This 1800 sq ft carriage house, nestled in between existing trees on a very tight lakefront property, was designed to accommodate cars and powersports equipment on the main level, with the upstairs dedicated to entertainment, with recreation areas that include a bar, a pool table, air-hockey, arcade games, and a giant TV for family movie nights.
Architectural designer Jeff Murphy of Murphy & Co. Design had a number of challenges to overcome for this dream garage. First, the owner wanted to fit as much into the garage as possible, but the city had tight restrictions on allowable and maximum garage footprint sizes. In addition, the size and height of the garage could not overpower the main residence nearby, which is not overly large. Keeping the rooflines and massing of the new carriage house down as low as possible, and keeping a 1 ½ story roof design was important to minimize the impact on its surroundings. And because of the narrow lot size (62.5 feet), access in and out of the building with sufficient maneuvering space was also important.
The PHOTOS at right showcase the successful result. The carriage house is truly a dream garage, with thoughtful and clever ideas throughout. A few highlights include two 7000-pound Hydraulic automotive lifts with the ability to be moved out onto the driveway via a built-in caster system. Special Jack-shaft style garage door openers and special high-lift hardware to raise the garage doors over the cars and boats on the lifts.
A separate snowmobile garage entrance stall with traction mat and ski guides built into the floor (so as to not scratch the RaceDeck surface). And an 8’ long trench for quick drainage when washing cars or powersports equipment.
Click the STORY tab above for all the details.
Photography by Shelley Paulson of Summerset Studio .
Main Level garage highlights:
1. Two 7000 pound Hydraulic automotive lifts with the ability to be moved out onto the driveway via a built-in caster system.
2. Garage floor tiles are by “RaceDeck” garage floors and are in a checkerboard pattern
3. Moduline Aluminum cabinets and stainless steel countertop
4. Additional Laminate cabinets are found throughout the garage
5. There are custom-made aluminum diamond tread doors and base. The doors have handles from 1967 Chevy Chevelle car doors.
6. There are special Jack-shaft style garage door openers and special high-lift hardware to raise the garage doors over the cars and boats on the lifts
7. Separate snowmobile garage entrance stall with traction mat and ski guides built into the floor (so as to not scratch the floor surface).
8. 8’ long trench drain for quick drainage when washing cars or powersports.
9. Large amount of fluorescent lighting
10. Separate mechanical room with air compressor and air lines built into the walls and ceiling to run air tools
11. Computer / TV monitor in garage with computer, phone, and audio video system with commercial / concert JBL speakers. The system is tied into the main house, upper level of the garage, TiVo system from main house, and the entire computer network / security / and phone systems.
12. Integrated stainless steel sink into workbench
13. Bath has tile and wood (fir) walls, wood beadboard ceiling, sink base made from a 55 gallon VP Racing fuel barrel, and custom mirror made from the barrel top clasp.
The wood top of the sink is also custom made with metal strapping around the perimeter.
14. There are rear-view mirrors from a mid 50’s car mounted on the side walls in the Bath so that you can see yourself from 3 mirrors when standing at the sink.
15. Service door is custom wood door, with electronic keypad lever lock (so the garage always remains locked, yet you do not need keys to get in).
16. Garage and upper levels have a total of 3 security cameras
17. Helmet and powersports apparel rack
18. Fueling station
19. Doorbell that plays the “Dukes of Hazzard” General Lee car horn.
Upper Level Highlights:
1. There is an “art wall” for the kids going up the stairs – it is a wall of bulletin board that the kids can add newly completed art work, awards, and pictures to over the years.
2. There are 3 separate spaces on this level: Billiards / Game Room, Theater area, and Kitchenette area.
3. The billiards area: custom wood casing and base, “Fanimation” belt driven (exposed) ceiling fan with remote mounted cast iron motor, custom wood railing and newels, large arched opening with custom millwork, 42” Plasma TV, 10” ceiling speakers, Subwoofer, Brunswick pool table, dart board, Multi-Game stand-up arcade game #1, computer location, and pub tables.
4. The Theater: 8 speakers total (includes an additional subwoofer), 65” TV with equipment, custom made entertainment center, ceiling beams, and large couch / table.
Powersports Dream Garage
Powersport parking below, ultimate rec room above.
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