“Updated?!” Those who frequent this blog will know that the word is typically only used here in a disparaging sense. Last summer, however, I was contacted by someone who had read my post about the Shed style. He and his wife happened to own a Shed style house built in the 1970’s. The exterior siding was showing its age, had been patched in several places, and was in need of replacement. Would I be willing to help them select new colors — modernizing the house in the process?
Hmmm…. While I have assisted many people in the past in selecting exterior color schemes to complement and enhance the architectural style of their historic homes or business buildings, I had never done so with the express intent of making a structure look more modern. I was intrigued by the opportunity (and a bit flattered)… I saw it as a fun alternative to — and a break from — my usual routine of working with late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century structures. Also, these houses still don’t really seem genuinely antique to me… I can remember when they were being built! I found it impossible to refuse. It was going to get updated by someone… I might as well give it a shot.
As the house is not near me, the homeowners emailed me photos of it, along with a photo of another Shed style house which had been updated in a manner that they did not like (I didn’t like it either; the house had been “normalized” with a forgettable shade of taupe). Also included were a few photos of modern houses that they did like. They indicated a desire for Hardie lap siding and wanted to emphasize the angularity of the house and have a more striking exterior. They indicated a color preference of grays and blue-grays.
The existing T-111 siding was looking very tired and was not doing the house any favors. The default purist in me could not get even a little bit enthused about replicating this look — even if stained in a woodsy manner. Because the homeowners seemed open to doing something slightly adventurous, I felt comfortable in tweaking the siding a bit. I emailed them concept sketches which they happily embraced and shared with their contractor. The following photos show the house before the project began, followed by photos of the finished makeover. All house photos are courtesy of the homeowners. Let’s take a look!
Although it was a bit out of character for me, I really had fun with this. I couldn’t have suggested this kind of a makeover for a Victorian-era house with a clear conscience, but I’ve been able to sleep just fine with this Shed-style transformation. And it helped to reassure me that I’m not as much of a purist as I have been told. Win-win! Many thanks to the owners for the opportunity to assist and for allowing me to post about the project!
I really like what you did to this. I always thought shed houses were hopelessly dated sort of like nehru jackets. But your siding changes opened my eyes and made me realize that the t-111 is the main problem on most of these, even if it is painted. We have a few commercial buildings in our area which make innovative use of metal and colored tile and other non-traditional siding that would look great on this type of home. Thanks for posting it!
Thanks! While I wouldn’t recommend giving all Shed style houses a similar makeover, this place really needed a change. The T-111 siding was indeed the main problem here, but many Sheds were built with better quality cedar siding which was more imaginatively configured. I would be less comfortable altering those examples as we need to have some authentic houses for future generations to experience! In this case, however, giving the house a change of character was the most merciful thing to do.
mmmmm – gray. always cheers me up. reminds me of mice scuttlin’ cross the floor or my old prison uniform. but I digress. it looks better but too monochromatic for my taste. needs (cries out for) some bright color splashes somewhere besides that nice door which is going to be enclosed anyway.
say, how is your house coming? or are all these projects your way of avoiding it
Go back and read the last line of the third paragraph in my post. It wasn’t intended to cheer you up. And yes — these projects are indeed a way of avoiding the grim reality of having to work on my own place. Plus I have to go to work on somebody else’s stuff, so there’s just not a lot of spare time right now.
oh, come now. I thought all blogs had the express purpose of cheering folks up. I always look forward to yours and if the shed people are happy, wasn’t that the point? as you know, this style was popularized by The Shelter Institute in Bath, Maine and other Maine 1970s builders and Maine is dotted with them – some good, some bad, some really awful. this is a good one but I would like more contrast.
While there certainly some horrific watered down versions of the shed style, I have a true appreciation for it. Perhaps it is my 1970’s childhood. When designed well, they can be stunning. Unfortunately, too often the interiors do not measure up to the exteriors (lots of 8′ popcorn ceilings and orange peel sheetrock).
Where I grew up in Sacramento, there were hundreds of shed roof homes constructed in large housing tracts in the suburbs. This being California, they were often sided in stucco, with occasional accent sections in cedar (there are plenty of T-111 sided homes as well) Driving around them today, some have held up quite nicely, others look like crap.
Looking at your original post (which I somehow missed), the second image (shown on the cover of House Plans for Contemporary Living) really struck a note with me. One neighborhood in particular, Campus Commons (near Sacramento State University), has beautiful condominiums built in almost the exact style of the image on that cover. Many were built among groves of trees (willow, oak, eucalyptus…) and have held up very well, and are still quite expensive.
This style was also popular in the heavily forested suburbs around Seattle where many architect design shed style homes were built overlooking the waterfront.
I forgot to add…. This transformation is quite successful in my opinion. Kudos!
Hardie Board definitely has its place.
I do find the tiny alcove for the front door to be unfortunate. It feels like an afterthought when it was originally designed.
I was puzzled by the downplayed nature of the entry, also, and tried to give it more emphasis with contrasting colors. The owners do plan for a new main entry between the main house and the guest house, so that will help immensely.
There is much to appreciate about the Shed style when done well… I also admired these new houses as a kid! I found Campus Commons on Google maps — thanks for pointing it out! The trees are now old enough that the whole neighborhood looks mature and established. I would have enjoyed seeing this place when it was new (I’m sure the siding was more “woodsy” looking then) but it is obviously very well maintained today. Take a look here and “drive” around the hood!
The BEFORE looks cheap. And depressing.
The AFTER is stunning! Wow!
The house had great bones, they were just wrapped in unfortunate siding!
I’m not an architect or a contractor, I’d never heard the term ‘shed style’ until I read this blog. I actually liked this house before the redo because it is not the typical, nothing unusual, cookie cutter residence that populates most of the neighborhood in which it is found, it had/has personality. It also fits perfectly the vibe of the owner family who are my good friends. I visited yesterday for the first time since the transformation and am completely impressed with what you’ve done. I also know that there were many unseen hurdles requiring upgrades, corrections and fixes which are now hidden by the beautiful exterior. I am completely impressed. As a licensed and certified teacher/critic, I happily give you and A+ – keep up the good work.
Thank you, Kim! Shed style houses are inherently interesting for the very reasons you mention… they are not typical of most neighborhoods and are visually a bit more assertive than “normal” cookie-cutter houses. The interesting forms and angles were already present — the new skin simply helps to express these existing assets in a stronger way.
I like the fact that a change like this can be made without actual remodeling; it doesn’t require any alteration of the original structure itself (unlike many of the very wasteful renovations shown so frequently on HGTV). The project was no doubt more complicated and involved than it appears (most projects are!) so I’m very much relieved that your friends are happy with the end result. Thanks for the A+!
Hello,
My boyfriend and I have bought a shed style home in Stone Mountain, GA. Would you happen to know how much it would cost to get comparable results as the house you have helped with? It’s gorgeous!
The cost of labor and material will likely vary from place to place. It is best to get an estimate from a competent contractor in your area.
I’m a manufacturing engineer and work in a plant, so when I stumbled across my house (simply described as “other”) in 2014, the sharp pitched roofs, renovated but retro kitchen with all-white appliances, and updated vinyl-over-wood and black metal roof was a far cry from the industrial setting I spent 8 hours a day in, facing gray and black all day. As mentioned, the t111 seems to be the issue, as all of the houses in my neighborhood are updated shed style (only 3 out of 50 remain with sagging rotten wood, undergoing renovation), very much like your excellent updating of a style many dislike or forget, but one that I truly appreciate.