Last night saw the first episode of channel 4’s “Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year”, a show that explores Britain’s greatest sheds. The show will, excuse the pun, shed light on some of the wackiest and craziest sheds that will inspire and provide ideas on how you can transform your very own shed. This week's episode showed the finalists from the Normal and Eco-Shed categories

From the "Normal" category

The first shed that was displayed was Roy’s “Dream City Railway” which houses a huge indoor electric train network that has taken 20 years to build. The contents inside are worth more than his actual house and it really is a marvellous construction. Roy achieved the space by adding more and more sheds as his railway system increased. He even has his own control room!

The second shed explored was Ben’s “Shedservatory” observatory shed that he built entirely himself. Using YouTube he went from 0 DIY skills to be able to construct his very own haven. The shed is home to a twin telescope that cost over ten thousand pounds. Obviously in order to view the sky, Max created the shed so that the roof rolls apart and opens up to the night sky. The 300kg roof extends outwards using some standard metal wheels. What an amazing idea!

The third contender Cormac, decided a shed that was land locked was not his idea of fun. Instead, he created the “Maid of Dekkin” a motor shed boat which is a standard shed on a garden decking that sits on metal barrels. The motor allows the shed boat to move up and down the river and cost him roughly four thousand pounds. For all lovers of the water, this is the perfect shed for you!

On to the fourth contender, a projectionist from the British film era created his very own shrine to films and displays his own work which involved photography of couples in his “Cabin Cinema”. Inside is also a section designated to his other half, their very own cinema where they watch their favourite films. The shed successfully pays homage to everything to do with film.

That was all for the “Normal” category, all incredible sheds. The public voted the winner as the “Maid of Dekkin” The floating shed that enabled Cormac to share his love of sheds and the water and he was sent into the next round!

From the "Eco" Category

The Second Category was the “Eco” range which saw even more extraordinary sheds.

The first contender was “The Owl House” designed and created by Tracey and Leo. Her garden looks out onto sand dunes and the sea but she found when she first moved in it was too windy to enjoy. With the help of her friend Leo they designed and built the Owl House costing roughly two thousand pounds. Lots of the materials have been recycled including the timber and the roof is topped with a layer of moss and other greenery that keeps the heat in without the need of electricity. The level of craftsmanship is incredible!

The next contender Cormac, created his impeccable eco log “Bothy” with materials surrounding his cabin in the Scottish Highlands. Barely any power tools were used as he crafted the log and structure himself being an avid carpenter. Using two conifer bases, he has worked around the stumps and created a cabin that can resist the weather using a swell and expanding technique. The masterpiece was crafted over 4 years which was due to the sheer weather that the highlands has. Inside was just as amazing as the outside and was a real strong contender!

The third contender is the largest Eco shed in the competition and has been made from almost entirely recycled materials. Paul the owner, has called it the “Geodome” thanks to the Geodome roof that has been used giving it a 60’s Californian style finish. The impressive outside is matched by the incredible inside. The wall to roof windows on the Southside allow for the sun to gleam in of which he’s added a clever pond that reflects the sun up onto the ceiling also. The Geodome is in fact two levels and the top level is home to Paul’s office. Truly genius.

Finally, the last contender in the Eco range is Mike. Mike created an eco-shed that is 650ft long which is half the size of a normal house. Mike’s shed is built using compacted soil called rammed earth which is effectively man made sand soil, and he suitably named his shed after the material. 35 tonnes was used and it is the same technique used to create the Great Wall of China. Inside is Mike’s workshop where he creates wooden bicycles. The shed remains cool in the summer and warm in the winter, perfect! In total it took over 2000 hours but that time was spent effectively and it really is an impressive outside space.

All the contenders had inspirational sheds that, each in their own way, are stunning and incredible. The winner of this category was the first contender, Tracey and Leo’s Owl house. They were pushed into the next round along with the Maid of Dekkin from the first category - who would you have voted for?

Every single contender on this week’s programme stunned and impressed and we cannot wait for next week’s episode on at 8pm on Channel 4 Sunday 28th June!