For anyone here that is or knows an architect, or anyone interested in architecture:

I am considering building a house in Marina Del Rey, and one of the options I am considering would be to make my garage partially or entirely subterranean. I was thinking it would be great to have the division between the sub-terr garage and the first floor (the floor of the ground floor and cieling of the garage) be thick glass or polycarbonate of come sort so that I could look down and see the cars.

This, of course, would mean that my garage would have to be well lit and nicely finished, but since the house would be built to my spec, it does not matter.

What kinds of issues should I expect from this, is it possible to go below the water line? How much more difficult is it, etc?

 

Anything is possible if you throw enough cash at it. Going below the water line will require "ballast" to keep the structure from floating out of the ground. The floor would need to be glass because plastic would scratch so fast you would not be seeing much more than bluurrs after a time. What about flood conditions? Pumps? Garage doors to withstand flood conditions from above the water table? Sounds like you need to find an old Nike base and refurbish it.

 

Don't know what the building code is in Cali, but you'd most likely have to make certain that the floor/ceiling is well sealed to prevent Carbon Monoxide fumes from entering the home through the floor.

The only real issue I see.

M.

 

Where exactly in Marina del Rey are you planning to build...do you already have a lot...or are you looking to buy something and tear it down...none of my business.. I'm just curious..

Phin


Oh and may I suggest some Onyx on the floor.It's not see-through,but it is semi-translucent(not to mention very classy).

 

+1 on the onyx

 

I already imaged that, nice idea.

 

Assuming a 2 car garage, can one even get glass that big in the thickness needed? 20'x18' and what 2 or 3" thick?