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Rotterdam Garage with a Central Opening to the Sky

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The story behind this fascinating view through the roof in Rotterdam is a young man’s love of his car.

Not many people would see living in a shared space with the fumes from their car.

But the client’s car was an electric car. No dirtier than an electric fridge or an electric TV.

So Rotterdam-based Studio OxL turned this challenging “sows ear” of a site into a “silk purse” of a shared home for the client and his EV.

The architects covered the high windows overlooking factory walls on each side with frosted glass.

Entirely surrounded by a 19th century factory, the only avenue for light was from above, so a central opening was cut from the roof.

This courtyard is open on top.

Rain gets drained away through a “rug” that is actually red gravel square  laid out in the center of the sky box.

The roof was raised behind the central open courtyard and skylights added there.

The underfloor is radiant heated for toasty winters and the double-glazed glass slides back for good ventilation.

On the far side from the street entrance for the EV is the bedroom and bathroom.

It is hard to see where there is a kitchen. Perhaps he eats out, or brings home takeouts.

Or perhaps, it really is permitted as just a (very nice) garage.