Welcome to the Unique World of Live-Work Hangar Homes – A New Kind of Aviation Lifestyle
The First Dedicated Protective Structures
The history of aircraft hangars goes all the way back to the early 20th century, tracing a similar path as the birth of aviation. The first dedicated protective structures for airplanes were simple and unique shelters, usually constructed of wood, used to insulate early aircraft from the harsh elements. Around 1910, the first fully purpose-built hangar was erected in France by aviation pioneer Louis Blériot.
Robust and Increasingly Secure
As the further development of aviation marched ahead during World War I, so did hangar concepts and designs. Military demands drove the inevitable crafting of larger, more robust, and increasingly secure facilities. These structures typically featured larger heavyweight doors for accommodating multiple aircraft, doors that were, in many cases, element-resistant and made of steel and canvas.
The Quickly Emerging Commercial Jet Era
The interwar years experienced an additional evolution in aviation hangar design, with innovations such as reinforced concrete and the larger square footages needed to accommodate a quickly emerging commercial jet era. Iconic structures, including Hangar One at Moffett Field in California, built in the 1930s, showcased impressive engineering feats of the time.
The Rise of Prefabricated Steel Buildings
Following World War II, hangar construction demand surged, resulting in more standardized designs and the rise of prefabricated steel buildings. Today, modern hangars benefit from advanced materials and innovative construction techniques, along with climate control equipment and modern security systems. Today, these tough-built structures serve multifaceted roles, from housing commercial airliners to storing and maintaining private jets. One interesting new concept that has grown in popularity recently is that of the combination hangar and home.
The Line Between Indoor Living and Aircraft Storage
While there are the familiar airpark homes that feature either a connected or detached hangar on the property, there is also a new trend to consider. That trend is the idea of blending a home’s living quarters into hangar space, where the line between indoor living and aircraft storage are seamlessly merged. Those with in ingrained and deep unrelenting love of aviation find this to be the ultimate level of “airplane ownership intimacy.”
Fun For the Entire Family
Imagine watching a favorite TV show or film as one wing of your airplane hovers above the couch where you are relaxing. This and beyond is indeed possible when home and hangar become one. This “next level” style of aviation living is highly customizable and, at the end of the day, fun for the entire family. Kids especially get a thrill out of a living space that includes a small jet or propeller powered airplane. A well-planned home and hangar combination places the runway just around the corner via a short taxi time.
California’s Banman Live-Work Custom Aircraft Home and Hangar
Something called the Banman Hangar project is a concept-design at California’s Santa Paula Airpark fly-in community. The incorporation of a pre-engineered steel building results in a modern and contemporary themed home perfectly blending aviation and homemaking. The structure features corrugated metal walls and generous livable square footage, allowing ample space for a fully restored 1930s golden yellow and red Piper Cub. This iconic time-piece airplane shares space with a late model, bright red Porsche.
A Sense of Openness
The result is that past and present are merged, while industrial colors and metallic textures accent perfectly with plush home furnishings. Even the lighting was carefully considered, producing an intimate feel while at the same time lending to a sense of openness in terms of living space. Expert lighting design and placement compliments the home and hangar. The backdrop of sofas, seating, and kitchen appliances creates the ultimate in hangar home living.
Design and Construction Challenges
Designing a live-work hangar residence with an airplane integrated into the immediate living space presents unique challenges that require a thoughtful blending of creativity, functionality, and safety. First on the list, the design must adequately accommodate the movement, size, and weight of the aircraft. This involves ensuring that all structural elements, such as walls and ceilings, can support an airplane while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing living environment.
Soundproofing and Engine Exhaust Ventilation
Space optimization is really the key. The layout must harmoniously integrate the hangar area with normal daily living, ensuring that the aircraft does not overpower the home but rather complements its surroundings. This frequently means using innovative solutions for soundproofing and engine exhaust ventilation, as aircraft noise and fumes can be particularly disruptive to an otherwise cozy home life. Airflow and climate control must be well planned.
Easy Entry and Exit
Safety is another big consideration when planning a hangar and home combination. The design must integrate fire-resistant materials and adequate code-compliant firewalls between the hangar and the home’s living areas to mitigate fire risks associated with things like aircraft fuel. Aircraft accessibility is also a priority; the design must include easy entry and exit for the aircraft while still maintaining a functional living space.
Conveys Personal Style
Aesthetic integration presents its own subset of challenges. Homeowners often prefer a cohesively blended design that conveys their personal style while accommodating the industrial elements of an airplane. Balancing the mechanics of an aircraft and the utilitarian aspects of flying with the warmth and invitingness of a house can be complicated, requiring skilled architectural insight.
Navigating Regulations
Finally, local zoning laws and regulations can complicate the greater design process, as city and state ordinances may dictate a laundry list of requirements for residential structures that are also intended to store one of more aircraft. Navigating these regulations while striving to create a comfortable and relaxed living environment adds yet one more layer of complexity to the live-work hangar-home design and implementation process.
About APN
Finding an aviation property or hangar home is simplified with help from APN (Aviation Property Network). The company has a staff of seasoned and experienced aviation real estate professionals that are ready to assist buyers and sellers. Buying a hangar home is a big decision, and that is why it is essential to work with a team that understands the industry.
With APN, you can list a property for sale, lease an aviation property, or rent overnight. The APN website features a growing international database of aviation real estate opportunities. From raw land to airport businesses and live-work style hangars, APN has all elements of aviation property investments under one roof.
Looking to buy or sell a hangar, move to an airpark community, buy or sell an FBO or perhaps even develop a new project? Work with the leader in worldwide aviation property transactions today! Contact APN NOW!