Dublin Garage Converted Into A Quiet Little Home by TAKA

What was once originally a run-of-the-mill garage has been converted into a small, self-contained living space by the Irish architecture studio, TAKA. Set on Waterloo Lane in the bustling city of Dublin, the conversion draws heavily on the immediate surroundings to create a “little world of its own”.

Along Waterloo Lane, the houses typically contain garages for off-street parking. However, this house also had a small plot of land that was converted into a sheltered parking space, allowing the client to get planning permission for the conversion.

The rolling garage door has been replaced by a large window, and a series of plants that jut out from the wall line. The entire area shown in the floor plans was not part of the original garage. The house featured a narrow kitchen and separate living room to the back of the property.

TAKA decided to open up these rooms to create a much more generous living space. The kitchen was then moved into the area previously occupied by the garage. To maintain privacy, the kitchen window features a folded steel screen that restricts views into the house.

From the architects: “It’s very unusual in those lanes to have a living space opening directly onto the lane at the ground floor. The screen allows a feeling of openness from inside but from the outside you’re always passing obliquely so it gives a sense of privacy.”

Other than the kitchen, there’s also a dining area, living room, toilet towards the entrance, a small garden to the rear of the building, and a parking space to the side of it. To take advantage of the garden views and natural light, a picture window was installed: “The new window replaces two standard sliding doors and is intended to guide the eye up towards the mature trees that add to the feeling of space.”

For more small houses check out this modern family home in Czech Republic by Mjolk. Or, this terrace house in London that gets revamped by Zminkowska De Boise. See all small houses.

Via Dezeen
Photos: Alice Clancy