In a heartfelt tribute to friendship and passion for tabletop battles, a Lancashire-built wargaming shed has won the 2026 Shed of the Year, celebrating creativity and camaraderie in garden spaces.
- Winner is a custom-built wargaming shed using recycled wood
- Shed 2.0 offers roomy space for tabletop games like Warhammer
- Built to honor a friend and support year-round gaming comfort
What happened
The 2026 Shed of the Year competition crowned a unique winner: a specially crafted wargaming shed constructed by Chris Otterburn and friends in Lancashire. Originally, Chris built a smaller shed for tabletop gaming sessions with friends, but as the group grew and the scale of their games increased, a larger, more comfortable space was needed. Thus, Otty's Hobby Shed 2.0 was born, designed to accommodate their tabletop battles and enhance the meeting experience.
The build used mainly reclaimed and recycled materials, including tabletops from a local pub and broken dining tables, reflecting resourcefulness and sustainability. Painted with a green door reminiscent of 'Bag End' from The Hobbit, the shed combines nostalgia with practicality. Inside, oversized tables dominate the space, alongside seating, drink-making facilities, and plenty of storage. The group also plans to upgrade it with a projector and air conditioning to further improve comfort.
Why it feels good
Beyond its physical attributes, the shed's story is deeply touching. The build became a project infused with friendship and support, particularly when one friend, Scott Forrest, fought cancer. The community’s efforts to complete the shed allowed Scott to connect with his friends and enjoy shared moments during a difficult time, highlighting the power of shared hobbies to bring people together.
The shed serves as a symbol of dedication to friendship and shared passion. Its careful construction and design create not just a gaming space but a welcoming clubhouse where creativity and social bonds thrive. Winning the Shed of the Year also recognizes the spirit of making do with small budgets while maximizing joy and practical comfort.
What to enjoy or watch next
For enthusiasts of tabletop games, wargaming, or creative garden builds, Otty’s Hobby Shed 2.0 offers inspiration on how a personal retreat can be crafted with care, purpose, and community help. The winning entry can be explored visually in a featured video tour, showing the detailed craftsmanship and thoughtful design that brought this hobbyist haven to life.
Looking ahead, the group’s plans to add amenities like a projector and air conditioning promise an even more enjoyable retreat. This highlights how small outdoor spaces can be transformed into versatile hangouts suited to year-round activities, encouraging others to explore their own creative backyard projects.