4 Buildings That Started From Garages and Ended Up Being Stunning Places
Garages, typically used for vehicle storage, have a considerable amount of space within them. When repurposing a building that initially served as a garage, it's not easy to transform such a large space into something new. However, these five buildings prove that garages can be repurposed for various other functions.
1. Berg'n Restaurant
A garage in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, was successfully transformed by Selldorf Architects into Berg'n, a beer garden restaurant operated by the founders of Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg. The structurally damaged building facade was reconstructed using wood and surrounded by bricks. The garage doors were converted into storefronts made of aluminum and black glass.
Inside the main hall, the grandeur of the building, retaining the essence of its previous life as a garage, is evident. The architects preserved elements from the original design, including refinishing and repainting the wooden ceiling beams and concrete floors. The restaurant's interior features wood, steel, and copper materials.
The ample space allows visitors to have different experiences, whether sitting at long tables or on bench seating, providing a varied atmosphere.
Additionally, part of the roof was removed to create an outdoor area with French cafe-style blue teal benches and tables, which contrasts greatly with the indoor space.
berg'n restaurant | Selldorf Architect
2. AA Studio Building
The elegant black brick building with wide glass windows and steel doors serves as the office of AA Studio. Located in Brooklyn, New York, this 2,500-square-foot building, completed in 2013, is distinguished by its gray interior and a symmetrical layout that houses workspaces, storage, a bathroom, and a kitchen.
The large glass windows create an illusion of space from the meeting area to the workspace behind it. The symmetrical layout of the interior is apparent from the outside as well.
The space is symmetrically divided by gray walls. The right and left sides of the building are used as AA Studio's office spaces.
In the workspace, the ambiance is quite different from the meeting rooms and other areas. Exposed brick adorns the room, giving it an antique feel. Bookshelves also serve as partitions toward the back of the room. The combination of these materials provides an antique atmosphere in this workspace.
3. Kordansky Gallery
For this purpose, a spacious area is indeed necessary. Used as an art gallery, this building in Los Angeles, California, was designed by wHy Architect. The building has become an icon in the surrounding area, drawing the attention of art enthusiasts.
Inside the art gallery, the entire building is adorned with white walls, gray floors, and exposed steel materials on the ceiling. The all-white space is perfect for an art gallery, as it highlights the exhibited artwork
Skylights on the roof provide natural lighting inside the building. Lighting is a crucial element when designing an art gallery, as it can significantly affect the perception of displayed artworks.
Kodansky Gallery | Photo of Art
4. Pace Gallery
A former automotive garage was redesigned into a minimalist art gallery. With a high ceiling and four skylights on the roof, HS2 Architect created a large exhibition space with abundant natural daylight.
The building underwent an extensive renovation, including new infrastructure, mechanical systems, electrical systems, lighting, and fire protection. The exposed concrete floor was also part of the renovation.
The gallery's interior is designed in a minimalist style, with all-white walls and ceilings contrasting with the dark floor. Spotlights are installed on the ceiling to illuminate paintings and artworks.
From above, the intricate arrangement of skylights on the building's roof can be observed. The facade, made up of black bricks, is elegant and contrasts with the interior color scheme.
