The wooden shed is a long-standing British tradition. In the beginning it was a space predominantly occupied by the patriarch of the family, a quiet place where husbands and fathers could escape to, potter around it and organize their tools.

There has however been a recent shed revolution, involving men and women who have a mutual love of sheds, design, and the need for personal space. ‘Sheddies’ and their creations are now celebrated at the annual Shed of the Year competition. Organized by Andrew ‘Uncle Wilco’ Wilcox, the first Shed of the Year contest took place in 2007.

The winner of 2013’s SOTY was Alex Holland from Machynlleth in mid Wales, with his rustic Boat Roofed shed. His shed is situated in the Cambrian Mountain range, mid Wales, 750ft above sea level. The shed is built entirely from recycled materials. Its roof is made out an upturned boat, giving it a unique and appealing edge.

The ingenuity doesn’t stop there; this shed has all the mod cons. There is a 20w solar panel fitted to power LED lights, sound system and refrigerator, as well as a wood burner and gas cooker.

Holland was asked what he planned to do with the £1,000 prize, to which he replied “I intend to buy a second hand 400w 12v wind turbine to augment the solar panel to give me enough electricity to make ice in the fridge for gin and tonics, and to ensure the cider and beers are always chilled”.

There were over 1,900 entries which went to a month long public vote. There are eight categories including workshop/studio shed, unique shed, cabin/summerhouse shed, normal shed, garden office shed, eco shed and Tardis.

The finalists were then assessed by a panel of judges including presenter Sarah Beeny, designer Kevin McCloud, organiser Uncle Wilco, Shedworking’s Alex Johnson, and last years winner John Henry Plumridge from Shrewsbury, who won in 2012 with his pub shed, Woodhenge.

The appeal of the shed is an understandable one. It’s a home away from home, a means of independence and self-expression. It’s no longer a male dominated hobby as over the past few years there have been a growing number of female entrants to SOTY.

If you are interested in entering Shed of the Year in 2014, please submit your details at readersheds.

About the author: Richard Cranleigh blogs for Cocklestorm – the place to buy high quality sheds, fences and garden supplies online.