Autohaus rethinks the relationship between living space and garage. A compact home sits above a double-height workshop, keeping cars, tools, and daily life in constant view.
The garage isn’t separate. It’s the foundation.
ARCHITECTURE
Autohaus: An Austin Home Built Around the Garage
Project Details
Architect: Matt Fajkus Architecture
Austin, TX
Photographer: Charles Davis Smith & Casey Woods
In Austin, Texas, Autohaus rethinks the relationship between home and garage. Designed by Matt Fajkus Architecture for former race car drivers, the project places the workshop at the center of the structure, not off to the side. Cars are not stored away. They are part of how the space is used every day, a design approach that reflects the principles behind Carchitecture.
The house also supports something beyond personal use. The garage doubles as a place for teaching automotive restoration, opening the space to young people learning hands-on skills.
The Garage at the Center
For the owners, cars are part of daily life. The house reflects that.
Living spaces sit directly above an open garage, maintaining a constant visual connection between the two. The upper level projects forward, opening the garage vertically at the rear while forming a covered carport beneath the bedroom at the front.
Nothing is hidden. Cars remain visible, accessible, and in use.
Structure, Materials, and Build
Material choices reinforce how the space is meant to function. Lightweight insulated concrete composite blocks create a tightly sealed structure with clean air and a stable interior environment. It’s a garage designed to spend time in, not just pass through.
The level of detail reflects a close collaboration between architect and builder. Custom steel doors and windows were fabricated on site with Risinger & Co, allowing precise control over proportion and performance. The process mirrors the work happening inside the space. Hands-on. Iterative. Exact.
Light, Air, and Surroundings
Despite its industrial structure, the house stays connected to its surroundings.
Daylight moves through the garage and living spaces. Openings frame views into the surrounding trees while allowing for natural ventilation. The result is a space that feels open and livable without losing its purpose.
Designed to Evolve
The structure is designed to evolve.
A future one-bedroom living space can be integrated within the garage itself, allowing the home to adapt over time. The building is not fixed to a single use. It shifts as the needs of the space change.
At Autohaus, the garage is not an addition. It is where the project begins.
