Green Building Forum - Garage/Studio -Structure design strategy options Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:56 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Garage/Studio -Structure design strategy options https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225840#Comment_225840 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225840#Comment_225840 Tue, 16 Jun 2015 20:38:11 +0100 collonach Rear of garage is cut into steep slope 2.5m bgl at rear, reducing at sides.
One side is adjacent to site boundary.
Advice sought on options for construction.

Garage Structure:
Opt.A. Block work x 2, cavity filled with concrete, reinforced as per SE.
External damp membrane. Drainage
Some PIR to protect, insulate garage level.
Opt.B.: Durisol ICF, reinforced as per SE, more insulation at upper level
External damp membrane. Drainage
Some PIR ditto
Garage floor: x mm concrete over y mm EPS

Studio floor:
Option A: concrete beam, Tetris block, screed, insulation below?
Option B: Timber joists, mineral wool ins
Studío walls:
Option A: single block work, EWI, Parex reinforced polymer screed.
Option B: timber frame kit, rockwool behind & between studs.
Roof: cold timber frame, copper clad (or alu-zinc if cost issue), rockwool insulation 300mm U = 0.14
Windows: 3 on studio South, 1 on studio north. Door on studio west. Door on garage west.

I tend to favour block construction, as easier for builders to handle.
I am not sure if I should ignore insulation of garage level, and focus on cocoon of studio.

I will include provision for future wheelchair lift option within garage, to give disabled access to studio and house behind.

I would value advice on these options, or suggestions of alternative strategies.]]> Garage/Studio -Structure design strategy options https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225882#Comment_225882 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225882#Comment_225882 Wed, 17 Jun 2015 13:27:48 +0100 djh Posted By: collonachNew build double garage, 6m x 6m, with 'Studio/Office' above.
I will include provision for future wheelchair lift option within garage, to give disabled access to studio and house behind.

I would think blocks rather than timber will make it easier to meet fire regs for accomodation over a garage and for building near a boundary.

I don't think 6 m x 6 m meets disabled standard for parking bays. I made ours 6.3 m internal to allow for the disabled access between the bays. But I've never tested it! I'd double check you have space for the lift as well.]]> Garage/Studio -Structure design strategy options https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225884#Comment_225884 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225884#Comment_225884 Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:03:49 +0100 ringi Garage/Studio -Structure design strategy options https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225885#Comment_225885 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13443&Focus=225885#Comment_225885 Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:31:49 +0100 CWatters