The Garage Gem / Office Ou

Curated by Paula Pintos

Architects: Office Ou
Year: 2019
Photographs:Adrian Ozimek
Manufacturers: BL Woodworking, Bliss Nor-Am Steel Doors and Windows, Roanoak, SSAB GreenCoat, Trimble, Zita Terrazzo & Tile
Lead Architect: Sebastian Bartnicki
General Contractor: Derek Nicholson Inc

Text description provided by the architects. This project stemmed from the desire to transform the traditional urban garage into a flexible amenity space. This small structure re-imagines the detached laneway garage (often an under-utilized storage space), and makes it into a true extension of the home, as well as an open event space to forge community bonds. The 'Garage Gem' strikes a balance between precious and utilitarian to support a wide range of uses: it is a functioning garage, a conservatory, occasional workshop, a three-season space for entertaining guests, dining, movie screenings, writing, and simply enjoying the quiet seclusion of the leafy rear yard.

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