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The distinction between lighting and architecture is, in a sense, a nonsensical
one–we undeniably experience architecture via lighting, and lighting via
architecture. Pushing this concept, Graypants framed its debut architectural
project, The Garage, as a lantern–architecture as lighting.
Originally a dilapidated garage from the post world war II era, the project set out
to update the structure’s use as a residential cabin that preserved the intricacies
and stories of the old construction. Contemporary elements have been skillfully
mixed in with the old to give each piece a second life and in turn a renewed
function in the space.
The aged wooden floor is oriented to bring the eye out towards the water,
revealing hidden beds that fold out into seats. A folding glass wall lifts to extend
the usable space of the cabin onto the adjacent pebbled patio that forms the
base for the structure. By exposing the square frame wide flange that supports
the cabin, and illuminating the member from within the web, the cabin seems to
almost float above the ground.