Shedquarters: Make Working From Home Work For You
Shedquarters are growing in popularity amongst homeowners across New Zealand, but what exactly is a shedquarter and how could having one benefit you?
The first question you may be asking yourself right now is ‘what exactly is a shedquarter’? Essentially, a shedquarter is just another way of describing a tiny space in your backyard. Unlike a standard backyard garden shed which is typically only large enough to store your tools and maybe a lawnmower, a shedquarter is well constructed and acts more as an office space or retreat room which you can escape to in order to relax or focus.
With COVID-19 forcing many people to work from home and children having to take school classes online, some people found their homes getting a bit crowded and opted to install a shedquarter in their backyard. Despite most of us having returned back to work these backyard offices are still an excellent way to create an inspiring and productive space that is close to home yet totally unique and separate from the rest of your house. They’re great for people who work remotely to have a space to escape to away from the distractions within their home.
When you’re considering the design of the shedquarter it’s important to consider the visual elements including the colour, cladding, personalisations, and how it will fit in with your home and garden. Our environment has a huge impact on our energy levels, moods, and productivity so designing an effective space can be a total game changer.
What style would you want the interior of your shedquarter to be? Is your preferred look cosy and decorative? Or do you lean more towards a minimalist and stylish aesthetic? Do you find yourself captivated by the latest design trends, or do you strive for classic elegance? A good place to begin is by deciding whether you lean towards modern or traditional stylings. If you like patterns, rich velvety colours, and lots of details then a traditional style could be perfect for you. However, if your personal style favours crisp colours, clean lines, and open space then you may be leaning towards modern design.
Your design choices for your KiwiSpan shedquarter isn’t solely limited to the interior. We offer a fully customisable design experience which puts the power of choosing the size, cladding, doors, windows, roofing and colour scheme in your hands. We know that you don’t want to settle for a run of the mill shed, and with us, you don’t have to.
Versatile and functional, KiwiSpan shedquarters are designed and built in New Zealand using high-grade materials and are completely customisable to your needs. With your existing landscape in mind, we work with you to create the perfect space for you to work, relax, and play.
Explore our range of quality steel sheds today
Kiwi’s Most Loved Sheds
KiwiSpan has been building Kiwi sheds, garages and workshops since 2003. Built to the highest standard and made to withstand the harshest of New Zealand conditions – KiwiSpan sheds are built to last. Kiwi’s love sheds – perhaps it’s our love of being in the outdoors, or our No. 8 wire attitude, New Zealanders’ around the world are known as true innovators – and a lot of this started in the shed or workshop!
Operating for nearly 20 years, KiwiSpan has built sheds and buildings of every shape, size and style to suit kiwi lifestyles. Here are some of our most popular sheds;
Everyone needs more storage. Whether it be for a hobby, your profession, or even a multifunctional space, a storage shed or workshop can be extremely valuable to your home. Built to New Zealand’s Building Code requirements, KiwiSpan storage sheds will stand the test of time, and increase the value of your property.
Strength combined with style, KiwiSpan’s American style barns have grown in popularity as they complement any setting while providing ample space for whatever you need – storage, machinery or stock feed. Besides being customisable in a variety of sizes, lengths and heights, you also have build options that include partition walls, awnings, garaports and more.
KiwiSpan farm sheds are a popular choice as they are the toughest around, designed with New Zealand’s harshest rural environment in mind. Built with hard-wearing and durable steel, by expert builders with years of experience, KiwiSpan’s unique framing system will provide as much space and flexibility as you need.
The kiwi classic. Garages have changed over the years from a small car-only building to now a multi-use space. Today we want garages not only to be super functional but also look stylish. From single, double and triple-bay garages, KiwiSpan’s success has been that we can totally customise a garage build to fit your needs, in most cases matching your rooflines and cladding for ultimate visual appeal.
Often called a sleep out, habitable sheds have grown massively in popularity over the last few years. The shape and size of Kiwi families is changing – whether for elderly relations to stay, or some additional space for your teenage children, habitable sheds can maximise the use of your property. Your habitable sheds offer serious comfort as every building can be finished with quality insulation and aluminium joinery, to ensure your private space is fully protected from the elements. KiwiSpan can also offer a minor dwelling (small house) as a build option, that can boost your income, as a short-term rental investment. Check-in with your local KiwiSpan team on whether habitable sheds are available in your region.
Whether it’s a shed, farm barn or sleepout, KiwiSpan has the solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Some Great Things About Buying Kiwi-Made…
When it comes to building quality sheds for Kiwi’s, KiwiSpan sets the standard.
One of the keys to our success since 2003, is that 100% of our sheds and buildings are made with quality New Zealand steel. This means they’re built to the highest standard and made to withstand the harshest NZ conditions. It also means that KiwiSpan is supporting the local community and economy as a true kiwi-made product.
The impact of COVID-19 has seen many local businesses severely impacted. A recent Auckland Business Chamber survey revealed nearly one in three businesses will not survive COVID-19, along with industries like tourism and hospitality being severely affected. On the flip-side, one of the positive trends of the pandemic has been the tendency amongst New Zealanders to support local manufacturers and retailers, in a bid to boost the local economy and jobs. There have also been several local campaigns urging kiwi-shoppers to buy New Zealand goods, which have helped to drive this purchasing patriotism.
A major advantage of being kiwi-made is KiwiSpan’s local know-how. KiwiSpan will deliver a shed, barn or carport that is suited to your needs, but perhaps more importantly, to your local conditions. Built to last, every KiwiSpan warranty is formulated on the basis of your site and its needs. Your local KiwiSpan licensee will supply a tailored warranty that is specific to your build and will work with you to ensure you understand your maintenance obligations and warranty terms.
Perhaps KiwSpan’s most important kiwi-made element is our people. We have a nationwide network of experienced licensees, all fully owned and operated here in NZ. With the increase in online purchasing habits, KiwiSpan encourages all of our customers to do their research online, but also understand that sometimes nothing beats sitting down and talking with the local professional about what KiwiSpan can do for you. With KiwiSpan teams spanning from Northland to Christchurch, there’s a local shed expert around every corner.
Whether it’s a shed, farm barn or carport, KiwiSpan has the solution for you. Contact us HERE today to get the ball rolling on your next project.
Why Custom is Always King
These days, there are more options than ever when it comes to building and owning a shed. And if you’ve been thinking about becoming a shed owner, you’ve probably taken a gander at some of the different options on offer.
We’re pretty confident that custom made sheds (such as ours) are still the way to go (and we’re not being biased, we promise).
Here’s why:
Customizable to hobbies
Firstly, the great thing about getting a custom shed means it’s made specifically for you. Sure, you might not be the only person who plans on getting a shed, but your specific needs could be totally different from those of the next shed owner.
Are you looking for a new home office space? We can do that. Or maybe you’re hoping to make your shed into a space for that specific hobby of yours. Talk to us, we can probably offer plenty of customisation that’ll help you do what you want to do. Pre-built options, on the other hand, can only offer a one-size-fits-all approach. And sometimes – that’s not enough.
Colour and design
Another advantage of getting a custom shed made for you is that you get some input on the design and colour. KiwiSpan has several design options on offer.
Perhaps you’re looking to match your home or another building on the property. Or maybe you have a particular colour in mind?
We can help you implement any design choices you’d like to see with your shed, all in order to bring to life something that is truly yours.
Durability
We pride our sheds on their ability to withstand the elements too.
Despite its relatively small size, New Zealand weather can vary pretty drastically depending on the region you’re in. And since most places in the country are relatively close to the water, buildings have to be resistant to high levels of salt in our air. Furthermore, due to that big old hole in the ozone layer above us, we’ve also got to make buildings that can stand intense, direct UV rays.
In short – buildings in New Zealand need to be built to withstand the elements. We understand this and ensure our sheds are always up to the task.
We speak from experience when we say owning a shed is awesome – but if you are having to replace or perform unneeded maintenance each passing year, that feeling will diminish in no time.
Get a shed that can hold its own against whatever the environment throws at it – we know ours can.
Convinced? Feel free to browse our range of sheds and check our 3D shed designer to explore some of the possibilities on offer here.
How to Make a Small Shed Feel Bigger
When it comes to sheds (something we’d like to think we know a bit about), there’s this idea that short of owning a multi-acre section, sheds are just a place to store tools and collect lichen.
Frankly, this is something of a tragedy, as there’s nothing quite like owning a shed. Whether it’s a man cave to escape too or a sleepout that provides your eldest with a small brush with independence (and more you-time for you) or a place to spend some quality time on a passion project.
The bottom line is, just about anyone, with any sized section (yes, even city folk) can own the kind of shed worth spending time in. However, if size still seems like an issue for you, here are a few tips you can use to make any small shed feel bigger.
Colours
Interior designers have been using colours to manipulate how big or small a room seems for years. Whilst dark colours tend to create a cosy and intimate (or simply put, a smaller) atmosphere, lighter, more neutral colours have been shown to make indoor areas seem instantly more spacious.
Our favourites lighter neutrals include Zincalume, Tatiana, Cloud and Gull Grey. You can make further use of this trick by incorporating the chosen colour of the walls into your furniture (i.e. a similarly painted workbench for a workshop, or by using the same shade in your furniture upholstery for sleepouts), as this will strengthen the feelings of extra spaciousness.
Invite in the Natural Light
Whilst aiding the “largening” effect that neutral colours create, natural light is also a reliable tool unto itself when it comes to making smaller spaces feel bigger – due to the airy and relaxed atmosphere it creates.
KiwiSpan offers a range of window configurations and translucent shed roofing. Consider making use of this natural resource when designing your next shed.
Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
One of the simplest ways to keep a smaller space from feeling claustrophobic is to keep it from becoming overcrowded, either due to excess clutter or by having too much furniture.
The easy fix for this is to simply opt for multi-functional furniture when possible. A common example of this would be to use a workbench that also has a compartment for storing your tools. Other common examples include a sofa bed for sleepouts.
Have any of these tips inspired you? If so, feel free to check out our website and custom shed designers to explore what possibilities may be available to you as a future shed owner.
Your Space: How to Create the Ultimate Mancave/Sheshed
The idea of owning a room just for yourself – and no, we aren’t talking about your bedroom – but a room specifically designed for you, and only you, is something just about all of us have dreamed of owning.
What we’re describing has historically been known as a “Mancave” – and if you like that title, by all means, stick with it – but regardless of whether you call it that, or a SheShed, a MeShed or just “My Room” – here’s how to put together the ultimate space to elevate your spare time to a new level.
Getting starting
Planning is never the part of a project you most look forward to, but it’s vital to ensuring you end up with the best end product. You don’t have to have every detail down, but there’s a few things to consider before you start.
What are the features you absolutely can’t live without? How much space do you have to work with? Do you have enough power sources available? Is there adequate lighting? Will you need to install some form of climate control (i.e. heating or air-conditioning)?
Basically, what you’re ultimately figuring out is “how will you be able to achieve the space you’ve envisioned for yourself given the space you’ve got to work with?”
Filling it Up
Now comes the fun stuff. The only right way to create the ultimate “you space” is to fill it up with whatever works best for YOU. However, should you find yourself needing a little creative nudge, we’ve got you covered with some hints, suggestions and a few general must-haves below.
- Comfort – regardless of what you’re into, your space should be a place of relaxation, so comfortable seating should be your no.1 priority. Grab more than one, because sometimes the best ‘you time’ is spent with your best mates.
- Mini-Fridge – in the spirit of relaxing, an easy beverage should always be nearby so you aren’t constantly having to get up and leave just to have a drink. What those drinks are – beer, soda, or good old water – is largely immaterial, just as long as what you want is always nearby. Same goes for snacks.
- Coffee Machine – And whilst we’re on the subject of having your favourite beverage nearby, for many of us – that’s a good cup of coffee. Thankfully, the days when paying a barista was the only way to experience a warm cup of quality espresso are gone, as the user-friendly home espresso machine market is blooming. Making it incredibly easy and not too bank-busting to make your own café favourites without the café. So where better to enjoy some homebrewed caffeine than your private space?
- Themes – Make this place truly yours. The traditional image of a man cave often involves a big TV to catch the game, and if that’s what you’re into, have at. If you’re more of a movie buff, consider said big TV but with a surround sound system and a few movie posters to boot. If you have a particular passion, why not go all out with it? Fill it with maps, books, hang guitars on the walls – Whatever you’re into. You could even put up some relevant memorabilia on the walls. Create a place to totally immerse yourself in what you love.
Have we given you mancave (or she-shed) brain? Why not browse some of the sheds we offer.
