Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/226896
PROJECTS: Master Design Solutions TR Building & Remodeling executed a hardscape around the house and garage. Maximizing the number of cars that could fit inside was important. Four fit above ground, and one can be stored below ground, courtesy of a special lift. In its raised position, the lift is flush with the grade of the garage slab so a car can pull onto it, then be lowered below ground. Getting the lift area and the floor flush presented some design challenges and required careful calculations. When the lift is in its lowered position, the client wanted to be able to walk straight into the wine cellar without having to step up. "When that lift comes up, settles and is flush with the floor, we wanted everything to be on exactly the same level so there were no steps anywhere," he says. The car lift was a first for Krug. Plenty of steel went into the lift, which descends into the lower level, 11 ft. underground. The water table, however, was only 2 to 3 ft. below ground. "We had to create multiple water management systems to steer the water away from the finished underground area," he says. "There's a very elaborate pump and drainage system with backup batteries that is connected to a large generator." Chargers for the owner's two electric cars and a soapstone farm sink etched with a Ferrari logo complete the vehicle area. The structure also is equipped with a sprinkler system, radiant heat floors and is heated through a hydro/air system. ENTERTAINING SPACE A primary goal of this tricked-out garage is to provide entertaining space. Outside, everything is connected via patios. "It's very 14 December 2013 QR ForResidentialPros.com easy and inviting to get from the house to the carriage house," says Krug. "Inside the carriage house, they have a stainless steel cable rail system to maximize your view from the mezzanine area down below to the cars; if they have a party, there are no visual obstructions. We also put in a smoke eater so if the client is having a party and there are guys smoking cigars, those smoke eaters will filter out the smoke and refresh the air." A lighting system and hidden speakers are weaved throughout the interior and exterior. Located on the lower level, the wine cellar is an insulated, conditioned space that keeps the wine chilled to 55 F. Up to 12 people can congregate in that space. "That whole area is set up as a big party zone," Krug says. The mezzanine level includes a reading nook with efficiency kitchen including a refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher and soapstone countertop. The bathroom includes a urinal and remote-controlled washlet toilet; the mirror houses a built-in vanishing LCD television. A reclaimed pine ceiling, slate shower stall, distressed pine cabinets and pebbled stone floor combine to form a luxurious yet manly vibe, per the client's wishes. The cedar-clad garage is located next to the yellow residence, which creates a strong visual contrast. Despite that color difference, though, certain elements of the two buildings are consistent. For example, the copper standing-seam roof on the house's porch roof is weathered and dark in appearance. "We put a dark bronze standing-seam metal roof on the garage that ties in fairly well," Krug says. The two buildings each sport copper gutters and have similar traditional, divided lite windows. "Although they are quite different, they work well together," Krug says. In addition to constructing the garage, Krug and his team executed an elaborate hardscape plan, which includes patios, walkways and stone walls at the front and back of the house that tie in with the stone skirts around the garage's perimeter. Krug describes this garage as a project that never gets old. "This is one that no matter who you bring over there, everyone is always just in awe of the space," he says. "Seeing the whole thing come to fruition from the original concept was pretty special." QR Extensive use of wood and stone throughout helped create the masculine aesthetic the client desired.