Lotus Race Shop

A big addition to a detached two-car garage allowed a racing hobby to become a full blown undertaking. Even with the new space, getting everything they wanted would be a challenge, and it had to be ready for race season in the spring, just around the corner. Design continued well after permitting and really, all the way up to final fit out of the space. An office upstairs had to connect visually thru a storage space to the shop floor, where multiple projects were always happening. Mid-construction, a dyno was added which allows the car to be driven on rollers inside the space. Lifts were moved and exhausting requirements were raised for this piece of eqiupment. The real project kick off was the pouring of the slab with in-floor hydroninc heat. This was a two-day event where the tubing had to be pressurized while concrete was being poured and while it was holding air pressure. Heating the slab is a great way to save on energy, and since the space is tall for the lifts, you are actually working on the floor, where you want heat down low. The envelope was spray foam insulated and had to be rated to be left exposed. This material was key to cooling the space where the air would have to drop from heights up to 18’-0”. Extensive study and a few mockups were used to create efficient, adequate and adjustable T5 florescent lighting that also was architectural in its install and complimented a north facing day-lighting strategy. Compressed air, water and power was networked extensively at the stainless steel counters as was an elevated audio/ visual system that allowed image and sound to integrate from space to space. Using prefinished birch panels, expedited interior finish and made for a durable and economical wall covering that could be pulled to move in wall utilities as needed. Other notable elements of the build were an oversized custom cement fiberboard siding, large overhang on the back for outdoor storage, and a low, flat roof connector with showcase in the entry sequence.  With a little cooperation from winter and a demanding project management schedule, winter construction was completed in time for racing season.