Garage conversions don’t have to be basic

It is rare for the garage to be a celebrated part of a dwelling.

The historical introduction was primarily to provide shelter for vehicles. In modern times, you are more likely to find a pile of ‘back of house’ stuff progressively rammed into each corner or finely balanced within the trussed rafters than a well-parked car.

In part, this could be consequence of the main dwelling lacking adequate storage provision. Or it could be that homeowners find the multi-functional abilities of the garage more attractive than the originally intended function.

With dwellings under ever increasing pressure to respond to the multitudinous functional requirements of modern living, the garage continuously presents itself as a micro-development opportunity for homeowners. Whether it be creating a workshop, a home office or ancillary accommodation to form multi-generational living, the garage is a relatively undefined space and with a bit of careful consideration, can flex in numerous ways to escalate the programme of a dwelling.

The exhibited scheme is a micro project in Warwick.

An existing double-garage has been divided in two. One half remains for vehicular use. The other half has been extended and adapted to provide leisure use for the homeowner. The main body of the garage conversion will function as a gym. A slender rear extension provides a compact sauna, shower and changing space. The glazed vestibule mediates between the external and internal spaces. An L-shaped cantilevered roof introduces a dominant architectural language, to conceal what would otherwise be an awkward junction between new and old construction. A square puncture in the L-shaped roof is positioned above the hot-tub for stargazing, because everyone now loves planet spotting…especially if they are in a line.

The result is a dynamic sequence of spaces that improves the functional and experiential qualities of the home. Transitioning from the existing blank garage façade to one which animates the garden space and invites additional activity to parts of the home that would otherwise be unconsidered, is an added bonus. The proposal has created new spaces for the family to enjoy and has been done in such a way that the key external space is also a beneficiary.

A very enjoyable micro-project. Taking something basic and making it special.