 City Lot Turned Urban Retreat
A tired, cramped single stall Minneapolis garage was slated for replacement. Within this typical city yard we designed a gorgeous, 2.5-car space - with Tudor detailing to match the home's existing architecture - and a fully integrated urban retreat.
The new garage now comfortably houses the homeowner's prized Citroen collector's car while, just around the corner, friends and family can gather under a trellis to enjoy meals fresh from the kitchen garden or to roast marshmallows in the wood-burning fireplace.
A swing set, built into the trellis and set over recycled rubber mulch, allows kids to romp and play in safety under the watchful eye of parents. And, hidden out of site, is a dry well and rain garden to capture run-off from this newly-created hard-scape.
Soapy car wash residue no longer drains into the alley drain and, consequently, into the Mississippi River just two blocks away. All building materials were either recycled or from eco-friendly sources such as Forest-Stewardship-Council (FSC) and Hardi company. This new space is charming, functional and rightfully green.
(Click images to enlarge)
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