This 320 square foot garage conversion by Seattle-based SHED Architecture & Design transforms an ordinary garage into a minimalist living studio. The design features a simple kitchen, built-in bookshelves, and a loft sleeping area.
Garage Conversion Interior
Design Details
- Size: 320 square feet
- Type: Garage conversion
- Designer: SHED Architecture & Design, Seattle
- Style: Modern minimalist
- Sleeping: Loft bed
- Features: Built-in bookshelves, corner desk, abundant windows
- Unique Element: Closet built into ladder structure
View Toward Sleeping Loft
Loft Bedroom
Lessons from Garage Conversions
- Existing Structures Reduce Costs: Converting a garage avoids foundation and shell construction expenses
- Lofts Add Sleeping Space: Vertical space in garages accommodates bed lofts
- Built-Ins Maximize Efficiency: Custom shelving and storage make small spaces functional
- Windows Transform Dark Spaces: Adding glazing converts garage boxes into livable studios
- Multi-Function Furniture Serves Small Living: Ladder/closet combinations demonstrate creative space solutions
More Garage Conversions
- Kenny’s Portland Garage to Studio Conversion
- 350 Sq. Ft. Garage Converted into a Family Cave
- Garage Converted into 320 Sq. Ft. Backyard Cottage
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Alex
Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
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Love it. There's a below-grade aspect to it, too (or is it just that it's built into a hillside?)–so maybe a 'basement' level below those pictured? Love the little window created by the 'angled-out' bay.
But the steps/stairs to the loft are little nervous-making.
Other projects on the SHED site also look great–though I'm not a fan of modern architecture/style, I'd love to live in a house these folks designed.
Love the place ..hate that ‘opening’ climb up to the loft…VERY dangerous for people without ESP…..
I think you are right that there is a basement level below. You can get a better idea of it here: http://www.digsdigs.com/garage-conversion-that-… where there's more pictures (exterior pics).
Yeah those stairs aren't for everyone I am sure. I like the way they blend in though.
Are these garage houses realistic? I find it hard to fathom that a property owner will sell their garage house, rather than rent it as a source of income to subsidize their own property. So, that brings us to the point of zoning policy. How many metropolitan areas are going to allow for dwellings this small to be built on stand alone lots.(this assumes that people are looking to own rather than rent) I would like to live in an urban neighborhood in a similar dwelling, but wouldn't rent. It appears that these dwellings are more showpieces for demonstrating the capabilities of architects/craftsmen. Fair enough. One could certainly build in rural America w/o the headaches of copious zoning restrictions. It just seems that these garage dwellings' allure is their location too.
Absolutely. Many people have been looking to do this very thing. I am single and will be building one starting in July. Can’t wait to have a 300 sauare foot house I can live with cheap heating bills and using solar power no electric bills. Other than maintenance on the solar batteries. Not to mention you can buy land for 5000.00 and be mortgage free in less than a year. Think of all of the money you could be spending on you vs on that bug cold drafty house you live in now.
For me it's just intriguing to see what some people do with their spaces and I think it gets people's creative juices flowing… What can you do with your extra space? Is it possible that you can convert part of your unused/extra space into something like this and provide affordable housing for someone while building a source of income for yourself? Thanks for your comment!
Thanks THT. I agree that the examples themselves are probably worth more than the actual property in the inspiration they inspire. I like it too, that affordable real estate is being provided while creating a denser population w/ less sprawl. I'd just like to be free to build this as a stand alone and that's not possible everywhere. Necessity is the mother of invention, though.
Are these garage houses realistic? I find it hard to fathom that a property owner will sell their garage house, rather than rent it as a source of income to subsidize their own property. So, that brings us to the point of zoning policy. How many metropolitan areas are going to allow for dwellings this small to be built on stand alone lots.(this assumes that people are looking to own rather than rent) I would like to live in an urban neighborhood in a similar dwelling, but wouldn't rent. It appears that these dwellings are more showpieces for demonstrating the capabilities of architects/craftsmen. Fair enough. One could certainly build in rural America w/o the headaches of copious zoning restrictions. It just seems that these garage dwellings' allure is their location too.
For me it's just intriguing to see what some people do with their spaces and I think it gets people's creative juices flowing… What can you do with your extra space? Is it possible that you can convert part of your unused/extra space into something like this and provide affordable housing for someone while building a source of income for yourself? Thanks for your comment!
Thanks THT. I agree that the examples themselves are probably worth more than the actual property in the inspiration they inspire. I like it too, that affordable real estate is being provided while creating a denser population w/ less sprawl. I'd just like to be free to build this as a stand alone and that's not possible everywhere. Necessity is the mother of invention, though.
I think that zoning is why some folks build on trailer frames.
I can think of at least one practical use for a garage converted into a tiny home: adult children living at/ returning home, for whatever reason. While I applied for disability, I relied on my parents for a place to stay. They didn’t have room for me in their own small home, but made a place for me on their property (in a camper, in my case). I’m sure others here can think of their own reasons they’d consider doing such a conversion.
Garage conversions are something I think we don’t talk about enough, as there are many available and shouldn’t cost much to convert to comfortable living space with things like composting toilets, outdoor showers, etc, if the area permits. Otherwise you have to get more creative, but of course, laws do get in the way and many times permit costs to convert legally are pricey but can be worth it for the homeowner in rental income.
I have a small garage (12 x 19) sitting in my backyard – just wasted space really, being used as storage. I want to make it into a livable space maybe for myself someday, maybe to rent out to give me some needed income. It seems silly and wasteful to tear it down and start over – although that is what many do.
I have spoken with the city and there are many rules, codes, restrictions etc. – even though they are encouraging this type of living space to increase density. I enjoy reading about others who have done a conversion.
Just wondering if you know of anyone who has picked up a garage this size and moved it over 5-10 feet?
Thanks for your tiny house posts!
I like the design overall but the loft itself makes me nervous. Garage apartments are great,but good luck getting your local zoning board to approve them. My area is considering easing up some of the restrictions, but only because we are growing so fast that there isnt enough places to rent.
I love this design but I do agree about the stairs. I had to go back & look after reading the other comments because I thought they were shelves when I first viewed them. That could be an easy fix and the living space looks large enough for a Murphy bed. Overall though the design is great & I love all the windows!