32x40 layout - What would you do?

[PsRumors]

We bought the house 10 years ago with the 32x40 shop already in place. Due to other needs it has just been used quite a bit for various duties but I haven't been able to devote much time to getting it set up the way I want it. That is starting to change.

The shop area is 32x32. When looking at the front into the building there is a office and 8 foot wide hall on the left. The hall contains storage shelves, a deep freeze and a refridgerator, all that will stay.

So I have the 32x32 to work with. I will be doing a ceiling shortly and blown in insulation, mainly so I can heat the place when it gets cold, I don't mind sweating but A/C will come at a much later date. I have thought about removing that long *** workbench completely or half of it and putting in a 4x8 welding table along the wall, maybe sticking out length wise.

Thoughts? What would you all do?

 

[bczygan]

What a nice big space. That said, no space ends up being big enough as uses expand to fill any size space. As an architectural designer I always like flexibility. I also like to make a work space enjoyable to use. Some things I would think about:

Provide intermediate ceiling joists and additional framing to use attic space for storage.
Create wells for roof skylights for natural lighting.
Frame openings in walls and install operable windows to get outside views where good views exist, and ventilation, especially at work bench or office areas.
Maximize insulation and sealing.
Provide general illumination and task lighting specific for each task.
Make as many tools portable as is possible.
Create as many work surfaces as possible (Use fold up and other methods).
Create task specific areas that can reconfigure easily.
(The idea here is to make work stations where all needed tools are right at hand, but still easily storable)
Use space up to the ceiling. In other words, use the complete volume of the building. Hang things on walls, drop things from the ceiling etc.
Plan work spaces based on what tasks you do and what the flow of work is.
Double load all corridor or aisle spaces with storage and or work spaces on both sides.
Don't be afraid to add additional doors and outside paving as staging or storage areas.
Don't be afraid to add on to the building for more functions like getting the compressor out of the space or storing materials. A lean to shed or just additional roof over a slab can help.
If I had a space like that I would install a gantry crane in at least one bay. But that's just me.