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320 SF Modern and Minimalist Garage Conversion


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This garage was converted into a minimalist studio by Seattle-based SHED Architecture & Design. Right away you will notice the simple kitchen, built in bookshelves, and a perfectly nestled loft bed.

Plus a corner desk, living space with coffee table, and plenty of natural lighting because of all the windows.

One unique feature is the closet tucked into what seems to be the ladder to get up into the sleeping loft. This place has a wonderful homey feel to it and packs everything you need with elegance and all within 320 square feet.

It also looks like the bathroom is there almost as open space (near the desk area) which is the side you would use to climb up into the bed loft.

320 sf garage conversion whole interior

320 sf garage conversion up towards bed loft

320 sf garage conversion bed loft

Found Via DigsDigs. More pictures and info available there as well as on Seattle-based SHED Architecture & Design.

Check out these articles on garage conversion:

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 17 comments… add one }
  • SchnebinMich
    July 17, 2010, 8:28 am

    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.

    • carrie
      May 30, 2014, 1:15 pm

      Love the place ..hate that ‘opening’ climb up to the loft…VERY dangerous for people without ESP…..

  • tinyhousetalk
    July 18, 2010, 10:01 am

    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.

  • XXX
    July 22, 2010, 6:57 am

    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.

    • Deanna
      May 30, 2014, 10:50 am

      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.

  • tinyhousetalk
    July 22, 2010, 12:28 pm

    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!

  • Xxx
    July 22, 2010, 12:38 pm

    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.

  • XXX
    July 22, 2010, 12:57 pm

    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.

  • tinyhousetalk
    July 22, 2010, 6:28 pm

    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!

  • Xxx
    July 22, 2010, 6:38 pm

    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.

  • MsDawn Burton
    January 4, 2011, 1:21 pm

    I think that zoning is why some folks build on trailer frames.

  • Storm
    January 9, 2012, 11:46 pm

    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.

    • January 11, 2012, 1:54 pm

      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.

      • Jeanie
        November 28, 2012, 5:40 pm

        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!

  • Brenda
    May 30, 2014, 11:58 am

    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.

  • Cosy
    May 31, 2014, 2:06 pm

    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!

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