Weingartner Shop
Project Typology: Detached Garage
Size: 550 SF
Location: Nashville, TN
Status: Under Construction
Our client came to us with a need for a detached garage and workshop space to support his woodworking and vintage truck restoration projects. The new design was intended to replace an old pole barn that had been irreparably damaged by termites.
Given the zoning limitations on height and roof slope, we embraced these constraints as an opportunity to create a thoughtful solution.
Early Concept Massing Iterations
Early Concept Massing Iterations
Early Concept Massing Iterations
Final Refined Diagrammatic Concept
Design Elements and Considerations
The design features a high clerestory along the roofline, allowing for an abundance of natural northern light to fill the interior. This not only brightens the space, but also enhances the workspace for large woodworking tools and provides a more comfortable environment for the client’s craftsmanship.
The result is a functional and spacious garage that balances the client’s practical needs with a design that feels open, well-lit, and inspiring. It’s a space tailored for both precision work and the joys of a passionate hobbyist’s many projects.
A Phased Design for Future Upgrades
One consideration we incorporated into the design of the garage was our approach to insulating the space for a future fully conditioned space. While that goal may have not be in the client’s initial budget, we recommended methods to add insulation were we could not easily retrofit or add later, such as at the foundation slab. Additional insulating materials can then be built as a Day 2 effort in an additive way that is budget-friendly.
To thoughtfully break down the scale of the garage, we used a combination of material transitions and carefully considered rooflines. By incorporating a variety of materials—such as natural wood accents and contrasting metal panels—we were able to visually break up the massing of the structure, giving it a more approachable, human scale. Additionally, the lower roof sections at the building’s edges help to soften the overall height, providing a sense of balance proportion while maintaining a spacious feel inside.