People amused when woman buys old garage on tiny plot, until she turns it into stunning 3-story home

Transforming a garage into a three-story home in Dalston, London—a neighborhood famous for its vintage shops, trendy bars, and vibrant nightlife—was no small feat.

When Marta Nowicka purchased the property in 2018, some even laughed at her ambitious vision, according to Home Hacks.

But through thoughtful renovations, she silenced the critics, creating a sleek and modern home that masterfully combined contemporary style with practical living.

The Vision Behind the Project

Marta Nowicka, a successful designer, set out to prove that even with a small budget and a limited plot of land, it was possible to create a stylish and functional home.

Her experiment began with purchasing an old garage measuring just 45 square meters. The garage presented a unique opportunity in Dalston—an area where property prices are steep and affordable housing is challenging.

Without hesitation, Marta bought the property, driven by her vision to turn it into a modern three-story home that met the needs of a contemporary lifestyle.

Her plan was bold. Marta envisioned a three-storey home seamlessly blending into its Victorian-style surroundings while maximizing every inch of space.

She named her creation “The Gouse,” a term she coined by combining the words “garage” and “house.”

Designing ‘The Gouse’

To bring her vision to life, Marta personally sketched the design for the house.

The project preserved the aesthetics of the original garage while introducing innovative features to optimize space and natural light.

Given the limited land—measuring just 4 by 10 meters—she focused on vertical expansion, creating a three-story structure that cleverly used every surface.

Transforming the garage into a three-story home required creativity and a deep understanding of space utilization.

The house’s exterior was clad in cedar shingles that mimicked old brickwork, allowing it to harmonize with the surrounding Victorian architecture.

To further blend the home into its environment, Marta retained the garden. She designed the entrance with an eye for subtlety.

The original wooden garage gate was replaced with a brick wall featuring a hidden yellow brick door and a narrow window.

This design kept the house discreet, tucked beneath the canopy of a perennial ash tree.

Maximizing Space and Light

Inside, the transformation was even more striking. Marta dug into the ground to create a semi-basement level, ensuring the house maintained the appearance of a traditional two-story structure from the outside.

The ground floor featured small windows above ground level, allowing sunlight to filter into the lower level.

This space housed a utility and cozy living room with a wood burner, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Turning the garage into a three-storey home required careful planning to make the most of the limited space while ensuring the house was functional and comfortable.

Marta’s innovative design on the upper levels included vertical plant walls and glass sections on the floors and ceilings.

These transparent features united the multi-level space, making it open and airy.

Natural light streamed through a glass roof and large panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows on the courtyard side, enhancing the spaciousness.

The windows also offered stunning views of the surrounding garden, seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoors.

Unique Features and Functionality

Every corner of the house was designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind.

On the first floor, Marta used an openwork brick wall in a checkerboard pattern to provide privacy for the bedrooms while allowing sunlight to stream in.

The perforated green landscaping wall added a touch of nature and a sense of seclusion.

These design choices elevated the transformation of the garage into a three-storey home, making it both practical and visually appealing.

Each floor featured access to terraces overlooking the courtyard, offering additional outdoor living space.

The third-floor bathroom was a standout feature, with a glass ceiling that allowed residents to gaze at the sky or stars while relaxing in the bath.

Marta’s attention to detail extended to the interior materials, with wood and metal dominating the design.

Inspired by the original garage, she used these elements to create a cohesive and minimalist aesthetic.

A Stylish and Functional Home

After months of meticulous work, the old garage was transformed into a stunning 126-square-meter home.

The house now includes a spacious living room, two bedrooms, a dining room, and a private patio.

By eliminating unnecessary walls and partitions, Marta created an open layout that enhanced the sense of space and flow.

The project’s success demonstrates that even a garage can be reimagined into a three-story home with creativity and determination.

“The Gouse” is a testament to Marta’s ingenuity and determination. It’s proof that a small budget and a tiny plot of land can yield extraordinary results.

The garage-turned-three-story home fits seamlessly into Dalston’s vibrant neighborhood. It offers a unique blend of practicality and modern design.

As Marta’s project demonstrates, even the most unassuming spaces hold the potential for transformation into something remarkable.

You can watch Marta’s story, turning an old garage into a three-storey home:

You can also see more of Marat’s work by following her on Instagram.