Removing the garage was one of the biggest decisions I made during the design process. I definitely got a pushback. But listen to me.
,
In the original designs, the daylight cellar included a studio ADU (alias "Mother-in-Law Apartment"), an entryway and stairs, and a two-car garage. Setting up a garage in a basement with daylight makes sense: basements are usually dark, and it is better to install a garage in a house and use it to increase the living space rather than constructing a separate structure. Also, who does not love a warm car in Alaska?
,
But the more I talked to people and thought about it, the less it seemed right. The ADC and the entrance area felt tight, and although the garage could accommodate two cars, this was the minimum size required.
,
The removal of the garage allowed the ADU to expand into a beautifully sized one-bedroom unit. Then the rest of the room became a laundry room with storage and a huge mud room. For me, one of the most striking things about interacting with our homes in Alaska is that a lot goes into transitions between inner and outer life. Along the way, we can peel off four or five wet, snow-covered layers or walk on muddy boots with skis or snowshoes. My plan for this room is to create a bombproof room with a large bench, tons of cupboards, a range of shoe warmers, shelves, and maybe even an attractive rack for skis and other outdoor gear. The laundry is right there and the front door is slightly oversized (3 "6") to make getting in and out easier.
,
What about the garage? It will probably come later. After a few years digging cars out of snowdrifts, I'll know what kind of garage is needed, and hopefully I'll be able to save a bit (or at least find the debt from this project less daunting). Detached garages are also good because they isolate carbon monoxide, odors and fire hazard from the rest of the house.
,
#alaska #housebuilding #homebuilding #houses #construction #newconstruction #ownerbuilder #ownerbuild #ownerbuild #houseplan #houseplan #anchorage #alaskalife #design #homedesign #architecture
[ad_2]
Source
