The Best Garden Shed In Edinburgh

View of the garden shed from the street

The shed has a discrete entrance

The rear storage wall is robust, functional and contemporary

View of the garden shed and storage wall from the rear

The larch cladding can be opened fully to access the storage wall

The design maxamises space on a tight site.

The interior of the Storage Shed is functional but well lit.

The high level glazing was designed with security in mind, the gap is too tight to easily access.

The Siberian larch cladding is staggered to give texture and depth to the wall.

February 2020

This property in The Grange, a well established neighbourhood and conservation area in Edinburgh, had a dilapidated garage which was falling apart. The clients didn’t need to store their car but they are keen gardeners and commissioned Capital A to design a replacement structure with ample storage.

As well as being in a conservation area, the property is listed. The house dates from the late 19th Century but its neighbour is a high quality 1960’s modernist chapel. The existing house was sub-divided long ago, with the client living on the ground floor. This limited the height of any new structure. The site is wide at the front but narrows dramatically further back. The design is a response to all of these criteria.

The new structure is split into two parts; a Storage Shed and Storage Wall. The shed is used for larger items and as a workshop. The Storage Wall houses garden tools and furniture. There is a glass room at the end of the storage wall, like a small greenhouse. The materials were carefully chosen for the purpose. The zinc cladding on the walls and roof is robust and virtually maintenance free. It also compliments the existing sandstone. The larch cladding was designed to conceal the many doors in the design, when shut they look seamless. The larch was also treated with a special chemical which will turn it grey over time, matching the zinc and sandstone. The high level glazing in the front elevation was designed to maximise daylight while preserving security, as it would be very difficult to gain access through the narrow gap.

The design maximises storage, preserves access to the rear garden, is robust, discrete, secure and compliments its environment. It probably is the best garden shed in Edinburgh.

Construction Costs

The project cost £55,000 + VAT.

This works out at £1,700 + VAT per square meter

Contractors and Consultants

BUILDER: Zebra Property Group

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: SDC

ZINC CLADDING: Supplied by VM Zinc.

LARCH CLADDING: Supplied by Russwood, fitted by the builder

PHOTOS: Capital A Architecture Ltd.

Architects Fees

Please note that Capital A no longer take on projects with a construction budget less than £100k. The following fees are for illustration only;

Feasibly Study - £1,500

Planning Application - £1,000

Building Warrant Application - £2,000

Pre-Construction (Tender) - £1,500

Construction Stage - £1,800

Post-Construction (Snagging) - £500

See this page for more details on the stages of a project.

See this page for more details on Architects Fees.

Consultants Costs and Other Fees

Structural Engineers - £750 (aprox)

Planning Application Fee to Local Council - £202

Building Warrant Application Fee to Local Council - £470

Book A Free Consultation With An Architect

Capital A offer a free, no obligation consultation if your property is in Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife or Dundee. Our email and phone details are on the Contact Page.

REGISTERED OFFICE: Capital A Architecture Ltd. 8 Cameron Drive, Falkland, Fife, KY15 7DL. Registered as a Company in Scotland. Company Number SC374502.