Lidget Transverse Apex 90 Concrete Garage

The Lidget Transverse Apex 90 is a model I recommend when the position of the garage door or the shape of your site makes a conventional apex layout less suitable.

Its reverse-apex design turns the roof through 90 degrees, creating a distinctive building with the main entrance on the long side.

I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I have worked with garden buildings and garages since starting my first business in 1979.

British-made by Lidget Compton, it includes a tile-effect galvanised steel roof, Hörmann door, PVCu window, guttering, professional fitting and a transferable 10-year structural guarantee.

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Why the Transverse Apex 90 Is Different

The Lidget Transverse Apex 90 is different because of the way the building is arranged. Instead of the main garage door being positioned beneath the conventional gable end, the layout is effectively turned through 90 degrees, placing the vehicle entrance in the long side of the building.

For me, that makes this much more than a styling exercise. On the right property, a transverse or reverse-apex layout can solve a genuine access problem and make much better use of the available driveway and garage position.

Could a Side-Facing Entrance Work Better?

When planning a garage, I would look carefully at how your vehicle approaches the building. Consider the driveway, gates, boundaries, turning space and the direction from which you naturally arrive. There is little point having plenty of space inside if getting the car through the door is awkward every day.

This is where the Transverse Apex 90 can be particularly useful. Moving the main entrance onto the long elevation may reduce the amount of manoeuvring required or allow the garage to sit in a position where a conventional end-entry design would be less practical.

A Reverse-Apex Roof with Tile-Effect Finish

The transverse arrangement also gives the building a distinctive appearance. The 12½-degree roof is made from plastisol-coated galvanised Versasteel with a tile-effect profile and is available in four colours, allowing you to consider how the roof will look alongside your home.

An anti-condensation barrier is incorporated into the roof, which is supported by strong steel purlins and rafters. PVCu fascias and vergeboards are included, together with PVCu guttering and downpipes as standard.

Plan the Layout Before Choosing the Size

With this model, I would decide on the orientation before becoming too concerned about the exact size. Establish where the vehicle entrance needs to be, check the turning space and then work out how much room you can comfortably accommodate on the site.

The Transverse Apex 90 is available in a range of sizes, including single and double arrangements. Inside, allow room not only for the vehicle but also for opening doors, walking around it and storing anything else likely to share the space.

Make the Interior Work for You

A garage rarely remains just somewhere to park a car. Tools, bicycles, garden machinery, shelving and workbenches tend to find their way inside, so it is worth planning for them from the beginning.

Partitions can be specified if you want to divide a larger building into separate areas. That can work particularly well where you want vehicle space combined with a workshop, hobby area or more organised storage.

Think Carefully About Doors and Windows

A fully framed and retractable Hörmann horizontal-ribbed up-and-over door is included, with alternative main door styles and electrically operated options available. A 4ft fixed PVCu window is also included, with additional fixed or opening windows available if required.

I would plan the position of any personal access door around the way you move between the garage, house and garden. Getting pedestrian access in the right place can make the building much more convenient, especially if you regularly need tools, bicycles or stored items without moving the car.

Choose an Exterior That Suits the Position

The wall panels are reinforced and interlocking, with different external finishes available including spar, brick-effect, stone and textured options. Real brick front piers can also be specified.

Because the long elevation can be particularly prominent with a transverse design, the finish deserves some thought. I would consider what you will actually see from the house, garden or road and choose the roof, walls and doors as a complete combination.

Start with the Driveway and the Concrete Base

I would spend a little more time setting out a Transverse Apex 90 on the ground before ordering. Marking the proposed building position and vehicle entrance can help you visualise whether the approach and turning space really work.

The garage itself needs a correctly prepared concrete base which is flat, square, level and made to the required dimensions. Professional fitting is included within the applicable delivery area, provided the base and access requirements are met. If you need help preparing the site, our base and additional building services explain some of the assistance available.

10-Year Transferable Structural Guarantee

The Lidget Transverse Apex 90 comes with a 10-year structural guarantee which is transferable if you move home, subject to the manufacturer’s terms. I regard the guarantee as an important part of the overall package because a substantial building like this should be considered a long-term purchase.

Why You Can Rely on My Experience

I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I have worked with garden buildings since starting Marina Sheds in 1979. Over the years I have been involved with sheds, summerhouses, garages, garden rooms and log cabins, both as a manufacturer and retailer.

My son Craig joined me in 1992 after studying carpentry at Guildford College and today runs the day-to-day business, with me supporting him and the team as required. One thing experience has taught me is that the layout of a building can be every bit as important as its specification. You can read more about Robin Antill and the history of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings.

See the Buildings Before You Decide

If you are unsure about construction, finishes, doors or roof materials, seeing representative buildings at full size can make the decision much easier. It also gives you a better idea of proportions than photographs alone.

You can visit our Surrey garden building display site near Guildford and Woking, where you can inspect representative Lidget buildings and talk through your proposed layout with us.

Is the Transverse Apex 90 Right for Your Property?

I would shortlist the Transverse Apex 90 when putting the garage door in the long side makes better use of your site. That might mean easier access from the driveway, less awkward vehicle manoeuvring or simply being able to position the building where a conventional layout would not work as well.

If both orientations work equally well, I would then compare appearance, size and specification. I wouldn’t choose the transverse design just because it is different; I would choose it when turning the layout through 90 degrees gives you a genuine practical advantage.

What Is a Transverse Apex Garage?

A transverse apex garage has its roof and main vehicle entrance arranged differently from a conventional end-entry apex design. The main garage door is positioned in the long side of the building, which is why the design is also known as reverse apex.

Why Is It Called the Apex 90?

The name refers to the conventional garage arrangement effectively being turned through 90 degrees. This changes the orientation of the roof ridge and allows the main vehicle entrance to be positioned in the long elevation.

What Roof Does the Transverse Apex 90 Have?

It has a 12½-degree Versasteel plastisol-coated galvanised steel roof with a tile-effect profile and anti-condensation barrier. There is a choice of four roof colours, with PVCu fascias and vergeboards included.

Are Guttering and Downpipes Included?

Yes. PVCu guttering and downpipes are included as standard on the Transverse Apex 90.

Is Professional Fitting Included?

Yes. Professional fitting is included within the applicable delivery area, provided you have a correctly prepared flat, square and level concrete base together with suitable access for delivery and installation.

A Final Word From Robin

For me, the reason to choose the Transverse Apex 90 is straightforward: the different orientation can make a difficult site work much better. I would start by looking at your driveway, turning space and where you want the garage door, rather than choosing purely from photographs or price. If putting the entrance in the long side gives you easier access, this model has a genuine advantage. If you are unsure whether a conventional or transverse layout would work best, please get in touch and we will help you consider the options.