With 400,000 prefabricated concrete garages installed, ZAPF GmbH is the specialist in prefabricated concrete garages. Thanks to decades of experience, the experts know the latest garage trends inside out. In this interview, Ralph Raggl, Head of Sales at ZAPF, reveals what private customers expect from a modern garage today and one thing becomes clear: not only are many cars getting bigger and bigger and therefore need more space – garages are also getting bigger AND, above all, more functional!
Mr. Raggl, ZAPF GmbH has a broad product portfolio of different garage models, what is particularly popular with customers?
Raggl: We are noticing more and more that the trend – especially in connection with newly built detached houses – is moving away from the classic double garage towards large garages.
What could be the reason for this?
Nowadays, a modern garage is much more than just a covered parking space for a car; it should offer additional storage space and extra room – for hobbies, garden tools, tools, etc.
But all these aspects would also apply to a classic double garage – what exactly is the difference to a large-capacity garage?
Raggl: A large-capacity garage is more comfortable. With a width of 5 to 7 meters, lengths of 5.99 to 9 meters and heights of 2.68 to 2.89 meters, it is extremely spacious. Additional storage space can also be structurally separated from the “parking area” in this model.
There are even customers who completely dispense with a basement when building a house and build a large garage as an alternative. This is definitely a sensible alternative and can save enormous costs when building a house.
Another special feature is the wide full-length sectional door of the large-capacity garage: the door has virtually no clearance thanks to the 90° door track – so you can park directly in front of the garage at any time and still open the door. And then, of course, there is the visual aspect. The wide sectional door is available from ZAPF in a wide range of colors. This allows the customer to perfectly match the garage and house.
Are there more options for customizing the garages?
Raggl: Yes, of course, every model can be varied, for example with separate windows or doors.
What will be most important for prefabricated concrete garages in the future?
Raggl: The garage of the future must be multifunctional – and is not just intended for cars. Sustainability and ecology also play an important role – aspects to which we at ZAPF also devote a great deal of attention. Smart technologies will also become increasingly popular. This is where we have developed our ZAPF Connect system. This allows the garage door or ventilation position to be controlled via an app. We are also keeping an eye on the shift in mobility towards electric cars or hybrid models: So our garages can be equipped with a wallbox. All additional equipment, from the electric charging station to a green roof, can also be retrofitted to older garages as part of a garage modernization.
The garage experts at ZAPF will be happy to advise you and put together an individual offer according to your wishes.
More about ZAPF at www.garagen-welt.de.
