It’s that time of year again when the nation celebrates one of the symbols of British eccentricity – the garden shed.
The Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition is back and we’re talking exclusively about one of the entrants in this year’s competition.
Mark Collins designed his pub shed himself, but says there are a couple of elements that most people won’t initially see that show it is “something a bit different”.
He is one of the entries in several categories that are now open, and people can still sign up until the end of May.
The Shed of the Year competition is back and we spoke exclusively to one of the entrants in this year’s competition who built this shed in Lincolnshire.
The interior of the shed has been designed as a pub and has more than 300 tin signs decorating the walls.
While Mark’s Shed looks at first glance like a glorious pub decorated with tin signs (over 300 signs in total) and Sky TV, there’s something a little different that may initially go unnoticed.
And that’s the green element of the shed, which is included deep in the walls and in the roof.
The shed was completely handmade by Mark, except for the electrical and doors.
And while the concrete base was already in the garden, he built the shed from there upwards with wooden pallets.
The shed has a habitable roof with meadow flowers, which appear in summer and are currently just grass, and the walls are insulated with plastic bottles.
Plastic bottles were placed inside the walls and expanded foam was used around them to provide insulation.
The shed is called ‘The Dirty Dog’ and has been entirely built by owner Mark Collins (except electrics and doors).
Mark lives with his wife in Lincolnshire and started building the garden shed in March 2020.
He already had a chicken coop in the garden, which had a habitable roof, and decided to replicate that construction as a base for the shed.
Mark and his wife used to watch Shed of the Year on TV and he explains his delight at now having his own unique garden shed.
“We never went to the pub much, but we wanted more space away from the house and that has given us a separate area to come in and relax,” he told us in an exclusive interview.
“I have Sky TV plugged in there and a stereo speaker so I can listen to my music as I have a couple of thousand CDs.”
Inside, Mark has used more than 300 tin signs collected from markets, online stores and places where he has been on vacation.
“Whenever we go out, whether to the Lake District or Iceland, I buy some tin signs that we can put up on the wall of the shed,” he explains.
‘I only choose the posters I like, including funny ones, often related to music and film. I have one with Popeye, who is from Malta.
As for the shed’s name, The Dirty Dog, it comes from the couple’s rescue dog who likes to go into the yard to “dig and get dirty.”
Mark says the shed has created some great memories for him, including hosting his dad’s birthday a couple of weeks ago.
The shed party started at 2pm and ended late into the night.
Mark likes his tin signs, but his other favorite part of the shed is the wood stove.
“Although there is also a freestanding heater to keep the shed warm, it’s also nice to have a cozy fire,” he says.
Speaking about the chance of winning the Shed of the Year competition, Mark adds: “The competition is looking good, but I’m hoping to have a chance of winning as there are little things that are different, like the habitable roof and the recycled insulation.”
“It’s been good to be a part of it, though.”
The colorful shed has an outside porch, with more of Mark’s beloved tin signs on the walls.
The shed has Sky TV connected and a stereo system, allowing Mark to enjoy his love of film and music.
The competition is entering its 18th year and includes a new category this year called Young Sheddie of the Year.
Other categories for this year include most colorful shed, simple but effective, budget friendly, unexpected/unique, cabin or summer house, nature retreat, pub or entertaining and finally workshop or studio.
The winner will receive an overnight nature retreat, as well as £1,000 cash and £250 worth of paint.
Andew Wilcox, head judge and founder of the competition, said: “Mark’s Shed is a great example of the evolution of the Cuprinol Shed of the Year over the last 18 years.
‘It’s a modern shed, cleverly insulated with recycled materials and a habitable roof that helps manage drainage in our unpredictable British climate.
‘With the essential kettle for brewing a beer and all the souvenirs and signs, it creates a cozy space for Mark to enjoy with his family and friends.
“Each shed is unique and personal to the Sheddie and I love that the competition is about celebrating this.”
To participate in the contest go to www.readersheds.co.uk. Entries for this year’s competition will close at midnight on Friday, May 31, 2024.