lizarow

With this project the client required a double garage to be converted into a dynamic and functional living area for a single person.  As with all garages the space was small.  The budget was limited and so was the turn around time.  This meant that the design could not extend beyond the existing structure and the client needed a fast turn around.

After the initial consultation it became clear that the space had to be as versatile and unique as the client.  She needed space, storage, a place where she could do sculpting and entertain from time to time.  A conventional, demarcated floor plan was not going to accommodate what was needed to fully satisfy the client's needs.

Studiomacs proposed an open plan solution with an enclosed bathroom.

Bathroom

An oblique wall hid the shower area.  The negative space was used to fit a recess which could be used to store products.  A glass handbasin was fitted to the reverse side of the wall with the mirror sunken into the wall.  We opted for a wall hung toilet with a built in cistern and a satin chrome flush plate.  Instead of a conventional timber door we opted for a glazed frosted sliding door to minimise the loss of space due to the space occupied by opening surface of a normal door.

Kitchen/Dining

Wall space was used for cupboard space.  All cupboard doors were to be fitted with a Touch Latch Senso system.  By using this particular system it allowed the kitchen cupboards to close seamlessly creating the illusion of walls covered with timber panels.  A front loading washing machine and a small fridge were hidden in the cupboard.  The island was designed to be completely mobile.  This unit presents itself as a storage unit, dining room table and a work bench for preparing food or when the client wants to do her sculpting.  The island was designed to run on large industrial castor wheels that allowed the unit to move around the space.

Living/sleeping space

 

The space in this area has been designed for optimal use.  By day an entertainment/work space; by night a bedroom.  The same system used in the kitchen for the cupboards has been employed for storage areas and the closet.  Two king single beds fold away during the day into a neat panel and the supporting structure for the bed becomes a seat during the day (add a firm covered sponge and a few cushions and one would never know that it is actually the bed’s supporting structure they are sitting on).  The coffee table in the front area is a storage unit and at night it becomes the supporting unit for the canter lever part of the drop down bed.  The coffee table closest to the bathroom is actually a storage unit for shoes with the same functionality at night as the front coffee table.  The storage unit next to the bed in the rear of the dwelling opens up and pulls out creating a pedestal at night with storage for books etc.  Built in LED lights in the bulkhead between the cupboard overhead and the bed storage cavity replaces the usual bedside lamp.   Both coffee tables run on industrial castor wheels for ease of mobility.

 

Front door/deck area

 

Jillian indicated that she would like to be able to open up the exit area completely to let in as much fresh air and natural light as possible.  Here I have given her fold-away glazed doors opening up onto a deck area.  A deck would be constructed on a frame which can be taken down if the deck is no longer desired (please note that I did not indicate any steps at this time because I did not have the fall of the driveway to do so – this would have to be worked out on-site).  A screen wall blocks out the few of the next door neighbours.  Here I have also added built in seating which doubles as storage for any fold-away garden furniture of implements.