Londoner transforms shed into quirky outside loo completely covered in shells
Jane from Greater London has transformed her unsuspecting garden shed into a quirky shell-covered grotto!
The annual Cuprinol Shed of the Year competition is in full swing, and one entry from Greater London is making waves.
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Introducing Grottoloo, a quirky outside loo that is completely covered in shells.
Submitted to the ‘Unexpected/Unique’ category, Jane Dorner’s unusual W/C is a transformed wooden garden shed, given a touch of seaside whimsy with thousands of shells.
Jane from Greater London says: “Mirrors, glass shards, perfume phials and iridescent marbles catch the light and add sparkle to the thousands of shells patterning every surface. My friend Simon made plywood panels for me, and I did all the shell work myself, much of it in situ.
“Friends donated their shell collections. We also did some beach-combing; ate mussels, clams, and limpets and got a haul of oyster shells from a stall in Margate.”
Entries for this year’s competition will close at midnight on Saturday, 31st May.
Categories for Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2025 include:
- Eco Haven (new for 2025)
- Most Colourful Shed
- Simple but Effective
- Budget
- Unexpected/Unique
- Cabin or Summerhouse
- Pub or Entertainment
- Workshop/Studio
Andrew Wilcox, Head judge and Founder of the competition, is as intrigued as ever to see what this year’s participants showcase: “It’s hard to believe we’re entering the 19th year of this incredible competition, and every year the entries just keep getting better. I’m excited to see the wave of extraordinary sheds once again, especially those where Sheddies have embraced creativity and got inventive with sustainable design choices.
“I’m particularly excited about the new Eco-Haven category, which I hope will inspire entries that champion pollinators, biodiversity, and sustainability – we’ve seen a few over the years but I’d love to see more. Last year’s winner – ‘Wrinkly, Rusty & Retro’ by Crewe local Wayne Dawber – is a stellar example of what can be done with sustainability front of mind, while Wayne’s smart use of colour delivered real visual impact and left a lasting impression on us judges.”