Alteration and extension of Garage to provide Tai-chi Studio and Artists Studio
The property is located within the green belt on the edge of Derby. Affording superb views across open countryside the owners wanted to adapt an existing unattractive garage and create a contemplative space as a haven from the pressures of working life.
The 1930s garage is a sound construction but clad in timber strips painted black. Separate from the house the garage was not being used to house cars and the property already had extensive car parking and turning arrangements. The building has a set of roller doors at the front and a small window at the back, through which, with the removal of a hedge (not a boundary hedge) are excellent views of the garden and the open countryside beyond. The clients also wanted a building that could be re-used as a garage at some point in the future
The proposals strip the building back to its original shell. A side extension provides a toilet and wash up together with a garden store. The front door opening is reduced in height and a new internal mezzanine with stairs is added to provide a painting studio. At the rear, the existing window opening is extended into the apex of the building to provide more light and a more spiritual feel. Stained glass is added to the upper panes. With the removal of the hedge and the installation of opening doors, a connection between the garden and the building is restored. . The walls will be internally lined, with a new insulated floor, and insulated roof panels. Two large roof lights on the north slope provide light for the painting studio. The building is re-rendered with a white smooth render. Windows and door are recessed, the windows being dark grey powder coated steel, and the new folding doors are in timber, simple vertical plank panels.
The building becomes a warm attractive modern space and with a duel use it will serve both the current occupiers and those who use the building in the future.
