Project: Car-Home
Location: Kimberly BC, Canada
Type: New Construction
Size: 2012 sq.ft. :
Garage: 1572sq.ft
Second Floor 740sq.ft
Year: 2024
Status: Awaiting Permit Application
Car-Home is a recent addition to our studio portfolio, a design that transcends the traditional notion of a garage. It is both a functional space for a vehicle and an homage to the historic "Carriage House." With a focus on foresight and adaptability, this project addresses the evolving needs of a modern world.
The client approached us with the intent to create a garage, but with an inherent awareness of the ongoing housing crisis. Their vision was to design a structure with the flexibility to easily transform into a living space if required in the future. This foresight fundamentally redefined our approach to design, emphasizing versatility while responding to the nuances of local zoning regulations and the shifting dynamics of urban development.
In navigating the schematic design phase, we carefully balanced the constraints of municipal strata, zoning regulations, and the client’s desire for a future-proofed structure. These complexities influenced the form and function, with the distinction between a non-habitable and habitable building shaping key decisions. While a structure intended for habitation can rise taller due to zoning regulation, one designated for auxillary use must remain shorter—an important consideration in sculpting the project to ask a a building to do more.
This design evolved from what seemed like a simple, practical request—the need for a space to store a family canoe. Little did we know, this seemingly inconsequential comment would become the catalyst for the entire design concept. As we worked through the tight site constraints, the original idea of a garage filled up with practical requirements, and storing the canoe indoors became increasingly impractical. Instead, we proposed an outdoor solution, giving the canoe a place where it would not clutter the space but instead be thoughtfully integrated into the design.
The canoe is now an iconic feature of the project, subtly integrated into the narrative. It is not only stored beneath a covered walkway but also elevated in its presence. As guests approach the building, the canoe reveals itself as a discovery, creating a moment of intrigue and delight. From the second story, it can be viewed as an artful element through a framed window—a tribute to the design philosophy of elevating outdoor objects into sculptural statements.
This project embodies a methodology where form follows both function and future adaptability. It is a perfect example of how architecture can be shaped by foresight and a singular vision, all while embracing the beauty of the unexpected.
