Bloomingdale Garage

It’s rare to see much change to the street facades of Bloomingdale’s historic Victorian rowhomes. As part of an historic district, the majority of the houses in this small DC neighborhood remain as they were when first built in the early 20th century. Its alleyways, on the other hand, reveal a history the street cannot. Original construction sits next to new construction, utility lines criss cross at will, and garbage cans line garages and driveways as spray painted bollards.

The owner’s project brief was to design a two-story accessory building to house a garage and studio. The garage is large enough to house a car, two motorcycles, and a small workshop. The upper level was designed to be more flexible, providing both interior and exterior space that allow for a variety of uses: office work, yoga and aerial hoop rigging, and a bedroom and full bath for guests.

Given its modest size, a decision was made early in the design process to simplify the material and color palette in an attempt to contrast with the surrounding chaotic visual environment. White straight edge shingle panels wrap the exterior with accents in gray. White oak flooring and millwork gives warmth to the interior.

Approvals include the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the Office of Planning, and the Bloomingdale Civic Association.