With the growing need for storage and space, along with the evolution of tiny housing, the humble shed is now being transformed.

What was once a simple structure we tried to disguise, modern sheds are now design objects in their own right even rivaling the main residence. No longer is the shed something the old man knocked up with left over timber or a kit off the hardware shelf. Sheds are now highly desirable architecturally designed buildings.

10 inspiring modern sheds

Whether you’re looking for a space to keep your tools, store tractors or simply somewhere to retreat to, these 10 modern sheds are sure to inspire you to create your own.

Trenthan Barn by Adam Kane Architects

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Trentham Barn by Adam Kane Architects

In a rural setting surrounded by a copse of European and native Australian trees sits Trentham Barn designed by Adam Kane Architects. The pitched roof references the traditional style of a country barn and the neutral colour palette of dark grey timber cladding and concrete enhance the natural tones in the garden.

The Garden Workshop by Rodic Davidson Architects

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Garden Workshop designed by Rodic Davidson Architects
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Garden Workshop designed by Rodic Davidson Architects

Ben Davidson of Rodic Davidson Architects built two simple wooden box frame sheds in his Cambridge garden. One space is used as a home office and the other a workshop fitted with pegboard panels, modular shelving, and his grandfather’s old workbench.

Gabled Garden Shed by architect Indra Janda

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Gabled Garden Shed by architect Indra Janda | Image: Tim Van de Velde

Shed and Yard by Shed Built

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Shed and Yard by Shed Built | Image: Will Austin & Mark Woods

One large timber clad door slides across this shed to reveal a roomy potting area fitted with concrete counters, a sink, and shelving. On the other side of the shed, another large sliding door opens up giving the owners ample storage for bikes and gardening equipment. When closed, the shed designed by Shed Built is an unobtrusive, modern slatted timber box.

Elk Valley Tractor Shed by Fieldwork

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Elk Valley Tractor Shed by Fieldwork | Image: Brian Walker Lee
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Elk Valley Tractor Shed by Fieldwork | Image: Brian Walker Lee

Located on an apple and pear orchard in Hood River Valley, Fieldwork Design and Architecture have created an honest and architecturally pleasing tractor shed. Designed to house tractors and farm equipment, this shed is all about function and protection without compromising on style.

Nordon Grocery by Reese Atelier Ignite

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Nordon Grocery by Reese Atelier Ignite

In the backyard of a renovated neighbourhood general store sits a multi-purpose shed that can be used as a small workshop, store tools and act as a service cabana for when the owners host urban lawn parties. Designed by Reese Atelier Ignite, the structure of this shed is of simple concrete masonry construction. However, the addition of the terne coated copper roof, large steel frame door, and the polycarbonate panel elevates this design.

Remisenpavillon by Wirth Architekten

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Remisenpavillon by Wirth Architekten | Image: Christian Burmester
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Remisenpavillon by Wirth Architekten | Image: Christian Burmester

This perforated brick garage designed by Wirth Architekten has multiple uses. Doubling as a home to store firewood and house a tractor or car, the shed also acts as a garden office or alfresco dining room. The perforated brickwork offers ventilate and natural light, and in the evening the structure delicately glows.

Modern Garden House by Bogarden

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Modern Garden House by Bogarden

This modern timber outbuilding created Bogarden is simple and unobtrusive in design, and the execution is on point. The slim verticle timber cladding adds texture and the black metal sliding door enhances the crisp, clean look.

Boat Shed by Parsonson Architects

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Boat Shed by Gerald Parsonson | Image: Matthew Williams

Designed by New Zealand architect Gerald Parsonson, this shed stores the family’s boat and tractor used to pull the boat to and from the ramp. Located on the periphery of the property, the modern shed clad is in black-stained pine weatherboards which ties into the design of the family’s modern bach.

The Shed by Hufft Projects

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The Shed by Hufft Projects | Image: Mike Sinclair

This elegantly designed prefabricated shed is located on a repurposed Cul-de-sac nearby the main residence. Designed by Hufft Projects, the elegant building is conceived as a kit of parts. Modular wall components were assembled on site and clad with white oak found on the property.