Man's tropical steampunk shed wins national award

The exterior of the building looks like a log cabin and includes a large swing

A man who built what he describes as a "tropical steampunk shed" said it had not yet sunk in that he won a national award for it.

Ash Robertson, 42, from Ipswich, built his shed when he was in need of somewhere to work from, and when he and his wife welcomed their second child.

His shed, which includes elements of tiki beach bars, was nominated as a finalist in the cabin/summerhouse category at the Shed of the Year awards.

Mr Robertson, who built his shed almost entirely from second-hand items, said he never believed he would win an award for his design.

Inside has tiki elements including multi-coloured lamps, fish nets across the roof and more, mixed with Victorian styles of furniture and items

"I don't think it really sunk in until a plank of wood came through the letterbox with Cuprinol [the outdoor paint brand] written on it," he explained.

"It's still a bit surreal and weird because when I built the shed I built it for my family, my friends, as a place to escape from modern life and the modern world.

"It's a place to let the imagination flow and live out their adventures in their minds, that was the thinking behind it.

"I never had this in mind when I designed and built it."

Mr Robertson's shed allows people to step back in time, he said

Mr Robertson hoped his entrance "might inspire somebody else" to build their own shed and find a new passion.

He said he was "immensely proud" of the award.

"I look at it and I still can't quite believe that we won the category."

Mr Robertson has placed his award on the wall in his shed

While Mr Robertson is currently away from home for work, he said he would be celebrating his win.

"I will do some celebrating... I definitely will be having a drink to the shed albeit remotely," he said.

"I may have to do that properly at the weekend."

While he says he will not be making another shed in his garden due to space, Mr Robertson is going to help a friend with his own in the style of a German alpine ski chalet.

"Watch this space," he added.