For many years my workshop has been located in the conservatory at the back of my house. It has had the advantages of having great light, a good even temperature as it is north facing and being conveniently near to the kettle.
After many years I decided to have a new workshop and spent a great deal of time selecting a large shed. I wanted to keep the advantages, so large windows were a must for the light, large enough for my workbench, storage and for moving around, plenty of head space and for an airy feeling, good ventilation to help on hot days, insulation to help on cold days and large door for easy access.
I chose a 8ft x 10ft shed with height 7ft from Axis Sheds. It was made over a 6 week period. I asked for an extra window heavy duty frame to allow for insulation, a breathable membrane an an air vent. It was delivered and assembled and I love the quality. It is light and airy and the double doors make access easy. Before moving in I insulated the walls and the ceiling and then cladded the interior with pine cladding and plywood. I have not had electricity installed as I only tend to carved in natural day light and do not use electrical tools often – but we will see!!
I then started to move my bench and tools in.
The space has developed and improved with the addition of another worksurface, more tools and shelving to take plastercine models, books, magazines and yet more tools.
It is now just great for carving in, the light is great and I have not missed electricity as yet this summer. I have created a curtain that can be hung outside the windows from greenhouse shading netting to use on sunny hot days, but have not needed to use it much this summer!! The temperature has been fine, although we still have to see how winter goes. I am thinking about either a solar panel on the roof or an electricity supply to provide the power to run a small unit to take the chill off in winter and keep the damp out if it is necessary.
I store wood and sculptures in the house where temperature and humidity are easier to control.
So happy with my new space.