07/10/2026
A garden shed doesn’t have to be just a place to store tools.
Designed as a quiet retreat within a Chicago backyard, this 60-square-foot pavilion explores how even the smallest structures can enrich everyday rituals. Positioned beneath a mature tree canopy and alongside an existing masonry wall, the pavilion filters daylight through translucent polycarbonate panels, creating a soft, luminous interior for gardening, making, and reflection.
A simple wood frame, exposed plywood shelving, and integrated work surfaces celebrate honest construction, while the gently sloping roof expands the sense of space beyond its compact footprint. At night, the pavilion transforms into a glowing lantern, casting warm light into the garden and quietly animating the surrounding landscape.
For us, architecture is not defined by scale. Even the smallest project can create atmosphere, celebrate light, and elevate the ordinary.
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