World · India Bureau
Girl's £500 gift inspires father to build award-winning mushroom house
A 12-year-old's contribution from her personal savings led to the creation of an imaginative garden structure that captured top honours at a prestigious national competition. The whimsical two-storey design has since become a showcase for creative backyard architecture.
LSN India ·
A Surrey-based father transformed his daughter's generous gift into an architectural marvel when he used £500 from her savings to construct an unconventional mushroom-shaped retreat in their garden. Ben Swanborough channelled his creativity into designing and building the distinctive structure, which stands as a testament to both his craftsmanship and his young daughter's support for the ambitious project.
The finished creation showcases imaginative engineering and attention to detail. The two-storey hideaway features a trapdoor entrance, ornamental stained-glass windows that filter coloured light into the interior, and a glass floor that provides views of a babbling stream running beneath the structure. A glass roof section allows occupants to stargaze from inside without stepping outdoors.
The innovative design caught the attention of judges in the 2017 Shed of the Year competition, where it emerged victorious. The accolade recognises the structure as an outstanding example of bespoke garden architecture, demonstrating how personal investment and creative vision can transform a modest plot into something truly remarkable.
The mushroom house has since become a notable example of how backyards can serve purposes beyond traditional landscaping, inspiring homeowners to consider unconventional and artistic approaches to garden spaces.