In a world where working from home has become part of daily life and the boundaries between living, working, and relaxing are increasingly blurred, an innovative, functional, and stylish concept has emerged: the Shoffice. If you haven’t heard of it yet, get ready to fall in love.
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The term Shoffice, a blend of the words shed and office, describes a compact space, usually installed in the backyard or garden, that functions as an independent, multifunctional office—and can also be a true gem of contemporary design.
More than just a trend, the shoffice is becoming a definitive solution for those seeking comfort, privacy, and focus without giving up style or proximity to home. And the best part? It can be custom-designed with creativity, sustainability, and great taste.
Shoffice: functionality with style in your backyard
In practice, a shoffice is a small annex or external structure, often built with wood, glass, and steel, that houses a compact yet complete office. It can include a desk, ergonomic chair, shelves, planned lighting, acoustic insulation, and even air conditioning—everything needed to create a quiet and inspiring environment, away from household distractions.
The concept was born in the UK but is spreading worldwide as a charming and effective alternative to the improvised home office. In times of hybrid routines, online meetings, and long hours of working from home, having a dedicated space for concentration has become both an emotional and productive necessity.
Advantages of a Shoffice
Besides its charm, the shoffice offers a series of practical benefits that make it a smart choice for residential architecture projects:
- Clear separation between personal and professional life: Having a space outside the main house helps set boundaries and maintain focus during work hours.
- Acoustic and visual privacy: Ideal for meetings, video calls, or activities requiring concentration.
- Use of the backyard or garden: Even on small plots, a shoffice can be adapted with elegance and efficiency.
- Property value increase: A well-executed project can significantly boost resale value.
- Versatility of use: Besides an office, the space can serve as an art studio, creative space, reading room, or even a relaxation area.
- Design and personalization: the secret to success
As an interior designer, I can assure you that the key to a great shoffice lies in smart customization of the space. Simply placing a desk in a shed isn’t enough—you need to consider daily use, thermal comfort, and aesthetics that reflect the resident’s style.
Some essential elements of a good shoffice include:
- Abundant natural light, with large windows or glass doors;
- Thermal and sustainable materials, like treated wood, recycled PET wool, and OSB panels;
- Functional furniture such as vertical shelves, hidden drawers, and foldable desks;
- Soft colors and biophilic elements like natural plants and organic textures to enhance well-being;
- Well-planned outlets and connectivity to meet tech needs without makeshift solutions.
Do you need a lot of space?
No! One of the biggest advantages of a shoffice is its adaptability to different areas. With good design, it’s possible to create a comfortable office in just 8 to 12 square meters. In many cases, prefabricated structures can be installed in a few days and require little to no changes to the land.
For those who prefer custom builds, architects and designers can create integrated solutions with landscaping, façades, or even by repurposing materials. The sky—or rather, your garden—is the limit.
Shoffice in Brazil: an expanding trend
It’s a mistake to think the shoffice is only suited to cold countries or large backyards. In Brazil, where the climate allows for open-air spaces most of the year, the concept is being increasingly adopted, especially in urban homes with gardens, houses with side corridors, or underutilized back areas.
In addition, many clients seek a shoffice as a way to:
- Work away from household noise;
- Have a space for creativity or therapy;
- Create a studio for music, art, or yoga;
- Receive clients professionally without encroaching on the domestic environment.
More than a fad, a new way to live and work
The shoffice represents a new phase in residential design—one where homes are no longer just places to live but spaces that embrace all aspects of modern life: work, leisure, self-care, and creativity.
Whether you’re a professional in need of focus, a creator seeking inspiration, or simply someone dreaming of your own little corner, the shoffice could be the answer. And best of all: with the right planning, it fits your space, your budget, and your style.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
