Earlier this year, Maserati and Architectural Digest Architectural Digest magazine together invited individuals who appreciate fine design in general and cars in particular to join in a competition titled "Design Driven." Two categories - Existing and Concept - asked entrants to submit a garage design that included a noted architectural element, uniqueness and individuality, while providing a complementary environment for a Maserati car.

Approximately 125 entrants sent in text, images and illustrations through an online portal, with more than 18,000 unique visitors enjoying the site. Winners include Holger Shubert's existing Los Angeles garage, as well as the design of Chris Altman, of Stubbs Muldrow Herin Architects of South Carolina, in the concept category.

"Our goal has been to open a conversation with those who place a premium on design and expose them to the unique qualities of Maserati," commented Mark McNabb, President and CEO of Maserati North America.

Existing Garage Category Winner - Holger Schubert of Los Angeles

Holger Schubert's garage was designed with two main objectives in mind: to create a pure and restrained minimalist environment that allows one to focus on the car as a piece of art, and to create the ultimate experience for the driver to arrive at home. The gallery-like environment objectifies the car during the day and dramatically projects its shapes onto both window walls at night, paying homage to the art of automotive design.

Located on the upper floor of a new addition to a 1953 ranch-style home on a downsloping hillside lot, the garage overlooks the western part of Los Angeles. Access is via a driveway bridge separate from the main entrance to the property's motor court. The 1,200-square-foot space provides a designated spot for the car and a large open area for a couch, a slide-away TV, a built-in book shelf in front of a large storage room, along with a small kitchen, a bathroom and a library. A number of sustainable building products were used, including the electric screens on the exterior of the large window walls to help control the climate, as well as 47 solar panels on the roof. All walls are insulated with natural cotton fibre insulation.

Concept Garage Category Winner - Chris Altman of Stubbs Muldrow Herin Architects, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The design approach of Chris Altman seeks to redefine the relationship between car, driver and garage. Unlike the typical garage of today, the design reimagines the notion of the garage from a space of storage to a place that exhibits the quality and prestige of a Maserati. In concept, the garage is designed to refocus one's attention on the car. The garage's mass is stretched long and low to diminish its scale while evoking a sense of motion. The garage is clad on the exterior with rough-cut limestone contrasting the highly engineered feel of a Maserati while providing a durable, long-lasting building envelope. A reflection pool is located adjacent to the garage to provide both added visual quality and as a means of passive cooling. Even the method by which one arrives and departs the garage is inspired by Maserati's racing heritage and performance. Floor carriages rotate to different positions, allowing a driver to enter and exit the garage in an efficient manner while eliminating the need for backing the car out.

The winning garages will be featured in a special advertising section in the October issue of Architectural Digest. "Once considered merely an extended function of the home, the garage is now a space where people are finding new inspiration architecturally," said Giulio Capua, Vice President & Publisher of Architectural Digest. "The winners have accomplished this and now our five million readers will be able to enjoy these exceptional discoveries." Architectural Digest is the world's definitive design magazine, reaching an audience of five million readers each month. The magazine features the work of world-class authors and photographers and regularly presents a "first look" at the homes of leaders in the fields of entertainment, fashion, business, society and the arts. A special Motoring By Design section explores forward thinking in automotive architecture and performance.

Video: Concept Garage Category Winner, Chris Altman