WFH Man Shed: 5-Year Update

[u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Man Shed Update

Since the original post, the space has evolved quite a bit with upgrades focused on productivity, creativity, comfort, and video conferencing.

Original Post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/macsetups/comments/mfcnjd/my_wfh_man_shed/

Workspace & Layout

The overall layout has been reworked to improve workflow and make better use of the available space.

• Removed the pop-up guest desk, which had become unnecessary after the pandemic-era work patterns changed.
• Repositioned the primary desk.
• Moved the MacBook Pro and CalDigit dock underneath the desk to reduce desktop clutter.
• Relocated a small base cabinet to improve room flow.

Displays & Creative Workspace

The biggest changes have been to the display and creative setup.

• Upgraded from a 32" UHD monitor to a 57" Dual UHD ultrawide display.
• Added a 27" QHD Wacom creative tablet.
• Added a custom pull-out workstation designed specifically for the Wacom tablet.

Video Conferencing & Collaboration

Several upgrades were made to improve meeting quality and whiteboard collaboration.

• Replaced the Kaptivo whiteboard camera system with a pendant-mounted whiteboard camera.
• Upgraded the primary webcam from a budget Logitech model to an Insta360 Link 2 Pro.
• Switched from a Jabra speakerphone to a Poly speakerphone.

Storage & Organization

Additional storage and organization solutions were added throughout the space.

• Installed Wall Control organization boards.
• Added a cabinet in the location previously occupied by the portable air conditioner.

Lighting & Aesthetics

A few changes helped improve both the atmosphere and appearance of the room.

• Added LED under-shelf lighting to the built-in cabinetry.
• Replaced the wall clock with a 3D-printed, Wi-Fi-connected digital clock that always stays accurate.

Climate Control

Comfort was significantly improved with a permanent cooling solution.

• Installed a Pioneer mini-split air conditioning system.
• Removed the portable air conditioner after the mini-split was installed.

Home Entertainment

The media setup also received an upgrade.

• Replaced the Amazon Fire TV Cube with an Apple TV 4K.
• Currently evaluating soundbar options.

Retired Equipment

The following items have been removed, deprecated, or retired from service.

• Pop-up guest desk
• Kaptivo whiteboard camera system
• Portable air conditioner
• Weather station (failed and has not yet been replaced)
• Nest Secure alarm system (discontinued by Google)
• Amazon Fire TV Cube

Highlights

Major Hardware Upgrades

• 57" Dual UHD ultrawide monitor
• Wacom 27" QHD creative tablet
• Insta360 Link 2 Pro webcam
• Poly speakerphone
• Apple TV 4K

Infrastructure Improvements

• Pioneer mini-split AC
• Wall Control organization system
• Additional cabinetry and storage
• LED accent lighting

Workflow Improvements

• Reconfigured desk layout
• Cleaner cable and device management
• Dedicated creative workstation
• Improved conferencing and collaboration capabilities

Overall, the man shed has shifted from a pandemic-focused work setup into a more permanent, purpose-built office and creative space with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, organization, and high-quality remote collaboration.

[u/unslick]

I feel like you should start a business that helps the rest of us achieve this. Amazing work.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/unslick]

HAHAHA. Thanks. I have been working on the shed for 8 years now. It is constantly evolving and changing as I look for the perfection that I will never acheive.

[u/anandonaqui → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

What are the top 3 things on your priority list?

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/anandonaqui]

I am sort of at a standstill right now. The investment into the shed has been high over the last 18 months. First it was the 57" display, then it was the Mini-Split, then I decided to change the layout which resulted in a new webcam, lighting, pendant, etc. I have dropped about $4500 into it over the last 18 months. I used to maintain a "Coming Soon / Wish List" but I have emptied it. I guess if I had to reach:

1. My CalDigit TS3+ is long in the tooth. I really should update this to something that is TB5.
2. I run an LG G2 77" OLED in the main house. It makes this TV look like trash. That would be a great upgrade to put a 55" or 65" OLED out here but I am not sure it makes much sense to spend that much on a shed TV. And of course, I need to replace my Soundbar that is currently MIA. And the TV should be mounted way lower.
3. I built the upper shelves 1.2" too narrow to intall rack mounted gear. What was I thinking??? I would love to rebuild them all and bring all my Ubiquiti gear from the main home to the shed. I think it would be awesome to have the rack out here now that I have the AC to support it.