on a roof.
- Look: match the shed to the patio design so it looks like part of the space.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this rooftop shed?
It’s 5 feet by 10 feet, which is 50 sq/ft (about 4.6 m²) of floor space.
How did the shed get onto the roof?
It was built in a shop, trucked to the site on a trailer and lifted onto the roof by crane. On the roof it was rolled to its final spot on pipe rollers.
Do you need a permit for a rooftop shed in Vancouver?
Vancouver doesn’t require a building permit for a shed under 10 m² (108 sq/ft) that doesn’t create a hazard, but zoning still applies. See Vancouver Shed Regulations and Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit. On a condo roof, check with the strata as well.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Custom Structures, see the 5×7 Rooftop Storage Shed in Downtown Vancouver, or read the Vancouver Shed Regulations.