North Street, Downend
An underused standalone garage transformed into a fully habitable bar, living space and private gym.
This standalone garage in Bristol was being used for storage. It was damp, with a leaking felt roof, a rotten timber access door, a faulty uPVC sliding door and an old window.
The customers wanted a warm, dry space they could use throughout the year: a bar and living area for friends and family, with a separate gym at the rear. The brief also included a bespoke shed behind the garage to make use of an awkward space and retain storage for gardening tools.
We blocked up the original sliding door opening and formed a new opening in the side for bifold doors. This positioned the entrance directly onto the paved seating area, connecting the bar and living space to the garden.
A new anthracite uPVC door replaced the rotten timber door, providing separate access to the gym. Inside, we divided the garage into two rooms and lined the blockwork with insulated studwork and a vapour control layer. Vents were added to provide ventilation.
The concrete floor was treated with a liquid damp proof membrane and levelled with a self levelling compound. Herringbone parquet flooring was then laid in the bar and living area.
The leaking flat roof was stripped back and replaced with a new deck and EPDM covering, along with new fascia, soffit and guttering. We also overhauled the external render and matched its colour to the house.
The electrical installation was upgraded with a dedicated fuse board, dimmable spotlights, sockets, an internet connection point and external security lighting. An electric radiator provides heating during colder months.
We built a bespoke bar with an aged scaffold plank top and installed a 75-inch TV. The gym was fitted with a folding squat rack and weight storage, while a drainage channel around the base of the garage helps manage water outside.
The finished conversion gives the customers separate spaces for entertaining and exercise, with direct access to the garden. The bespoke shed provides storage behind the garage, allowing the converted rooms to stay dedicated to their new uses.