Northern Block Makarau – work in progress

Northern Block Makarau

Design by Tom Rowe – Rowe Baetens Architecture

A garage built with precision — down to the millimeter.

Location: Makarau

Project: Construction of a 3.7 m-high specialised garage for heavy equipment and vehicle lifts, fully integrated with an existing residential house.

The task:

— Build a garage that handles heavy structural loads

— Prepare for the installation of lifting equipment

— Ensure accurate connection with the existing house

— Align the new roof geometry with the original roofline

— Pour a slab foundation strong enough for heavy-duty use

Challenges:

— Required a reinforced foundation specifically designed for hoists supporting heavy machinery

— Height exceeds standard structures (3.7 m)

— Tight tolerances to connect seamlessly with the existing structure

— Uneven land for driveway access (still to be resolved)

Solutions:

— A reinforced concrete slab was engineered and poured with embedded anchor points

— Timber framing and roof trusses built with precision to match existing angles

— Seamless integration layout with the existing house