A tranquil Japanese-inspired garden retreat has been crowned the UK’s best summerhouse.
Designed by Prisca Furlong, Japonica Jarcasa won the Cabin/Summerhouse category in the 20th annual Tiger Shed of the Year competition after attracting the most public votes.
Designed by Prisca Furlong, Japonica Jarcasa won the Cabin/Summerhouse category. Photo supplied
The annual competition celebrates Britain’s most creative and inspiring garden buildings, with hundreds of entries submitted from across the country.
Created in 2016 as a peaceful escape inspired by Japanese design and Zen philosophy, Louth’s Japonica Jarcasa overlooks a carefully landscaped oriental-style garden complete with a pond, providing a calming space to relax, socialise and enjoy nature.
Over the years, the summerhouse has hosted everything from Japanese tea ceremonies and Ikebana flower arranging to Haiku poetry readings, games of Go and afternoon teas with family and friends.
Japonica Jarcasa. Photo supplied
Visitors regularly comment on the sense of calm the space provides.
Designed to stand the test of time, the building features carefully planned ventilation and generous roof overhangs to protect it from the elements.
Nearly a decade after it was built, the summerhouse remains in excellent condition.
Prisca worked with local organisation Interskill of Louth to bring her vision to life, supporting skilled carpenters who work alongside young adults with additional needs.
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Japonica Jarcasa has been recognised.
“I created it to be a place of peace, friendship and reflection, and it’s wonderful to know that so many people connected with that idea.
“Winning this award is a lovely celebration of a space that has brought so much joy to my family, friends and everyone who has visited.”
Andrew Wilcox, founder and head judge of Shed of the Year, said: “For 20 years, Shed of the Year has celebrated the creativity, passion and ingenuity of shed owners across the UK, and this year’s competition has been no exception.
“Every entry had its own story to tell, from peaceful garden retreats and workshops to incredible upcycled creations.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people getting behind the competition and voting for their favourite sheds, with each of these category winners proving just how much character can be packed into a garden building.”
Sam Jenkinson, head of marketing and chief sheddie at Tiger, added: “To mark the 20th anniversary of Shed of the Year, we introduced more categories than ever before to reflect the many different ways people use their outdoor spaces.
“The response has been incredible, with hundreds of inspiring entries and thousands of public votes cast.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s category winners, who have each captured the imagination of voters with their creativity, craftsmanship and unique stories.
“Japonica Jarcasa is a beautiful example of what makes our Cabin/Summerhouse category so special, showing how a thoughtfully designed garden building can become a genuine sanctuary.”
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