In House 3, Adam & Jolene turned a narrow shed into the hub of their backyard. The Stratco Umbra™ Awning Shed is a modern narrow shed with an operable tilt door that works as an awning, and they used its built in ventilation to create an Argentinian bar and grill, ready for deep, rich, smoky meats cooked over an open fire.
Backyard Week is the moment the teams on The Block turn their attention outside, and every square metre counts. House 3 shows how one product can solve two common backyard problems at once: where to put everything, and where to find shelter.
A Garden Shed That Opens Into a Shelter
The Umbra™ is built around a secure tilt door with gas struts that make opening and closing extremely practical and straightforward. With one easy movement, the front of the shed becomes an awning that gives protection from the sun and rain, while everything inside stays within reach. When you are finished, the door closes just as easily and the shed goes back to being neat, secure storage.
That means the shed becomes part of the backyard rather than something tucked away in a corner. The size and features of the Umbra™ give homeowners endless options to create their own outdoor living solutions, from a barbecue or cooking area to an outdoor entertaining system or convenient storage for hobbies.
House 3's Argentinian Bar and Grill
Adam & Jolene used the Umbra's built in ventilation system to set up a cooking hub made for social events and gatherings with friends and family. The awning keeps the cook covered, the ventilation lets smoke escape, and the storage behind keeps tools, utensils and supplies close at hand.
It is a clever example of how a compact shed can become a full entertaining space without the cost or footprint of a larger structure.
How Much Cover Does the Umbra™ Give?
With the door closed, the Umbra™ is just 1130mm deep, so it sits neatly against a fence or wall without taking over the yard. Raise the door and the total depth extends to 3050mm, creating a covered zone in front of the shed to stand, cook or work under.
That makes it a smart choice for smaller backyards, courtyards and side areas where a full patio is not practical.
Premium Materials Built for Australian Conditions
House 3's Umbra™ is clad in Stratco Hiland Tray®, a standing seam profile known for its clean, architectural lines, and finished in Colorbond® steel in Monument®. Inside, the shed is lined with timber slats, adding warmth and a natural finish.
Gutters and downpipes prevent water pooling and leaking, and the Umbra™ is built to withstand Australian conditions, with protection from rain, hail and shine. The slot and lock frame system makes installation easy, and the shed carries a W41/N3 wind rating.
Accessories to Build Your Own Setup
The Umbra™ has a range of optional accessories, so you can tailor it to the way you use your backyard:
- LED Lighting Kit with LED strip lights to light up the space after dark
- Pegboards to keep tools and utensils organised, with room for up to eight
- Stainless Steel Heat Shield for cooking inside the shed
- BBQ Gas Safety Kit for a safe gas BBQ installation
- Stratco Shed Footing Kit for a solid, level base
Six Ways to Use an Umbra™ Awning Shed
- Outdoor kitchen or BBQ station with the heat shield and gas safety kit
- Bar and grill hub, as in House 3, for entertaining friends and family
- Potting bench with tools and pots stored right behind you
- Outdoor bar for drinks and glassware when entertaining
- Hobby and workbench station with pegboards keeping everything in sight
- Pool and sports gear storage close to where you need it
Umbra™ vs a Traditional Garden Shed
|
|
Umbra™ Awning Shed |
Traditional garden shed |
|---|---|---|
|
Door |
Tilt door on gas struts |
Hinged or sliding door |
|
When open |
Creates a covered awning |
Entry only |
|
Access |
The whole front opens, so everything is in view |
Walk in and search inside |
|
Entertaining |
Ventilated and BBQ ready with accessories |
Storage only |
|
Look |
Hiland Tray® standing seam cladding |
Usually corrugated or ribbed walls |
Planning Your Umbra™ Installation
- Placement: position it against a fence, wall or boundary, leaving enough clear space in front for the door to open (3050mm total depth when open)
- Base: a Stratco Shed Footing Kit or a level slab gives a solid foundation
- Power: the LED Lighting Kit needs a 24V power supply, so plan this with your electrician
- Cooking safely: follow local fire rules and appliance clearance guidelines, and talk to our team about the heat shield and gas safety kit before you cook in the shed
- Weather: the Umbra™ is rated W41/N3, and the tilt door should be closed in extreme weather
- Installation: the Umbra™ has a slot and lock frame for easy installation and is designed for DIY assembly, though Stratco recommends professional installation. See the installation guide for details
- Council: check your local council's requirements before you build
Key Features of House 3's Umbra™ Awning Shed
- Tilt door with gas struts for easy opening and closing
- Instant awning that provides shade and rain protection when open
- Built in ventilation that makes it ready for a BBQ or outdoor kitchen
- Stratco Hiland Tray® cladding for a sleek, architectural finish
- Colorbond® steel in Monument® for a modern, durable colour
- Timber slat interior for a warm, natural look
- Gutter and downpipe to prevent water pooling and leaking
- Slot and lock frame for strength and simple assembly
- Size: 2930mm wide, 2225mm high and 1130mm deep
- 15 year structural warranty for long term peace of mind
Bring the Umbra™ to Your Backyard
Want storage that does more than store? The Umbra™ Awning Shed gives you a tidy home for your gear and a sheltered spot to cook, garden or relax, all in one. Request a free quote or visit a Stratco store near you to get started.
Learn More About the Umbra™ Awning Shed
Frequently Asked Questions
An awning shed is a garden shed with a door that lifts up to form a roof over the area in front of it. The Stratco Umbra™ uses a gas strut tilt door, so it works as storage when closed and as a sheltered outdoor space when open.
Yes. The Umbra™ has a built in ventilation system and is ready for a BBQ or outdoor kitchen. House 3 turned theirs into an Argentinian bar and grill. Stratco offers a stainless steel heat shield and a BBQ gas safety kit to set it up safely.
The Umbra™ is 1130mm deep when closed and 3050mm deep with the door open, giving you a covered area in front of the shed.
The Umbra™ is designed for DIY assembly with a slot and lock frame, but Stratco recommends professional installation. The installation guide walks you through each step.
In most areas, sheds under 10m² and under 2.5m high do not need approval, but rules vary, so check with your local council before you build.
The standard range is available in Gun Metal Grey, Off White and Slate Grey. Talk to our team about custom options.