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Urban Oasis: Carroll Gardens Garage

Design

In New York City, maximizing utility can mean removing building volume to increase outdoor space. In this Carroll Gardens Passive House, that was exactly the case. When the family purchased the home, it had a detached two-car garage located at the rear of the property. With three sons, outdoor recreational space was important. We saw the structure as an opportunity to create a versatile space for the kids with a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

After
Before
The existing two-car garage dominated the rear of the lot. We strove to give the family outdoor space for the kids to play and for the family to relax.

In the house, the garden and parlor levels are connected via a split-level kitchen at the rear. This open floorplan also meant that the family wanted a flexible space in the rear yard.

After
Before
Keeping this in mind, we decided to keep a portion of the original garage structure, utilizing a wall of glass to foster a strong indoor-outdoor connection with the seating area next to it.
After
Before
We added large expanses of glass to the rear facade of the building, ensuring that the rear yard is as strongly connected to the kitchen and main living spaces as it is to the garage.

Throughout the project, the team, which consisted of Ingui Architecture, our engaged clients, Gunn Landscape Architecture, and SMR Craftworks, collaborated closely. This led to a rear yard that is as beautiful as it is functional to meet the family's needs.

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