The finalists have been announced for the annual Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition. One of the most interesting architecture competitions around, what it lacks in big names and budget, it makes up for with clever design ideas by enthusiastic amateur builders, with highlights including a shed made from scrap materials and another styled to look like a fairytale castle.

Now in its 15th year, the Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2021 competition attracted a record-breaking 331 entrants. These have been whittled down to 22 finalists, which are split into nine categories: Budget, Cabin/Summerhouse, Pub & Entertainment, Unexpected/Unique, Workshop/Studio, Nature’s Haven, and Lockdown.

“The past year has been an incredibly challenging time for all of us and, now more than ever, we’re aware of how important the humble shed can be,” says head judge and Shed of the Year founder Andrew Wilcox. “Sheds are not just unloved, brown structures at the bottom of the garden that house tools and household junk, they are vital spaces where you can go to relax, work on a project or burn off some steam. The high-caliber entries this year really prove why we set up the competition in the first place – to highlight the valuable role sheds can play in our lives, in our businesses and the positive impact they have on our wellbeing.”

We’ve selected some highlights that caught our eye, but head to the gallery to see each of the 22 finalists in the Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2021 competition – and we’ll be back with the winner in a few months.

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