Modern Home Garages

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 10 (Supplement)

Modern Home Garages

The garage, which, until recent years, was often regarded by builders as an "extra " of all but the more expensive classes of private dwellings, has become an essential facility demanded by the vast majority of people who buy or rent suburban houses. No longer may it be an architectural afterthought, but frequently must be considered in connection with the main plans of a new house. Often it is a part of the residence itself, and there is much to be said in favour of embodying the garage in the house, especially when the frontage of the land is restricted. But unless the ground-plan of the dwelling is fairly extensive, it might be difficult to allocate adequate space to the garage without encroaching on the other accommodation. In the Ideal Home, an English publication, many helpful designs are presented and have been analysed in the British motor press by Mr. Slade Kennedy. It is pointed out that some architects are prone to be niggardly in tho spaco they allot to both inbuilt and outdoor garages, and although dimensions of

14ft. by 9ft. might suffice, there will not be room for even two small cars. Since many families " run " more than one vehicle, and often it is a great convAlienee to be able to accommodate a friend's car, it is suggested that, wherever possible the size of the garage should not be less than 16ft. by 12ft.

The advantages of a within-the-house garage are obvious, for there can be direct communication with the dwelling, and tho motorist drives straight in and walks through to his own hall. Such u garage must be used only for the car and not also as a workshop and a store for garden implements. If trays filled with sand or sawdust I are provided for catching any oil drippings, the garage can bo kept as clean and tidy as a living-room. But in our mild climate there is much to commend a separate building. It is not always possible to design an inbuilt garage in such a way that doors at either end can be provided so that the car need not be reversed, but can be driven through and turned easily in the back area of the premises, or on a circular drive. Where the approach from tho street is straight and level it will not worry the motorist greatly if he has to back out -every time the car is used, but when the road is narrow or the gradient steep, it is far better to plan the layout of the property in such, a way that the vehicle can be turned round easily. Minor difficulties such as the need for cautious and accurate reversing in order to back out into the street might not seem troublesome on any one occasion, but if the manoeuvre must be carried out every day of the year it becomes irksome and annoying. Another matter to which builders might sometimes give greater attention is the provision of good natural light. The motorist when cleaning or

tinkering with his car does not like to work in a dim light; and confusing shadows, and in weighing the merits of a home garage due consideration should be given to the size and position of its windows. Many existing buildings and their approaches could bo improved considerably at moderate expense, and the car owner who is having a garage built and who knows what he seeks can often have his ideas put into practice without loading the costs unduly.