Big Space, Little Space is the adaptive re-use of a clay tile garage, built in a Buffalo residential block in the 1920s, into a dwelling and workshop for a couple.

They retreat into the insulated Little Space in winter and sprawl over Big Space, with its additional areas of garden, workshop and roof deck, in warmer months.

Little Space is heated with a single radiator. New radiant heating in an exposed new concrete floor was also provided for the bathroom.

Five operable skylights offer additional natural light and ventilation to Little Space. Big Space’s workshop, in contrast, has untouched and uninsulated walls, though it was updated with five new skylights and a roof hatch through which rises a surreal staircase made of ghostly thin metal bars.

Detailing and finishes plumb the extremes, from raw, cut bricks at the entry door to white oak mortise-and-tenon joinery, framing a mirror, of exquisite refinement.

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