The space-saving workshop of an engineer has been named Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2025.
Mike Robinson, from Pumstead, southeast London, secured enough public votes to win the ‘workshop/studio’ category before a judging panel declared him the overall winner.
‘The Tiny Workshop,’ as he calls it, is designed to slot neatly into a garden with limited room. It wowed judges with its imaginative use of space.
With off-the-shelf sheds too big for his plot, Mike built the shed using two sets of heavy-duty steel shelving, bolted together and clad with wood painted in Cuprinol Garden Shades – Black Ash.
Two doors flap open at the bottom and top to provide flooring and handy rain protection, with a smart overhanging green roof to store garden tools and welcome nature to the garden.
Built over the course of a few weekends, the industrial-feeling is a toolshed, workshop and storage space.
“We needed a good bit of storage for the garden necessities,” said Mike.
“Off-the-shelf options would have taken up too much room so I went with a DIY design and build.
“I think ‘The Tiny Workshop’ has worked a treat. It’s a creative space where I can tinker and mend, as well as have the storage space for garden stuff, kids’ games and tools.
“I designed brackets for the old spanner handles with a 3D printer – they’re useful and give a clue to what is inside. The green roof will come into its own in the next year or so too, and I’m looking forward to seeing it come to life – the shed really is the gift that keeps on giving. I’m so happy the judged loved it too, and can’t believe I actually won.”
As part of his prize, Mike wins an overnight’s nature getaway, £1,000 in cash and £250 worth of Cuprinol product.
Marianne Shillingford, creative and colour expert at Cuprinol, said: “‘The Tiny Workshop’ is a testament to Mike’s ingenious solutions-focused creativity. From impactful use of storage, to striking balance of colour, Mike’s shed is a first-in-class example of industrial chic.”
Founder and head judge of Cuprinol Shed of the Year, Andrew Wilcox, added: “I hope Mike can inspire sheddies for years to come, and to enter the 20th Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition in 2026.”
