Typically viewed as a simple, single-story structure designed and built for utilitarian purposes, the shed as a building typology is seeing a surge of popularity because of its small footprint; its separation from, but relation to, a main building or house; and its multifunctional, flexible use.

Ranging in materiality from wood shingles to vinyl siding, and metal panels to floor-to-ceiling panes of glass, these sheds accommodate a variety of uses, from classic garden sheds to external office space, and guest bedrooms to community tool storage. Read on for the diverse options and potentially high design that the humble shed has to offer.

A Greenhouse-Like Shed in Finland by Linda Bergroth, Avanto Architects, and Kekkilä

A Wood-Clad Shed in Norway by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

A Modern Boat and Tractor Shed by Gerald Parsonson

A Gabled Garden Shed in Belgium by Indra Janda

A Recycled Patchwork Shed by Resolution: 4 Architecture

New Orleans Botanical Garden Duplantier Volunteer Pavilion and Tool Shed by Mike McKay

A Prefab Shed For Work and Play by Studio Shed

A Motorcycle Shed by Drop Structures

An Angular Office Shed in Georgia by Scott Dorman

A Vineyard Office Shed by Modern-Shed

A Montana Utility Shed Sheathed in Wood by Intrinsik Architecture and Brian Whitlock