The thunderous sound of children throwing a ball against the garage door is a childhood memory for many of us. Well, balls are certainly still thrown against garage doors nowadays, but many modern garage doors usually no longer respond with that piercing thundering sound. Instead of wooden doors or classic up-and-over metal doors, modern – often electrically operated – sectional doors are increasingly adorning the front of garages. And the only thing that threatens is a thunderstorm from the parents if a ball is thrown at the stylish garage … In general, garages have changed a lot in recent decades. No one knows this better than the experts for prefabricated concrete garages: ZAPF GmbH.

 

Last year, ZAPF delivered its 400,000th prefabricated concrete garage and, according to current forecasts, the half million mark is not too far off. In 1968, Werner Zapf Jr. developed the first one-piece garage, which was also patented. From this “simple” precast concrete garage by today’s standards, ZAPF has developed a broad product portfolio and over the years has repeatedly set innovations and trends that have become indispensable.

 

From functional “storage space” to architectural style element

Today’s garages no longer have much in common with those of the first generation. Customer attitudes have changed fundamentally: In the past, prefabricated garages were primarily reduced to their function. They were intended to provide a secure parking space for the car and protect it from wind and weather, but also from theft and vandalism. Door open, car in, door closed – done! Visual aspects played no role at all, and certainly not whether the garage matched the architectural surroundings or not.

 

Today, completely different demands are placed on the garage: It should not only offer space for the car, but also additional storage space for tools or hobbies. In addition, great importance is attached to comfort and design.

 

A feeling of arriving home

Anyone planning to build their own home these days will always have an eye on the garage. This is an integral part, just like the front garden, for example, and is almost like the house’s calling card. The garage should have style and fit in visually and architecturally with the home. A certain level of comfort, such as an electrically operated door or lighting elements, is part of this. When you come home from work – at least if you drive your own car – you arrive in the garage. It is therefore the first place that conveys a feeling of home, and this home should be more than just a simple parking space with a roof.

 

“A double garage is standard, especially for detached houses,” says Head of Sales, Ralph Raggl. Regardless of the model, however, the trend is generally moving away from the classic up-and-over door. “Customers prefer sectional doors, which are much more space-saving. Thanks to the efficient 90° door travel, you can park directly in front of the garage, for example, and still open the door easily.”

 

Sustainability and ecological considerations also play an important role: many customers opt for a green roof. But the garage roof can also be used as an area for photovoltaics. And the expansion of e-mobility is taken into account with the ZAPF e-garage including charging station. This means the garage is also fit for the future.