For years, the shed was a man’s space to display his tool collection and hide away to work on personal projects. Women now say it’s time to reclaim the previously forbidden shed for an exclusive space.
A hot new trend is overtaking man caves; namely, She Sheds. Women transform sheds from simple storage spaces to garden hangouts, summer chill spots, and studios.
The concept of She Sheds combines privacy, style and comfort to create the perfect relaxing space. Such a space away from distractions ensures productivity; especially if what you love doing can disturb the other family members.
Let’s explore more about She Sheds, how you can use them and how to build one using a shipping container.
What exactly is a She Shed?
A She Shed is a dedicated space where women can optimise their time and space. Such areas can be ready-made or custom-built and then positioned on your property. You can choose to convert a new or used container as a DIY project to save on costs.
Shipping containers are perfect for She Sheds. With 10ft, 20ft and 40ft containers available, you can select the one with the perfect fit for your backyard and that provides enough space for your needs.
What are the top uses of She Sheds?
She Sheds have various uses, so your choice depends on your interests, hobbies and inspirations. There are endless She Shed ideas so you can unleash your creativity on the exterior and surrounding garden.
You can use it for a:
Home Office
A shipping container She Shed provides a dedicated workspace where you can separate your home life from work to boost productivity. Since you have fewer distractions, working on your projects is easier and faster.
Studio
Your She Shed design ideas depend on your specific hobbies. For instance, if you love creating music, you’ll have the perfect place to practice without disturbing the rest of your family. You can also create a comfortable space with your favourite accessories to relax and practice yoga.
Socialising
A She Shed is a great place to host your friends or book club. You can show off your interior design and decorating skills as you catch up and plan adventures.
If you love partying, there’s no better place to install a cosy bar, mini-fridge and other party essentials so you don’t have to dash to the main house. You can also add a deck to relax during summer and a fire pit for more magical moments.
Although the name has “she” in it, you don’t have to make it feminine or girly. You can also use it as:
- A family gaming room or sports room
- A theatre room
- A private library or writer’s workshop
- Photography studio
- A gym
- A crafting studio
Benefits of using a shipping container for your She Shed
Cost-effectiveness
Shipping containers, whether new or old, are often cheaper than prefabricated sheds of a similar size. Although the prices vary, you’ll save costs that you can use to implement your She Shed ideas.
Durability
The material used to make shipping containers is steel. When making these containers, the goal is for them to withstand hot and humid environments and the worst possible conditions during shipping.
Using an insulated shipping container for your She Shed guarantees that your shed can handle extreme weather and temperatures. It can also survive major disasters such as fires, better protecting your valuable items.
Portability
As long as the shed is not on a permanent, concrete foundation, you can move it to different positions or carry it when relocating. Unlike other shed types, the design ensures the shed’s contents remain protected and secure during the move.
Reconfiguration
A shipping container has flexible design options. The container is already weatherproof and lockable from the start so that you can focus on other aspects.
For instance, the steel walls are components of the basic structure. Any interior design elements don’t affect the shed’s integrity. If you wish to redesign the space in the future for a new look, the container will remain unaffected.
This also applies to exterior design, whereby you can easily change the appearance by using cladding or paint. Any elements you add will not affect the shed’s supporting structure, so feel free to switch things up at any point.
Quick Set-up
A shipping container She Shed eliminates the initial construction processes. It already has a ceiling, floor and walls, so half the work is complete. You’ll only need to add some windows, carpet or tiles, a better door, insulation and ventilation if necessary.
You can also have a range of modifications completed at our workshop before the container arrives. You’ll place it on a slab and start decorating when it comes.
Security
Regular storage sheds are easy to break into due to the various weak points. A shipping container She Shed is highly secure to the high-grade steel and only has one weak point; the lock you install on the door.
How to build your own She Shed using shipping containers
1. Choose the right sized container for your needs
When shopping for shipping containers, it’s best to select steel containers from a reputable provider. You will need something durable that can withstand extreme weather.
Used containers are more budget-friendly and cost-effective than new ones. However, new containers ensure long-term usage due to the longer life span.
If you plan to use your She Shed infrequently, a used container is more economical and eco-friendly. Make sure you find a container expert who can properly refurbish your container to be sure that any required touch-ups or repairs have been professional completed and inspected.
Another essential aspect to consider is the interior space. Ensure you select the right container size, depending on what you have in mind for your She Shed.
The sizes range between 10 and 40 feet, and are 8 feet tall. If you’d like additional height, you could also choose a high-cube container.
2. Cut windows and doors into the sides of the container
The number of windows and doors you install depends on how you intend to use the She Shed. The next step is identifying where to position the doors and windows on the container wall. Remember that the position affects accessibility, ventilation and aesthetics.
It’s best to get advice from a container modification specialist for the installation process. For example, you may be able to get a pre-built unit with functional windows, doors, and essential accessories. Shipping container experts, such as Gateway Containers, offer custom design options to modify the container based on your individual needs.
3. Paint or decorate the exterior to match your home’s design
Painting the container will add an extra layer of protection against elements and slow down rusting or corrosion. It enhances the container’s lifespan and appearance, especially if you plan to host visitors.
Ideally, the exterior colour and style should blend with your home’s design. Most paint colours have a standard price, but some, such as metallic, fluorescent and pearlescent, can be more expensive.
Although you can DIY, it’s best to allow professionals such as Gateway Containers to handle the paint job. They understand the various paint types, so they select durable paint depending on your environment. Such experts also know how to prepare the surface for painting to ensure your She Shed looks its best.
4. Install a roof and insulation for weather protection
Roofing and insulation separate the conditioned airspace on the inside from the outdoors. It lowers the energy required to maintain optimum internal temperatures, making your She Shed more energy efficient.
Unmodified shipping containers can prevent outside air from entering the shed. However, they are unable to prevent heat transfer through the walls. Industry experts such as Gateway Containers offer insulated containers to suit various Australian conditions.
Gateway insulated shipping containers protect your valuables from extreme temperature variations. The experts work with you to modify the container based on your specifications. If you’d like to add ventilation, they’ll help you tailor the solution to your exact needs.
5. Add furniture, appliances, and decorations to make it feel like home
Since shipping containers have limited space, it’s essential to choose accessories and furniture thoughtfully. Select practical items to avoid clutter and add storage solutions such as shelves and cabinets for tidiness.
Some She Shed design ideas to make it relaxing and cosy are:
- Using an essential oil diffuser or scented candles
- Replacing overhead lights with accent light fixtures
- Adding some potted plants
- Using muted or pastel colours inside
- Adding furniture with rounded edges
- Having floral prints for curtains and decorative pillows
- Making the space useable all year round by adding ply lining, a heating source and a power supply
- Using glazed sliding or bi-folding doors to allow natural sunshine and daylight
Enjoy your new She Shed!
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The purpose of a She Shed is not solely a workspace but rather a place that makes you happy. The focus is on enhancing and nurturing your body, mind, and soul without worrying about practicality and storage. With your She Shed in place, it’s time to open that chilled bottle of wine and enjoy your hard work.
Decorating your She Shed should be fun, so don’t shy away from your creativity as the space should feel comfy and inviting.
If you’re wondering where to start, you can easily find the perfect shipping container at Gateway. You’ll find various sizes to suit your needs at pocket-friendly prices. Best of all, experts from Gateway will help you modify the container depending on your specific requirements. Get in touch today and own that space!
