de nieuwe context designs shed-inspired outdoor living space

outdoor living space nederweert by de nieuwe context

Research and design studio De Nieuwe Context reinterprets the traditional rural shed archetype to create a modern outdoor living space in the Dutch town of Nederweert. Set within an expectionally large residential plot of land, the red-painted and corrugated steel shed is built as an extension of a brick storage area, separating the front yard from the back yard and garden. The resulting volume offers ‘a comfortable outdoor area with enough space to eat together or throw a party,‘ writes the studio.

all images © Strictua

reinterpreting the pragmatics of a rural shed

At the front, the outdoor living space appears as a simple shed, with an access door and a few potted plants adorning each end. Meanwhile, the backyard reveals an almost fully exposed facade design, framing a spacious and furnished interior where dinners, lunches, gatherings, and other social activities can take place with family and friends. Complementing the shed is a private, rectangular pool buffered by lush vegetation, making a smooth transition to the garden ahead.

the rear facade is mostly exposed, revealing a furnished interior

Construction-wise, ‘the design refers to the pragmatics of the rural shed. The beauty lies in the details,’ adds the team at De Nieuwe Context. To start, the structure is bordered by concrete slabs that follow the lines of the original building and extend seamlessly to reach the swimming pool, where the ground suddenly switches to red brick tiling. Both new flooring materials gently contrast the existing stone pavement dominating both yards. As for the steel framework — painted in red lead to prevent rust — its corrugated sheet texture continues into the gutter and from the inside, Siberian larch wood, a light, and affordable material clads the roof for proper insulation.

a space for outdoor eating and gatherings