Didn't use garage, turned it into his parents' modern home

To convert a garage into a home, Ramiro Losada-Amor left the structure untouched and dropped a birch box inside to operate as a transforming home within a home. “That box is like a Swiss Army Knife where everything can open or close, depending on the situation”. The unit houses a kitchen, an unfolding dining table and chairs, a full bathroom, and sliding walls.

The cube divides the bedroom from the kitchen/living room with an interior bathroom. The wall opposite the kitchen is packed with wooden cubes which can be removed to create chairs and tables. Surrounding these Is floor-to-ceiling shelving which hides a Murphy bed.

The couple chose the property so their parents could live in the main house and the lot could become a family compound. Since there is no longer a garage, they installed three sheds in the backyard to serve as storage, a pottery studio, and a plant nursery.

All the water from the home and roof is recycled and used on their extensive vegetable garden. The home uses crosses breezes and heavy insulation instead of air conditioning.

[valerielove]

Loved this video. Friends of mine before they had kids. Parked they cars in their garage/ house. Then had children and still lived in the garage/ house until they built there house on their property. And this was like 30 years ago. I guess they were a head of times. And they lived in a small Northern Ontario town. Called Bondfield Ont. Canada. Not far from North Bay Ontario.

[allanlindskoog]

I particularly noticed that the parents live in the 'big house', while the son and partner created the smaller place for themselves. It seems that most of the time it's the parents that have to down size and the kids have the larger space. To me this says that the 'kids' really value the parents, and want them to continue to live a life that feels more normal to them. Kudos.

[rickpascual]

Love the multigenerational living ideas and future elderly living ideas. With people living longer lives this is much needed thinking.

[janjander]

Its great to see people exploring different living arrangements. I love the connections with the gardens, natural light and practical materials.

[sashastarshanti]

I love the multigenerational use of this home, and the innovation of the design. The garden areas are another innovative way they are optimizing the land and space of the lot. I agree, the future is electric and even solar/electric cars. Super cool tour, thank you all!

[caseyjude]

This is so cool! You can care for the parents & maintain privacy. This privacy is important, and it helps to maintain dignity in old age.

[AuntieMonicaFromTheBay]

I really appreciate how much this couple considers their loved ones as they age. I hope more and more people think this way.

[vickiwalker]

Kirsten, you two are the best! I know San Diego very well, including this neighborhood. It’s very appropriate—this is fitting for the area. Visionary owners.

[vronkadls]

Just amazing. I have a large garage and 2 large attic spaces with one above the garage. I want to create stairs from the garage up to the attic and turn it into another livinv space. So inspiring. Been following your channel from the beginning. I lived in Paris and am a Native Texan. Paris showed me how people truly utilize space.

[Smiley-fvzi]

Between the son’s eccentricity, his wealth, and the architect’s creativity, anything was possible!

[amythestcalm]

I love to see space repurposed into such a lovely living space. The outdoor area is great. I love their gardening space as well. Great design!

[MRHT]

I've been searching for an open floor plan garage dwelling unit, and have struggled to find something that fits my vision. This unit comes so darn close. Cool find and great walk through!

[stayoutofthecitys]

I love this it's like an ubran commune. I love all of the natural light and I love the plants.

[runvnc]

Wow! Perfect idea for all of those houses that have garages bigger than a normal one-bedroom apartment!

[jonothandoeser]

Man, that seemed like a LOT of stuff to move out of the living room in order to get to the bed!

[w]

My home was originally just a garage in the late 1940's.
I just love what this garage space has become.
So smart, so human.
Inspiring!!

[designx]

This is a good alternative use of the space. The only thing I would do differently is add a bunch of rugs, runners, etc to 'warm up' the space. It would help with acoustics too.

[olgalavado]

Fantastic design and great plan to live near your old loved ones.

[Hearts]

Oh, wow-- This is wonderful! And EXACTLY what I'm considering right now. Can't find an affordable existing house, so am considering buying a garage I found for sale. The cost of erecting inside walls is daunting; but the ideas used here-- open spaces with convertible fixtures-- beautifully fit the bill. Congratulations to them, and thank you for posting 👏👍🏆🏠

[enaescasa]

Simple amazing design! Love the fact that you did all these to be able to take care of your parents. God bless you. Congratulations!