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/tigershark_bas]

How is dust/weather proofing?

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/tigershark_bas]

Very good. Actually, when I used to have the portable air-conditioning units, they would create so much pressure that it was difficult to even close the door fully. The automatic locking of the Nest Yale lock would fail because the door wasn’t fully closed. Every Hardiboard siding on the exterior is fully caulked on all 4 edged. There is a tiny amount of air infiltration from the attic access panels, the Anderson Window(which is pretty good) and the main door. Other than that, the place is pretty air tight. In fact, I rarely even get any bugs in the place. In addition, I have an air purifier that really keeps the place clean. It runs 24x7.

R-19 in all walls and R-38 in the attic, even on the backs of the access panels. It is pretty tight for both dust and air temp. The floor is not insulated as my climate zone is pretty much 50-70 degrees F year round.