A Special Potting Shed for a Sonoma Wine Country Farm
Siting and orientation: Frear carefully considered the siting of the shed, placing it about 100 feet from the main house among the existing agricultural support structures. These include a greenhouse, water tower, water tanks, a chicken coop and raised garden beds. “The potting shed is the kingpin of the agricultural support structures,” Frear says.The shed faces east so it provides a lovely view of the house, pool, pool house and rose garden. A patio outfitted with two comfortable Adirondack chairs provides a great spot to relax and enjoy the view. This photo also shows how well the shed’s white framing plays off the fence around the raised garden beds.
Must-haves: The homeowners knew they would need a generous sink, a counter that drains well, plenty of shelves and a durable floor for their potting projects. “These were seamlessly incorporated in this project and resulted in a special little structure that ties the entire property together,” Frear says.Floors: Stone pavers and gravel edging were used for a floor that drains well and is easy to maintain.
Materials: “The materials were chosen to be consistent with the established vocabulary of the other support structures,” Frear says. So even though the shed has a modern look, materials like the corrugated metal roof, cedar planks and stone pavers help it fit into the rural landscape. And the feeling inside is simple and clean with nods to farm style.
Sink and counters: Frear designed the cast concrete sink and had it fabricated locally. The design includes generous countertop space and grooves for easy drainage. The faucet has a classic farmhouse silhouette, while its blackened finish skews more modern.Sink fabricators: Bohemian Stoneworks of SebastopolOthers who worked on this project: Earthtone ConstructionMoreGreat Home Project: How to Set Up a Potting StationFind prefab garden sheds
Photos by Nick Dareau Shed at a GlanceWhat happens here: Potting plants, cutting and arranging flowers, washing vegetables from the gardenLocation: Sonoma County, CaliforniaSize: 162 square feet (15 square meters); 9 feet wide by 18 feet long by 10 feet tallArchitects: Robert Frear and Nick Dareau of Robert Frear ArchitectsThe backstory: This 10.4-acre farm in wine country is the part-time residence of two empty nesters from San Francisco who love to garden. An assemblage of agricultural buildings on the west end of their property had their charms but were not well-organized. The couple wanted a potting shed out near their raised planting beds, which are about 100 feet from the main house. Architect Robert Frear saw an opportunity for the new building to serve as a centerpiece among the other structures that would tie them together. The style: Frear and project architect Nick Dareau carefully studied the vernacular architecture in the region, taking note of materials, construction methods and style. “This style can be described as an updated 19th-century farm building with a modern and functional plan,” Frear says. Materials plucked from the local rural vernacular give the new bu...
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