New Build Garage and Apartment, Staffordshire

Ellis Hillman Architects were appointed, after the client had received approval from the council, to convert an existing detached garage with roof accommodation into a holiday let for a client in Staffordshire. It was quickly realised that the existing building was insufficient and structurally unsound.  We were therefore appointed to design a new build triple bay detached garage with a one bedroom apartment in the loft.

The former planning had included bat surveys that identified a large presence of bats in the building and surrounding woodland. It was also identified that the existing loft was used for emergent flight, and therefore the proposals had to include a bat loft of pre-determined volume and dimensions, that would allow for the continuation of this bat activity.

Unfortunately, the inclusion of the bat loft significantly reduced the available loft space available for human habitation.  Thankfully, an alternative solution was agreed, where the bats had their own detached bat loft constructed, a luxurious solution! The whole of the first floor could now become the apartment.

The former garage is located on the edge of a large woodland with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside.  The four large lead-clad dormer windows give views of this scenery from all locations within the apartments.

Access to the first floor is via a staircase with utility space and W.C located at ground floor.  The accommodation includes a kitchen, dining area, seating area and one bedroom with ensuite.

The garage is traditionally constructed with detailed brickwork fenestration, with reclaimed red brick and Staffordshire blues used as a feature in the quoining, banding, saw tooth eaves detail, gable cornice, soldier coursed window heads and porthole window surrounds.

The building is very well insulated and heating provided via an electric boiler and PV panels, located in the adjacent paddock.