My workshop, or shed, as I call it, was my first experience of using more natural building materials and paints. In 2021, I researched a building system that would be a lot more natural and eco-friendly in its credentials. As a family, we've had various sheds and summer houses in the past, and I'd been very disappointed in the lack of quality in their materials and poor design, which eventually led to failure. 

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The system I settled on is a timber-framed, timber-clad building, incorporating wood, wool and wood fibre insulating boards, fully insulated with sheep's wool, lime, lime and help plaster, finished inside with lime wash. On the woodwork, I used linseed paint and linseed wood stain on the floor boards. Outside, it has a CPDM rubber membrane roof and all woodwork is finished in linseed paint.  Reclaimed windows were stripped, laminated single-paned glass added and removable secondary glazing panels fitted to the inside with, again, all finished in linseed paint. 

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What has been achieved is a building that is warm in winter, cool in summer ,perfectly dry and free from condensation, damp and decay. The outside is washed and a light coat of linseed oil is applied each year, with a fresh coat of linseed pine tar oil on the doorstep.

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I sit most mornings in the doorway, looking upon the garden with a cup of coffee. It's one of my favourite places.