*Pic Request for high end $$$ "Garages"

[enginerd]

I'm involved in a very high end "utlimate" garage style project.

I'm looking for pictures of very high end garages, 3500-5000+sqrft.

I have done the normal research, have some books, but just looking for some "out of the box" ideas people have done for 6-7 figure garage projects.

Pics can be of any part of the garage; Structure, lounge, shop, storage, etc.

I know Steve (aka ultgar) so don't bother forwarding me to him

basically just looking for pictures people have of thier own or other private garages of very high caliber construction, design and execution.

Thanks in advance, I greatly appreciate it.

 

[bmwpower]

3500 sqft+?
6-7 figure??

Good luck. I'd like to see some pictures, too.

 

[GShelton]

Mine is a 4000 Sq Ft and without counting the land it sits on I am over $50K just in the building. By the time it is done it will be a 6 figure for sure.

At this time, it is a long way from being a "show piece" though.

 

[Craig Balzer]

E-nerd


If you have already been in contact with Steve, you likely have access to some of the best/highest priced "automotive tuning emporiums" on earth.

If you are looking for some out-of-the-box thoughts for garages in the 6- to 7-figure price range, there are a few on this forum that may qualify. Try these links:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=392&&showall=1

http://www.pro-touring.com/events/Year_One_2006/pictures/milton/

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3148&&showall=1

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2122&&showall=1

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2343&&showall=1

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3778&&showall=1

BUT -- to get out of the box for your client, I think you first need to get into his head. One of the links above is to Chaz's Strange Day's Garage. An amazing garage -- no doubt. But does your client want one wall dedicated to looking like a street from a 1890's city? Another link above is to a monstrously huge garage in GA with dozen's of cars (from the 20's, 40', 60'/70's muscle cars) with the rear wall turned into a replica of a 1950's gas station. Another amazing transformation, but entirely different than Chaz’s garage.

Both are great -- neither may work for your client; regardless of how deep his pockets are. What’s he into? Modern super-cars or antique relics? Are his cars museum pieces that don’t move expect into an enclosed trailer or drivers that proudly wear the dings and dirt of daily usage? Does he have a theme he wants implemented into the design? If he’s into Ferrari’s does he want an Italian motif? Or a “bier garten” for the Bimmers?

If you allow me to put Lista cabinets on every wall filled with Snap-On or Facom tools, install a lift or two beside the rolling road dynameter, cover the floors with Italian tiles, the counters with Greek marble and bring in a lighting engineer then I can spend deep into six figures without even considering the price tag on the cars. But what do you have when all is said and done? An ostentatious display of spending power. For the garage to work, if has to work for the client.

Craig

 

[wilbilt]

I'm involved in a very high end "utlimate" garage style project.

I'm looking for pictures of very high end garages, 3500-5000+sqrft.

I have done the normal research, have some books, but just looking for some "out of the box" ideas people have done for 6-7 figure garage projects.

Pics can be of any part of the garage; Structure, lounge, shop, storage, etc.

I know Steve (aka ultgar) so don't bother forwarding me to him

basically just looking for pictures people have of thier own or other private garages of very high caliber construction, design and execution.

Thanks in advance, I greatly appreciate it.

Forgive me for posting this (or not). I'm new here, so maybe there is some rule I'm breaking that I don't know about.

It sounds like you are an architect or an engineer that has been hired to design a high-end garage.

Doesn't that mean you should be doing the work, instead of asking others for ideas and photos so you can recycle somebody else's dream?

A 6 or 7-figure garage is something I will never see in my lifetime, although I have the utmost respect for those able to accomplish such a task. As such, though, shouldn't it be unique? An extension of the owner?

My ultimate space would be a lot like Chaz's, but a little more twisted to reflect my personality.

I suspect your client is also looking for one-of-a-kind. Why look for what has already been done?

OK, burn me, ban me, whatever. I don't mean to offend, but this struck a nerve.

Will

 

[bmwpower]

Oh yea, Craig, forgot about that first link you posted. That place takes the cake. Looks to be well into the 6 figure range in woodwork alone. Sadly, I don't see any tools

 

[SCOOTER]

I agree with both Will and Craig.....

 

[RAYJAY]

Forgive me for posting this (or not). I'm new here, so maybe there is some rule I'm breaking that I don't know about.

It sounds like you are an architect or an engineer that has been hired to design a high-end garage.

Doesn't that mean you should be doing the work, instead of asking others for ideas and photos so you can recycle somebody else's dream?

A 6 or 7-figure garage is something I will never see in my lifetime, although I have the utmost respect for those able to accomplish such a task. As such, though, shouldn't it be unique? An extension of the owner?

My ultimate space would be a lot like Chaz's, but a little more twisted to reflect my personality.

I suspect your client is also looking for one-of-a-kind. Why look for what has already been done?

OK, burn me, ban me, whatever. I don't mean to offend, but this struck a nerve.

Will

will he's just doing what we all do on here ..... drool... lol


no for real he's just looking at the different idea's we all have, him being a architect or an engineer is 2nd.when bulding something of the cost and magnatude you really have to see what is 'cutting edge " of the day, where is a better place than here

Jeff


P.s wilbilt are you from fsc by any chance ...

 

[wilbilt]

will he's just doing what we all do on here ..... drool... lol


no for real he's just looking at the different idea's we all have, him being a architect or an engineer is 2nd.when bulding something of the cost and magnatude you really have to see what is 'cutting edge " of the day, where is a better place than here

Jeff


P.s wilbilt are you from fsc by any chance ...

Yes, I suppose it could be considered research...but how about something new and unique? I thought that's what designers get paid to do?

Maybe I'm biased, as just finishing a project at work wherein the architect ignored all input, but then complained about the look of things we had to do to get everything in place and working. (It could have been seamless, had he listened to what we were saying BEFORE the place was built).

Probably misplaced grumbling on my part, sorry.

Yes, I have been known to frequent FSC on occasion, but I don't really fit in there, either...LOL

Will

 

[REFLEXX]

I'd volunteer to be the designer / architect for 1/2 the going rate and I've got some ideas that have never been seen. I did the best I could for my $80,000, but I could have spent $250,000 and truly have the Garage-Mahal.

I would do a theme garage (as some have done). If any of you have seen the lobby of the Oakley Sunglasses company? It's like a mix of Aliens movie set and the Batcave. It's got ejection seats instead of a lobby sofa! Described as "Geiger-esque." Seeing in in real life was a treat!

Inspiration can come from many sources, I have no issues with asking others for help/advice. Isn't that why we are all here?

The dilemma is that at that price range and size, you're building a "display case" that's super-sized and not a working garage/shop.

I opinion of a high-end garage is Jay Leno's, simple, functional and real. He's da man!

 

[enginerd]

Thanksfor the replies guys!

Technically i'm one of the engineers, but also one of the clients

Price range of the "garages" I am comparing it to range from 250-500k, but takes features from multi million $ establishments.

Its going to be a structure thats connected to the house, however will seem to be seperate from the house. So the extrerior will make it look like a big addition to the house but inside its obviously all open for the most part with lounge area built in, maybe second floor observation/den area, the main gallery/showroom and of course a ~1000+sqrft shop area where car building, maching, etc will take place. THIS WILL BE A 90% FUNCTIONAL GARAGE, WITH 10% GOING TOWARDS STYLE. Most of the style will be the exterior making sure it matches the rest of the estate, and the inside will be made to look classy, but the workshop area will be a professional work environment where work can be done, whether it be milling/lathe work, or welding a tube frame together. Proper drainiage system, carwashing area, powercords/airlines run around for easy access, exhaust extraction systems, heating/ac, etc.

It never hurts to see whats does. As an designer/engineer, I am always interested to see what others have done, see what they did wrong, see what can be improved, etc. Learning from other peoples mistakes is a big thing in the design industry. When its your money on the line, you don't want to do something twice that someone else already has done.

Thanks for the pics/links, I'll look it all over.

P.S. It will be Bmw/ferrari/italian themed, and general racing/motorsport oriented. Mostly modern cars will be stored, and more recent race cars 95+ will be built and maintained.

 

[enginerd]

Ok, I just looked over all the pictures/links, and nothing I saw was close to what the current design is going after.

The closest thing I can think of comparing this project to is an Authorized Ferrari dealership showroom and shop. If you have ever been or worked in one of these facilities, no expense is spared, and the shops are magnficent, while the showroom is top notch, but very simple in design. No extravagent features like town strip replicas of Monza or Modena, just classy floors, nice lighting, and elegant furniture/etc.

We've basically got the design finalized already, I was just looking to see if anyone else had anything comparable on the internet...as you all might know, most likely 99% of the people doing projects like this keep it private, and noone but family/friends get to see it.

It will be a wood frame building, with no posts, so it will be an entirely open space. The only place we might put posts is where the second floor observation/den area might be, to help deal with traffic loads if there are dozens of people up there, or if its decided to use it for storage.

And of course the garage will be fairly high tech with audio integrated throughout, wireless internet, security cameras, etc. Might even throw in a fingerprint door lock or two, they are fairly cheap.

 

[enginerd]

Here are some of the pictures I have from doing research of comparable components from other people's projects.

The ferrari pictures a decent lounge/office, and the other pictures shows the wooden trusses and second level lounge area.

 

[bmwpower]

Those photos don't look too bad, but the space looks more for show than for work.

So in keeping it private....does this mean we're not going see picts of the final build?

 

[B.C.]

http://www.ultimategarage.com/UltGar2y-2.htm
This virtual showroom for many of the products offered for sale through the Ultimate Garage website. If you need assistance designing and outfitting your own ultimate garage, feel free to give me a call at 201-262-0412 to schedule a visit (Northern NJ) or consultation.Additional details can be found at http://www.ultimategarage.com/hmconsult.html .

 

[bmwpower]

http://www.ultimategarage.com/UltGar2y-2.htm
This virtual showroom for many of the products offered for sale through the Ultimate Garage website. If you need assistance designing and outfitting your own ultimate garage, feel free to give me a call at 201-262-0412 to schedule a visit (Northern NJ) or consultation.Additional details can be found at http://www.ultimategarage.com/hmconsult.html .

Yea, that would be Steve D (ultgar) - the guy he already knows.

 

[Bradley Miller]

Is this an engineering project or what? I would love to have basically a free-form type setup . . . then I could move everything around and decide how it would best work. Like tonight, I have my welder right by the power panel, about a 6 inch peice of wire to my 20 amp outlet (110 volt). I then go from there to my grinder and then back to the car. I then move over behind the grinder where my drill press is to do my holes.

If your an engineer and are just designing to design something . . . no offense . . . but it might just be an ego stroker. I've seen some of those exercises on here. I'm about ten steps away from anything I need . . . not because I built it that way, but because that's all the space I have. A two car garage is a bit cramped. I'm not a mechanic but I play one as a hobby.

If you engineer someone's space to make maximum use of their unlimited budget . . . I can guarantee someone who does real work in it will be scratching their head. I'd suggest looking at machine shops, businesses and other heavy duty workload places for what might work.

 

[enginerd]

Is this an engineering project or what? I would love to have basically a free-form type setup . . . then I could move everything around and decide how it would best work. Like tonight, I have my welder right by the power panel, about a 6 inch peice of wire to my 20 amp outlet (110 volt). I then go from there to my grinder and then back to the car. I then move over behind the grinder where my drill press is to do my holes.

If your an engineer and are just designing to design something . . . no offense . . . but it might just be an ego stroker. I've seen some of those exercises on here. I'm about ten steps away from anything I need . . . not because I built it that way, but because that's all the space I have. A two car garage is a bit cramped. I'm not a mechanic but I play one as a hobby.

If you engineer someone's space to make maximum use of their unlimited budget . . . I can guarantee someone who does real work in it will be scratching their head. I'd suggest looking at machine shops, businesses and other heavy duty workload places for what might work.

Hmm, I thought I was pretty clear with my comments/statements before.

I am one of the engineers, yes, but I'm also the client, get it? As in, I will be using the garage. I've studied plant design and work/job flow, worked in several low and high production shops, designed other shops and service center layouts, etc.

This is for a home garage with different requirements. The 10-12000sqrft professiona business/workshop venture will come soon, but this is for the home, for the side projects that can't take up room in the real shop

It will be a garage made to hang out in, but also have a part of it be designed for purpose only, with its own style (professional service center, i.e. ferrari service shop example i gave before). There will be 2-3 (maybe 4) distsinct areas in the garage. Louge/office/Den area, FUll blown shop area with machinery (mill, lathe, lift, misc bench tools, tons of cabinets, hardware, etc) , and the main showroom gallery. It will be mostly open though, so it won't be seperateed into room, but it'll flow nicely, and be seperated enough, possibly with some second floor stuff, but thats for a later time, just being designed as second floor storage and can be finished later. Currently have a racecar project that needs the garage built, so its going into production as we speak

Stylish Spiral ducting will carry ac and heat, there will be garagepak airlines all around, exhaust extraction in the showroom area for running cars inside, washing station, and then misc utility closets, bathroom, slop sinks, and then probably a built in room for landscaping equipment.

 

[enginerd]

Yea, that would be Steve D (ultgar) - the guy he already knows.

Haha, yea I knew someone would recommend him, just wanted to say that upfront to save other peoples times from replying?

BMWmpower, do you clubrace?

I'm actually building a car similar to the one in your Avatar/signature/icon thing, and coincidentally not too far from you

 

[bmwpower]

Haha, yea I knew someone would recommend him, just wanted to say that upfront to save other peoples times from replying?

BMWmpower, do you clubrace?

I'm actually building a car similar to the one in your Avatar/signature/icon thing, and coincidentally not too far from you

Not yet. Maybe someday soon.

Whereabouts are you?

 

[Luckydevil]

enginerd- Have you seen the Ferrari dealership in the Wynn Hotel - Las Vegas?

A creation along those lines would be pretty amazing. The dealership itself is very highscale, but if you incorporated some of the Wynn architecture and design I think it would be out of this world.

 

[ARAMP1]

Here's a few "high end" garages

Sorry for the size. I tried to resize and all it seemed to do was reduce the quality of the picture and not the size.

 

[enginerd]

Looks like those are from the books I have on the shelf

Thanks though, I appreciate it.

Funny you mentioned the Lynn hotel, I just had some associated nearby there this past weekend but i forgot to tell them to take pictures.

One of the features we're trying to have is the ability to drive through the garage instead of pulling into a "port" where there would be a garage door for each car. There will be 5 garage doors in total. on the main front side in the courtyard (main entrance) there will be two 8ft doors (carriage style) for daily drivers where they will park right behind the doors. Then next to these will be a 12ft wide door for entering the main area of the garage where you pull into a spot in the showroom/gallery. This path continues around to the shop area where there will be a larger door to fit trailers in to pickup racecars/misc for transport (or for deliveries/etc). Then a small door in the back where the landscaping equipment can be pulled in.

I am finishing up the cad design plans as we finalize the designs before stuff starts going. So far we're getting a bunch of fill onsite to start levelling and grading.

Status Pictures probably won't be posted. Sorry. Maybe when its fully done i'll put a couple teasers up. At the least I'll show pics of the racecar when its done.

AH found some pics of the Wynn penske/ferrari dealer...in 3d
http://www.destination360.com/north...s/wynn-penske-ferrari-maserati-dealership.php

Still more a musuem than anything, we're going for more function while being "stylish."

 

[reedspaint]

Nothing fancy but it is 3750sf. 50'Wx75'Lx17'6"high inside.

http://public.fotki.com/reedspaint/my_garage/

 

[enginerd]

Thanks, nice and simple, I like it.

Unfortunately, this project has to blend into the house/estate-property, so it can't be as simple, but thats a great garage, i love things simple.

Are those standard flourescent lights? How do you like the lighting, is it enough?

I'm planning to go with a mixed style of metalhalide for the shop area, and a mix of flourescents and standard highhats in the gallery/lounge areas.

 

[reedspaint]

Thanks enginerd,

The lights are hi-bay hi-output lights. I have 25 4 light 4' fixtures.
I love them. They put out alot of light. I have friends come over and they say damn it's bright in here. LOL

 

[enginerd]

Great, do you have a manufacturer/model of them, specifically?

Definitely would like those in the general area, and the halide hid lights will be in the shop area, with some special lights on the side and bottom of the lift for undercar lighting.

Thanks.

 

[ThreeBay]

Have you seen the shop at the Ferrari/Masseratti dealer on Rt 1 in Edison?
Very much like what you are describing. I particularly like the indoor washing/detailing bays ... sloped floors, tile walls, hose reels, etc + lots of natural light.

You are building what all of us dream about.

I am in the engineered systems business and as soon as a client says "you're the expert ... tell me what to do" I know I'm in trouble. The best projects are always colaberative.

Good luck and keep looking for answers.

 

[enginerd]

Yep, pretty good friends with the guys down there actually

I wish I had 10mil to put into the garage, but i'd rather invest that money into other things.

It won't be what everyone dreams about, but it'll work for what the needs are.

 

[reedspaint]

I bought the lights from 1st source lighting located in CA. Phone 530-887-1110. New ultra bay 4' fixture w/ T5 HO 5000K lamps. You can get power feeds on top or side and with or without lens. I did a serch for them when I was looking for lights and there are alot of companys that make them but 1st source was the best price at 135.00 each. From what I was told they are the new thing for high bay lighting.