Shed of the year 2024, Sponsored by 
'The Orangery' provides improved storage, new workspace, a large greenhouse, and a pergola / covered outdoor seating area. Completed during lockdown, the project was started to remove and replace the damaged and asbestos-containing roofing, however this change presented the opportunity to re-think the whole design and utility of the formerly dark, dusty and cluttered garage. The bold black and orange colour scheme provides a high contrast background to the garden and flower beds, whilst the new roof surface is used to collect rainwater. A generous timber- framed greenhouse supports existing vegetable patches, fruit trees and ornamental potted plants in providing nursery, growing and storage space.
Probably most architects would consider building a house for their mother as a 'dream project'... so in that sense this shed has been a good start! Otherwise it's been a pleasure to see the transformative use of the garden with so many outdoor breakfasts, lunches, teas, coffees and beers under the pergola, plus the joy of entertaining of family and friends in a beautiful garden (with no fear of rain), and a general aesthetic and functional improvement to hobbies, DIY and growing fresh food at home.
The project was completed over non-consecutive weekends in 2020 and 2021 (in-between lockdowns) and was designed and built by architects Steve McCloy and Bongani Muchemwa of McCloy + Muchemwa and Steve's DIY-enthusiast parents at their Norwich home. The small budget and DIY self build called for simple details, lots of material re-use, upcycling of furniture, and creative solutions. The internal floor area is approximately 25m2.
