Yesterday, Amaco Brent featured Orphan Ten on Instagram for "Brent Wheel Wednesday" and so I thought that it was the perfect time to share more about my backyard studio for those interested in adding a freestanding space for pottery or creative pursuits.
My prefabricated 10' x 12' structure was made by a company just north of Seattle called Modern Shed. Design aesthetics and customization features were key factors in the decision process. Additionally, working with a local business helped ensure the space would easily coexist with the existing landscape, entertaining spaces, raised garden beds, and pizza oven.
After the design and fabrication process was complete, the installation took about ten days (with electrical, drywall, touchup paint, etc.), but the walls, windows, and roof were up on the second day. The french doors face south, to allow plenty of light and airflow, and a small deck provides a transition between the gravel and the entryway.
The interior space is functional and minimalist with a wheel, kiln, wedging table, air purifier, shelving, modular rolling storage, and trash cans on dollies for reclaiming clay. All of my finished work is stored in my home office adjacent to the studio. There's a list of brands and suppliers at the end of this post for reference.
Access to water is vital to ceramics but running water to the space was not cost effective when I could easily bring buckets of water from the laundry room across the patio. That savings went into the cost of a Mini Split air conditioning & heating unit - which I love and use in the summer or when it snows to keep my clay from freezing.
If you are interested in the full layout of my pottery shed, including the cement backer board that I attached to the drywall around the kiln, go to the Instagram video here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCfB3jkJ0O7/
Is there anything I would change? Absolutely. I would love to move the kiln to a covered shed space with three partial walls to the right of the structure to reclaim more space for shelving while utilizing the existing electrical. Maybe one day.
Thank you for all of your interest in my studio space and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Supplier List
