Help designing car storage barn for Porsche’s

[jimhuiz]

Jim,

If you did 40’ x 75’ would that have been best? Approvals are much easier if under 3,000 sq ft.
What sort of car storage would that allow for? Throw in a bathroom and sink and some counter space.

I'm not much for photo documentation but here's a wide angle of the space while under construction and a narrowed view of it nearly finished (sorry if they're small). the green boarded area is about 13x27 and contains a large storage closet, a 6x7 bathroom and a kitchenette/entry way. As you can probably see...the extra 5 feet of width would have allowed me more room to move cars around the lift and open doors etc. I can't say if 40 x 75 would be the "best" geometry for 3000 sq feet...but it would certainly be better than 35 x 80.

[jimhuiz]

Jim,


Or would 25’ x 120’ be better if each stall has its own door?

I think something square or rectangular would be better. That's a lot of doors and material with that design...plus you'll probably sell it one day and I'm guessing most people would probably see more value and utility in something more traditionally designed (my 2c).

[Bullethead]

I think something square or rectangular would be better. That's a lot of doors and material with that design...plus you'll probably sell it one day and I'm guessing most people would probably see more value and utility in something more traditionally designed (my 2c).

+1... Each door is an ongoing expense and a security issue. If you have a site plan that allows it, drive through is best.

[Scott Clarke]

I’d think about plan dimensions by using the standard, 20’x20’ two-car garage as a frame of reference. If you use multiple units of this shape, you’ll be in a good position to understand how to store 10 cars. Long and narrow buildings have more wall area per unit of floor area, so are more expensive and likely less energy efficient if you intend to heat the building. As stated above, large openings are problematic. They are expensive, leaky, and structurally problematic. How about 40’x50’ for 10 cars as a place to start, and then modify to suit other programmatic requirements?

All of this ignores whatever site issues you have. These can be the most important factors of all, so draw a site plan and see what fits with access, solar orientation, grading (that’s huge), sight lines, etc,

[jaudette3]

Wondering if you are including in your thinking another possible use for this structure in the future?

[xpensivewino]

Remember to have a floor type that wipes up oil puddles easily

[RSTarga]

I've always liked polished stained concrete. Nothing to chip and very resistant to staining.

[Milou]

A couple of years ago, I purchased in Italy, an old Fiat dealership in the village near our Summer house. Changed the door with an electric rolling type, and it's been great. The floor is still the Fiat white tiles imposed to dealerships by the brand but it works pretty well. One piece of advice if I may, build/purchase the biggest possible space. it tends to fill rather quickly and is never big enough....

Good luck with your project, very exciting to have all your cars/stuff under one roof!

[kaufmanp]

A friend sent me this photo last week of his new shed, its 200 sq m plus a 60 sq m mezzanine level. its lightweight steel construction and built

on a concrete slab...approx. cost A$70k supplied and erected incl the concrete slab......and its also cyclone proof structure certified by structural engineer. its in a rural location so for

sizes up to 200 sq m it doesn't require local council approval.

[RSTarga]

I'll bet there will be more dealership locations available soon.
Those steel wall structures are practical, but not very attractive, fragile too.