Recently, more and more often, during the construction of private houses, the attic space under the roof is equipped as a living space. The first such arrangement option was proposed by the French architect Francois Mansart, so the room was called an attic.
Peculiarities
Because of their non-standard sizes and the shape of the attic brings a lot of difficulties when planning.
The design of the attic floor depends on the functional purpose of the room. Here you can arrange any interior: a relaxation area with a home cinema, a children's room, a bedroom, a study. First of all, the attic arrangement project must take into account the wishes of the owners, the dimensions of the room and the height of the ceiling.
One of the features of the attic floor in wooden house are sloping walls. The shape of the attic space is influenced by the slope of the roof. In a private building, it can be single-pitch or gable; less common are options with a hipped or sloping roof.
Distinctive features attic can become the following factors:
- low ceiling;
- rafters and roof beams;
- a large number of angles;
- ladder;
- small number of windows;
- Difficulty in establishing communications. As a rule, the attic is not heated, especially in the country.
The attic floor allows owners to get real benefits from turning it into a living space, since the usable area increases and heat loss decreases.
Taking into account all the features, experts advise when arranging this territory to fulfill the following requirements:
- Roof insulation outside and inside.
- Summing up engineering communications: electricity, ventilation, air conditioning systems.
- Only specialists can reconstruct rafters, so if the project provides for this, it is better to use their services.
- A rational approach to the use of beams, roof slopes, and support posts in the interior.
- Competent scheme lighting. It is necessary to consider the location of windows and their sizes. Designers suggest taking advantage of the option of installing vertical windows or in lucarnes (the so-called dormer window).
- Use moisture-resistant materials when finishing.
- Consider the ability of the floors to support the weight of all structural additions and furniture.
- Do not clutter the space.
Preparation
Before turning the attic floor of a country house into a functional room, you first need to design the interior. When preparing, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances: the shape of the ceiling and walls, the presence or absence of communications, the possibility of connecting additional engineering systems, degree of illumination and the like.
In the simplest case, when global changes are not needed, only cosmetic repairs, which is aimed at improving non-residential premises.
A lot depends on the shape of the roof, it can be broken, beveled, domed, lean-to and gable. Therefore, there are always open rafters and beams inside. Some designers use these elements when decorating the interior, focusing on them, others suggest hiding them, but provided that the ceiling height allows.
The simplest finishing option is wood. For this they use available material in the form of lining, wooden panels or edged boards. Modern construction market also offers wooden wallpaper or block house.
At the initial stage, it is necessary to establish a communication system. The task will be simplified if the attic is located above the kitchen or bathroom on the first floor. Installation must be done correctly, so if you do not have the necessary skills and permits for this, it is better to seek help from professionals.
Insulating an attic space is an important process. If the attic will be used regularly, and not just during the summer season, then thermal insulation is necessary. This will prevent condensation, improve the microclimate, and allow you to feel comfortable in the warmth of your home. Insulation is carried out not only from the inside, but also from the outside. Soundproofing the floor is necessary in some cases, but it also serves as thermal insulation.
The next step in landscaping the attic is replacing old windows and installing new ones.
As a rule, there is initially only one attic window. When arranging an attic, it is important to ensure good lighting of the room, so it is better if there are more of them. Experts recommend placing them on different walls for greater efficiency. The light level can be adjusted by the ratio of the glass surface area.
Feature skylights is the width of the windows, which cannot exceed the distance between the rafters. The length depends on the roof slope.
Depending on the installation method, windows are classified into vertical, inclined and for flat roofs. The last two types should be made of tempered glass to protect them from hail.
Sloping double-glazed windows are installed in the same plane with the roof slope, which increases the light intensity by 30% or more.
To install a vertical window, you must first install a structure in the form of a birdhouse with an individual roof. The throughput is lower than that of inclined ones.
If it is expected self-replacement old windows to modern ones, plan their dimensions and installation location in advance.
Installation begins with cutting out a window opening in the roof slope. If the tie-in occurs between the rafters, then it is better to provide a distance of at least 10 cm from them to the window.
Old houses were equipped with mortise window frames.Modern technologies allow the installation of new double-glazed windows with tempered glass providing increased strength. Opening mechanisms are being improved, which makes it possible to rotate frames around any axis, and this can be done not only manually, but also using a remote control.
Dormer windows solve several functional problems: they illuminate the room with natural light, provide ventilation and improve the microclimate.
Panoramic designs allow you to increase the luminous flux, introduce original item decor, get aesthetic pleasure from the landscape. Modern technologies have made it possible to install different types windows, for example, transforming into a mini-balcony. The variety of forms that manufacturers produce is amazing. Simple lines are used less and less often; windows in the shape of a circle, semicircle, corner, and asymmetric are becoming more common.
For decoration of attic window designs It is better to use special blinds or roller shutters. They are available both internal and external. If the interior is supposed to have textile curtains, then in order to hold them in the desired position, there are various holders, linings, supports and fasteners.
Ceiling finishing
When landscaping an attic, you can use any known methods and materials to finish the ceiling.
Stretch ceilings are recommended to be used only if there is sufficient wall height, otherwise there is a risk of frequent damage. This option is very convenient, since the canvas, due to its light weight, does not have a big effect on the structure, allows you to hide elements of utility lines and rafters, and allows you to get creative with lighting using built-in lamps.
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Drywall is one of the affordable and simple finishing methods. With its help you can get any shapes, for example, multi-level ceiling with various drops and protrusions. Drywall allows you to level surfaces before wallpapering or painting.
Tree - traditional material for finishing the attic space. For the ceiling, lining or wooden panels are used. The wallpaper on the ceiling looks original. It should be remembered that the surface must be leveled before gluing.
Floor covering
As a rule, special requirements are imposed on the floor on the upper floors.
First of all, it must provide good sound insulation. To do this, it is necessary to mount the sheathing and fill it with a heat insulator in the form of slabs, for example, mineral wool. It also performs waterproofing functions. Cover the structure on top pine boards, you can use larch material. It is recommended to treat the resulting flooring with an antiseptic.
Floor coverings are very diverse. For these purposes, any finishing material is used: linoleum, parquet boards, laminate, carpet, ceramic tiles. Experts advise not to skimp on the quality of the coating, since low-grade materials will require immediate replacement.
When decorating an attic, you cannot refuse such decorative elements like carpets. They serve as insulation and also decorate any interior, adding coziness. The size of the carpets does not have to be large and cover the entire floor; small models near the bed, sofa, or bath are sufficient.
Walls
Wood is the most popular material for decorating attic walls. It improves the microclimate and serves as thermal insulation. Lining is the leader in use. It is produced in several versions, is affordable and easy to process. There are several installation methods that allow you to make the walls decorative: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, in a circle, herringbone. The lining is coated with varnish on top to leave the natural grain of the wood or painted in different colors.
More budget option– finishing wood panels. These can be laminated models, veneered chipboard or MDF.
A modern option is wooden wallpaper, which consists of a base with coniferous wood strips glued onto it. This material reduces repair time.
The block house is also in demand for wall cladding in country houses, in particular in the attic. Its rounded front surface imitates a natural log or beam.
Plastic panels are appropriate when decorating bathrooms or kitchens on the attic floor. They will protect against dirt and moisture. In addition, their color scheme embodies any design ideas.
Recently, designers have often offered unique, seamless wall drapery with fabric. An attic made in this way will become unique.
The loft style in the interior of the attic presupposes the presence of untreated wood, so you can leave the walls made of wooden beam or bricks intact.
Also one of oldest methods wall treatment is wallpapering them. However, it should be noted that before this they need to be leveled using drywall, and this will result in a reduction in space. Manufacturers offer a wide range of wallpaper: vinyl, paper, glass, cork, etc. Designers do not recommend covering all walls with material with large drawing. It is better to focus attention on one of the walls or emphasize architectural protrusions, arches, corners, and cover the remaining surfaces with plain wallpaper. Small ornaments in pastel colors are suitable for the Provence style.
Drywall when decorating walls is used only as a base or for leveling. The top is always covered with wallpaper, acrylic paint or other finishing materials.
Color solutions
The attic room has a specific shape and lighting. Designers most often suggest using light shades for decoration. You can use different textures and color contrasts to add depth to the space.
For example, if the ceiling in the attic is covered with a dark stretch fabric, then it is better if its surface is glossy, then the reflected light will expand the walls. When the floor is made in dark shades, designers recommend dazzling white walls; this will create the illusion of an endless distance.
Experts warn that small attics should never be overloaded with bulky objects and a lot of dark paints should be used. Bright rich colors can be used as accents, since their excess will cause an oppressive feeling.
Often, owners of private houses leave the floors wooden, covering them with transparent varnish to emphasize the wood structure.
Nuances of room design
The improvement of the attic space must be approached very carefully and carefully. It is important to think through in advance all possible ideas for using architectural features: beams, rafters, arches, slopes, unusual angles, racks. Living space can benefit from this.
Experts advise not to get carried away with cluttering the space and try to use natural materials for decoration. It is better to choose textiles for curtains and furniture in pastel shades.
Furniture for the attic is always multifunctional. Bulky elements are inappropriate. It is better to give preference to modular systems. Built-in and wall-mounted structures are an excellent option. Furniture may have to be custom-made to fit a particular roof configuration.
It is better to decorate the attic depending on the functions that the room performs. To decorate the interior with your own hands, you first need to draw up a design project. If you lack certain experience and skills, you can use the services of professionals. It should be remembered that the simple option is always the best.
Since at the dachas and garden plots the houses are small, they either do not have a second floor, or it is very small. Therefore, a bedroom or workshop is usually organized in the country attic.
If country house intended for permanent residence, the attic floor performs various functional tasks. The list of possible interiors includes: kitchen, bathroom, children's room, library, office, recreation area with a cinema, billiards, dressing room.
The style pleases with variety possible options– from light Provence to modern loft, from classic to avant-garde, from mountain chalet to Mediterranean bungalow.
There are certain rules that must be followed when decorating attic spaces. Then the interior will be filled with coziness and comfort. For example, low ceiling surface is not an obstacle, but should not be delayed suspended ceiling, it is better to treat it with wood. The staircase, which is always a dangerous place, must be equipped with a fall safety system: railings, doors, and fences are required.
An unusual roof shape in a small space usually takes away some of the usable space. But with proper lighting and design, this feature can be played out in an interesting way.
When arranging a small attic, you need to think through the ergonomics of each interior element. It is better to purchase furniture that is built-in and multifunctional. Block storage systems are designed to make this task easier.
Children's
The unusual shapes and sizes of the attic are perfect for arranging a children's room. Designers use height differences and unexpected wall reliefs to design the play area.
The nature of the attic floor requires the organization of a variety of places to store toys, bedding, crafts, and books. In addition, it will be better if the nursery provides places not only for relaxation and games, but also for activities.
If there are small children, the attic should be well insulated, the flooring should be soft, and finishing materials should be natural and harmless. It is recommended to equip the window opening mechanism with an “anti-child” element so that children cannot accidentally open the sash.
When creating an attic nursery, you need to consider the abundance natural light, and also artificial lighting.
The nature of the room allows you to experiment with color, use unusual shapes furniture and lamps, zoning the space to create a colorful and bright interior.
When arranging the attic floor, it is important to remember that children love to run, jump and gallop, which can create discomfort for those living on the first floor, so it is recommended to soundproof the floor in the nursery.
Wardrobe
The owners will appreciate the lack of closets in all rooms and the arrangement of a centralized dressing room on the attic floor. This will save useful living space for more functional things.
Organizing a wardrobe in the attic will not require a large area and will allow you to use any asymmetrical architectural features premises.
It is better to place wardrobes along high walls; drawers and shelves for shoes, clothes and accessories can be placed in niches, under bevels or built into the space between the beams.
If it is impossible to install hinged doors, it is necessary to consider the possibility of installing sliding and sliding models, as well as in the form of blinds.
Furniture for an attic dressing room is appropriately modular. Storage systems must be multifunctional. Roll-out and retractable elements will help you reach the farthest corners and use all available space rationally. Cabinets are recommended to be used as storage places and as stools for sitting.
To increase the functionality of the attic, you can install a washing machine and dryer, a clothes steamer, and an ironing board. Sometimes the owners also keep another household appliances, for example, a vacuum cleaner.
If the attic is intended only as a storage system, then built-in lighting or ordinary lamps are sufficient. In case of wider use of the dressing room, the placement of lighting fixtures should take into account the functional characteristics of each area of the room. For example, in the ironing area or around large mirror bright light is needed.
In order to prevent the appearance of a musty smell or dampness, it is necessary to properly consider the ventilation system.
Bathroom
As a rule, the bathroom is rarely located on the attic floor small house. In large cottages, the bathroom is organized as an additional bathroom to the bedroom or guest room.
It is best to think about the location of the bathroom already at the design stage of the house., since this will require complex engineering communications: sewerage, ventilation, water supply, electricity. In addition, the attic must be properly insulated so that during cold periods being in the bathroom does not cause inconvenience.
It would be nice if there was a kitchen or a first floor bathroom under the attic. In this case, it is more convenient to install communications for the attic bathroom.
Architectural asymmetry in design should be used to your advantage. To do this, it is better to build storage systems for hygiene products or household chemicals, washbasin or toilet. Taking into account the ergonomics of the attic, it is recommended to choose furniture and plumbing that are compact and multifunctional. Built-in or hanging cabinets and shelves will save useful space.
It is recommended to install the bath near a wall or in a corner. If the attic area is limited, then you can limit yourself to a shower stall.
Any color scheme for an attic bathroom is appropriate, but if you have a small area, you must remember that a dark color narrows the room. Glass and mirror elements, availability chrome parts will add airiness and modernity. The glossy surface of the ceiling or floor will visually expand the walls of the attic.
The main requirement for finishing materials is moisture resistance. A stretched fabric will look great on the ceiling or plastic panels. The floor covering is appropriate in the form ceramic tiles, plastic or parquet board. Wall cladding involves the use of any waterproof material.
Experts assure that in the bathroom you can abandon the central chandelier and use only built-in lamps. Installation of additional lighting in the wash area will be required. In other cases, point light sources are decorative.
Bedroom
If the attic floor is spacious enough, you can arrange a bedroom for 2-3 people. In case of limited space, you can arrange a recreation area for one resident.
It is better to install sleeping places in roof sloping areas to save useful space. In case of psychological rejection of a low ceiling above your head during sleep, you should place the bed in the center of the attic with gable ceilings.
If you have free space in the bedroom, you can additionally organize a dressing area or a separate bathroom.
The design of the attic sleeping area looks best in a rustic or classic style , however, you should not refuse modern trends: loft or modern. Wood or wallpaper finishes look natural in the bedroom. A variety of textile elements will create a cozy atmosphere. It is better to use the color scheme in soft, calm tones.
Living room
If there is enough space, the attic floor can be turned into a cozy living room or fireplace room, where all family members will gather and guests will sit.
A fireplace in the attic can play both a practical and decorative role. When installing it, you need to understand that the traditional massive structure is not suitable for the second floor. It is better to give preference to lighter, compact models made of heat-resistant steel or cast iron. For the same reason, experts recommend abandoning heavy facing materials such as natural stone. Most often, electric fireplaces or pellet fireplace inserts are used for heating. Decorative bio-fireplaces will bring a feeling of coziness and spiritual comfort to the interior. If the fireplace area in the attic does not serve as decoration, but performs a heating function, then it is important to provide in advance a smoke exhaust system and a place to store fuel.
Furniture in light colors in the living room looks elegant. Glass and mirror partitions and well-built lighting will create a light, relaxed atmosphere.
Bright contrasts are also appropriate in the interior of an attic living room. In this case, it is better not to overload the room with furniture and other elements, since the main accent is color.
Any style will be appropriate, the main thing is that it coincides with the tastes of the owners, matches their interests, and creates the mood.
Designers recommend several styles for the attic living room.
- Classical– a solid style with its inherent luxury and grace. More often than not, the fireplace becomes the center of the interior. The design does not include bright colors. Everything feels orderly and functional.
- Modern– harmonious minimalism. The entire furnishings bear the stamp of practicality and maximum functionality. Simplicity is present in every detail. Dark details are combined with pastel colors to create harmony.
- Retro. Interior elements left over from great-grandmothers or stylized after them are suitable for decoration. The design involves the use of paintings, floor lamps, wooden chairs or tables with forged legs. It is also typical to install a fireplace or a cast iron stove.
- Provence– the sophistication and romanticism of the French countryside. Wood finishing, bleached by the southern sea sun, is appropriate. Textiles in pastel shades with small patterns are welcome. Forged furniture elements, crystal lamps, soft cushions for sitting on chairs and benches, light curtains on the windows - all these details will create a cozy, spiritual atmosphere in the attic living room.
- Hi-tech– style of admirers of modern creativity. Modern materials are used in decoration: chrome, glass, metal and their variations. The severity of forms and minimalism of color create the illusion of space.
If the attic has a vertical wall on the pediment, then you can arrange a home cinema room with a large screen, where it is convenient to relax with a large group or to retire together to watch your favorite films.
Gaming
Designers often suggest organizing a billiard room in the attic. This, of course, requires a large area, since play area It’s not small, and you also need to provide a place for rest. The table is usually installed in the center of the room. Near the wall you can place a narrow bar counter with several chairs. To store cues, balls and other accessories, you should organize either wall mounts or built-in ones. If the area of the attic floor allows you to zone the space, then in one part you can place a comfort zone for fans with a soft sofa and armchairs.
If a country house has a large attic, then you can organize a mini-gym in it. Experts warn that this is possible provided the floors are strong and reliable. Areas of the attic floor with low ceilings are used for storing sports equipment and for recreation. The rest of the space can be filled with exercise equipment or left empty to conduct classes.
The attic space can be used not only as a children's playroom, but also as a gathering place for the whole family and guests. To do this, it is enough to divide the room into several sections. Organize a video game area in one, and a tabletop area in the other. To arrange the first, it is important to install a large screen and a sofa opposite it. It is better to build systems for storing disks, joysticks and other devices into the walls. Board games require a flat area, so you will need a coffee table. The sofa and ottomans should be placed around it. Boxes of games can be stored either on a shelf under the table or inside poufs.
Kitchen-dining room
It is better to provide for the arrangement of a kitchen space in the attic at the stage of designing and laying the house. The fact is that it will be necessary to provide communications: gas, water, electricity.
Modular kitchen systems make decorating easier and allow you to create a functional space. Designers propose to take into account and make maximum use of all the nuances of the attic layout.
The use of multi-level furniture on wheels or runners will ensure its mobility, which will further increase functionality. Materials should be light, shapes should not be bulky.
Lighting must be provided in advance. The kitchen requires a lot of light, so there should be at least two windows. Built-in lights around the entire perimeter of the attic kitchen and spotlights above work surface are the best solution.
The color scheme does not limit the owners in anything. It is optimal to use bright colors for furniture modules, light colors for walls and ceilings, dark shades for the floor.
If the kitchen and dining room are combined into one whole, then you need to visually zone the space. Best place for the table - by the window. If the roof shape is gable or domed, then it is appropriate to place a table in the center of the room. Transparent models have been gaining popularity lately. kitchen furniture made of glass and plastic, which brings an element of airiness to the room.
Cabinet
You can't imagine a better place for privacy than the attic. Therefore, for organizing a study, library or workshop, the attic floor is most appropriate.
Arrangement is possible even with a small space. In a small garden house It’s difficult to find a place for handicrafts, modeling or reading, but the attic space will allow you to get such a cozy corner even in a few square meters.
It is convenient to use built-in shelves between beams, under roof slopes, and between windows for bookshelves. Closed mobile drawers on wheels are suitable for storing tools and office supplies. In addition, they can be used as stools.
Often designers suggest using window sills to organize a convenient storage area that performs additional function benches. If you decorate it with textile pillows and a blanket, you can take a nap on it or read a book near the window.
Experts suggest not sheathing beams and rafters, not hiding them, but using them for built-in lighting, hanging structures or mounting household appliances.
Work area requires large quantity light, so it is better to place the table near the window. If possible, it is better to increase the area of window structures and install additional ones. Panoramic double-glazed windows will not only increase the light output, but will also give you the opportunity to rest your eyes and enjoy the scenery after work. Artificial light sources should be installed in the work area and as lighting around the entire perimeter of the attic.
Ventilation in the office is an important element of comfort, so attic windows are equipped with a ventilation system. If you plan to work in the attic all year round, then you may need to install an air conditioner. During the warm period, it will save you from the heat, since the summer sun primarily heats the roof. In the cold season, you may need a heater, fortunately, there are a great many of them on the market: infrared, electric, water, oil.
There should be a minimum of furniture in the attic office, and each element is functionally justified. As a rule, its presence is determined by the nature of the room. Desk install stationary or folding for a small area. If there are more than one writing areas, there will be more tables accordingly. The number of chairs depends on how many workplaces are organized. The minimalist style is the best option for arranging an office or workshop in the attic, since it is characterized by rational use of space.
If the attic floor is intended for reading your favorite books, in this case soft will do a sofa, a floor lamp next to it, comfortable pillows, a blanket and a soft rug underfoot. Built-in lighting and a cup of hot tea will add comfort to the atmosphere.
To ensure silence, it is necessary to provide soundproofing of the floor. In this case, noise from below will not penetrate into the attic. Accordingly, if the workshop involves creating noise, then sound insulation will provide comfort for the residents of the lower floor.
The color scheme of the office should not distract from concentrated work. Calm ones are appropriate pastel shades. But, of course, bright accents look better in a creative workshop.
Lighting
The source of natural light flux is window structures. If the space in the attic floor is significant, then the number of windows should be more than one. According to generally accepted standards, a glazing area of at least a tenth of the remaining surface of the walls of the room is considered comfortable. The intensity can be adjusted using curtains.
In the case of a small attic with one window, designers suggest using various decorative tricks, for example, a large wall mirror will add light.
Artificial lighting is necessary in any case. Its installation depends on the functionality of the room, the arrangement of furniture, the number and shape of windows, and the architecture of the attic. Any sources are appropriate for this: chandeliers, sconces, built-in lamps, floor lamps, table and portable lamps, bedside models, modern fiber-optic lighting strands. Lighting can perform not only practical, but also decorative functions.
With the help of lighting, you can zone the space and focus attention on individual interior elements. In some cases, you can abandon the central chandelier; only illumination around the perimeter of the attic and spot rotating or stationary lamps are enough.
The choice of artificial lighting sources also depends on the style of the interior.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Before you arrange the attic floor yourself, you should consider all the options and read the reviews of people who have already carried out this process. The photo gallery will help you avoid the mistakes of others. If you have doubts about own strength, then you can, for a financial reward, turn to the services of professionals who will create an original project that takes into account all the features of a particular attic space.
The attic has a specific architecture, so it is better to think in advance about how to use beams, rafters, recesses under the roof slopes, different heights walls Supporters of the rational use of living space suggest placing various systems storage
The interior can be made in any style at the request of the customer. Some people prefer more natural option in country or Provence style, someone likes minimalism or loft. Attic living rooms in the classics are elegant, prim English fireplace rooms are solid.
The staircase to the attic floor is in some way its hallway. Experts advise installing a full-size flight of stairs if there is space. This is the safest option, which will be appreciated by families with small children and elderly residents.
What are most attics like in Soviet-built private houses? Dark and dirty rooms in which the owners put various belongings, which it would be a pity to throw away, but no one wants to use. Give a second life to your attic or attic space - restore the auxiliary space and increase your living space. Yes, the attic room has a very complex shape, a strong slope of the ceiling formed gable roof, does not allow you to stand there at full height throughout the entire area. But with a reasonable approach to planning and the use of effective design techniques, you can achieve unprecedented results - turn a room littered with rubbish into an incredibly comfortable and cozy space for relaxation, work, creative and sports activities, and games with children.
If your private house has an attic, then it would be strange not to use these square meters for the benefit of the family. A living room, a bedroom, a guest room, a dressing room, an office or even an additional bathroom - the possibilities for arranging an attic are limited only by your desires, needs and the size of the budget for reconstruction. We bring to your attention an impressive selection of design projects for the design of attic and attic spaces, determined by the needs of their owners. Let modern, practical and visually attractive interiors be the inspiration for your remodel.
Bedroom in the attic - practical, convenient, aesthetically pleasing
Arranging a bedroom in a room whose ceiling is formed by a gable roof is the best option. After all, in the sleeping space you will spend most of the time in a horizontal position, when the height of the ceilings and their slope are not so crucial. Many attics don't have enough space to accommodate a full living room or children's room. But the master bedroom or guest room can become a comfortable additional space in your home.
If you have a fairly spacious attic room, you can arrange a bedroom designed for two people. Beds placed in areas with the greatest slope of the ceiling will save useful space for the passage, along which you can walk at full height without any discomfort.
You have long been able to equip the main premises of your private home - all the necessary functional areas are located and decorated in accordance with your stylistic preferences. But a small corner of space in the attic remains uncovered. Use this room to organize sleeping areas for guests. In front of you clear example the fact that even a modest-sized room with an original shape can become cozy place for an overnight stay. And everything that you have previously stored in the attic in random order can be folded into storage systems built into the bases of the beds.
Here is an example of organizing several sleeping places in the form of built-in units with storage systems. Each sleeping place is a cell with individual lighting and adjacent shelves and cabinets.
In the spacious attic room you can organize not just a bedroom, but a multifunctional station containing, in addition to a sleeping area, a dressing area and workplace. Embedding a wardrobe complex around the front door throughout the entire space from floor to ceiling allows you to significantly save useful space in the bedroom. And the work table in the boudoir area can also be used as a dressing table.
Features of finishing a bedroom in the attic
To radically transform an old attic into an elegant bedroom, it is difficult to come up with a more elegant design move than using a snow-white finish. One of the problems of attic spaces, in addition to irregular shapes and ceilings with large slopes, there is poor lighting. It’s rare that a roof can have a window to provide the space with a source of natural light. As a rule, you have to be content with a window (or windows) located on the gable of the building. That is why the attic space so needs a light finish, snow-white and glossy surfaces that can reflect sunlight.
One of the basic rules for visually expanding space is “dark bottom, white top.” Bedroom with dark floor covering and the snow-white walls, which often abruptly meet the ceiling, will make it seem larger than it actually is. An original addition, accent and part of the design will be ceiling beams tone-on-tone wood floor board or parquet.
Living room in the attic - design features
For attic spaces with a skylight, the process of arranging a living room is simplified. The room is full sunlight and at least one wall on the gable of the building is freed. This free plane can be used for arranging a video zone or installing artificial fireplace. And in the space with the lowest ceiling height, install sofas and armchairs. Light finishes, a couple of bright accents and even small space under the roof itself will look attractive, cozy and modern.
The attics of private houses are often designed with active use natural material– wood. This finish is an excellent soundproofing agent (after all, we do not forget that we will be under the very roof, on which rain and even hail will knock), wooden panels are able to “breathe”, not to mention the fact that such a design gives natural warmth the whole image of the room.
A living room in snow-white tones with plenty of sunlight - none of your guests will recognize a former cluttered attic or attic in such a magnificent room. Light furniture will add elegance to the interior; glass and mirror surfaces, shiny fittings, elements of furniture and lighting fixtures - all together will create a completely airy, light atmosphere.
Pastel shades are perfect for decorating a living room located in an asymmetrical room. Popular nude tones are a great option for a base, complemented by a couple of contrasting bright accents.
It happens that the attic space has very modest dimensions, and even the shape is presented in an unknown geometric variation. But even such a complex room can be equipped efficiently, brightly, and modernly. Here is an example of such a bold design project with bright finishes, an unusual choice of furniture and a non-trivial approach to decoration.
If light, pastel colors for interior decoration are not your element, but a contrasting one, original design can lift your spirits, then you can start with an attic space or attic conversion to try your hand at original design. The next lounge room, for example, makes active use of a combination of dark structural elements and wood paneling. Modest in quantity, but original in design, furniture, a large window with a beautiful view and contrasting decoration - a non-trivial room in design is ready!
If you give free rein to your design ideas In such important rooms for the family as the living room, bedroom or children's room, you don't have the courage - try practicing in the attic! This is where you can safely use unusual shapes and creative color solutions, furniture made with your own hands and paint the walls yourself.
For all lovers of wine drinks, collectors and not only, we can offer the option of decorating in the attic not just a living room, but a tasting room. Wine cabinets built into places with the lowest ceiling height, comfortable sofas and armchairs, a small buffet or display cabinet for dishes - what else is needed for comfortable relaxation and gatherings with friends?
Children's room on the site of an old attic - miracles of renovation
In some private households, the height of the attic space does not allow adult owners to feel comfortable there. But for small household members, you can arrange a cozy nest in the space under the roof itself. Children like small nooks, small closets in which they can not just retire, but be a full-fledged owner. With a large slope of the ceiling in such spaces, it would be logical to place storage systems in the lowest zone, and at the highest point of the ceiling - a segment for relaxation, creative activities and games.
In the attic you can place a full-fledged children's room with a sleeping place, an area for games, activities and creativity. The main thing is that the room is sufficiently illuminated; if it is possible to replace old small windows with new double-glazed windows with large dimensions, you should not miss this opportunity. It’s easy to get rid of the abundance of sunlight - having curtains or blinds on the windows is enough, but the lack of natural light will affect the psychological and physical state of the child, who spends a lot of time in his room.
The attic room needs a light finish more than others - the reason for this is the lack large windows, capable of providing the space with an abundance of sunlight, and asymmetrical shapes of the room itself, which one would not want to focus on. But in a room for children it is impossible to get by with only light colors, the child’s gaze, more than ours, needs bright accents on which to focus attention. Use for variety color palette children's room, located in the attic, all available funds – bright furniture, colorful textiles for decorating sleeping places, colored lampshades on pendant lamps and wall sconces, colorful rugs and even floor coverings.
Office, workshop or library - arrangement of the attic floor
In a tiny attic it is unlikely that it will be possible to create a full-fledged living room or bedroom; there is also not enough space to organize a games room or gym. But to decorate an office or personal workshop you only need a couple of square meters. Desk, easel or musical instrument, installed in an area with the highest ceiling level, low storage systems at the lowest points or hanging shelves on the pediment - and the office or workshop is ready.
Do not cover roof structures with plasterboard. In addition to the fact that you will significantly reduce the space of the attic or attic, you will also deprive the interior of the office of its individuality. Wooden beams on the ceiling of the office become a kind of source of natural heat, which we so often lack in modern homes with an abundance of technology and electronics.
And here is the opposite design project for an office designed to accommodate at least two people. Snow-white matte and glossy surfaces seem to have completely absorbed the interior of the room. The only striking accent is the original floor beams on the ceiling.
Here is an original and rational way to embed a bookshelf in a library or office. Depending on the number and size of windows, different compositions of open shelves can be obtained. But in any case, you will be sure that you have used all the attic space provided to you to the maximum.
What could be better than solitude with your favorite book in the small but cozy space of a former attic, now a comfortable home library? Built-in bookshelves, comfortable chairs or sofas, floor lamps for reading in the dark, lots of pillows and a warm rug on the floor - a cozy atmosphere for reading is ready.
It’s rare that a private house has a free room on the ground floor to create a sports area. Why not use the extra space in your attic or loft? Of course, provided that your sports activities do not involve throwing a heavy barbell onto the floor, the impacts of which will make the chandeliers on the first floor tremble. In areas with the lowest height, you can place storage systems for sports equipment and clothing, install a small sofa for relaxation, and use the entire remaining space exclusively for training.
In large cities, where population density is high and real estate prices are prohibitive, even apartments located under the roof of an apartment building are a good purchase. The key point in this case is the location of the home in the center of the metropolis. If the entire apartment is an attic space, it is not surprising that the utilitarian spaces are located under the roof itself. The design of a bathroom located in the attic has its own nuances. Correct layout, taking into account not only the size of the room and the height of the owners, but also the laws of ergonomics, will help create a truly comfortable and practical space for water procedures.
Home cinema in the attic - a dream come true
In modern private houses, you can increasingly find the design of the first floor in the form of a combination of three functional zones in one space through an open plan - living room, kitchen and dining room. This arrangement of living segments of the home is very convenient, it allows you to save usable space without infringing on each zone separately. But in such a living room it is difficult to arrange a full-fledged home theater. And in this case, we remember the free space in the attic. A large TV or projector screen, comfortable and roomy sofas, a couple of small tables and stands and your once abandoned attic is ready to receive guests for an interesting movie show.
The home theater environment will be truly magical if the design suspended ceiling install small lamps. You can switch lighting modes – usually for watching movies with the effect of a starry sky.
Dressing room under the roof - saving space
Where else if not to the attic to move all the storage functions? There is often simply not enough space in the bedroom, and only owners of very spacious houses can afford to allocate a separate room for a dressing room on the ground floor. In the attic space, you will be limited in the number of storage systems only by the size and shape of the room. But even the most modest attic area can accommodate the wardrobe of all family members.
Only at first glance it may seem that an asymmetrical attic room with niches and a large sloping ceiling is not suitable for built-in cabinet furniture. Of course, for a space with a complex shape ready-made solutions, presented in a wide range in furniture stores, will not fit. But custom-made storage systems, in accordance with the characteristics of your complex premises, will be the best option for placing the maximum possible number of cabinets, shelves and racks in the minimum amount of occupied space.
If there is a non-residential attic in your residential building that you have decided to convert into residential premises, then we will be happy to help you solve this problem.
The attic will help increase the usable area of the house by 50% or more.
Depending on the area of the space and the height of the roof ridge relative to the ceiling of the upper floor, it is possible to place living rooms, games room, office, billiard room, dressing room and even an additional bathroom.
Everyone determines the list of premises for themselves, based on their absence or deficiency.
We will try to help you plan the rooms in the attic and make this part of the home a cozy and favorite place for the inhabitants of the house.
The first stage of arrangement is drawing up a plan
The attic floor is the space enclosed between the pitched roof and part of the external walls. The attic floor rooms partially or completely have sloping ceilings.
When starting to arrange the space under the roof, first of all, you need to complete the plan. On the attic plan, you need to mark the enclosing walls and all the ventilation shafts and chimney opening onto the roof, since these communications occupy part of the usable space.
Before planning the premises of the attic floor, we would like to pay attention to some standards.
SNiP 02/31/2001 “Single-apartment residential houses” states:
- a bedroom located in the attic must have an area of at least 7 m2;
- common room (living room) – at least 16 m2;
- the width of interior corridors is at least 0.85 m;
- bathroom width - at least 1.5 m;
- the width of the restroom is at least 0.8 m, the minimum depth is 1.2 when opening the door outward, at least 1.5 m when opening the door inward;
- the height of the attic rooms is at least 2.3 m;
- to ensure natural ventilation the possibility of ventilation through windows, vents, transoms must be provided.
Options for arranging the attic
Let's carry out the layout of the attic using an example wooden house dimensions in plan 6x8 m.
Here is a plan of the attic floor with walls and communications. The chimney pipe complicates redevelopment.
Let's see how you can arrange rooms in a given space.
In the first option, it is proposed to build two fairly spacious bedrooms. To ensure that the chimney does not obstruct the passage, we arrange the staircase so that there is a passage of at least 0.85 m between the chimney and the railing. In the bedroom, in the niche formed between the pediment and the ventilation shaft, you can place a shelving unit or a built-in closet.
Climbing the stairs to the attic, we find ourselves in a small hall, where a cozy armchair and a floor lamp can be perfectly placed - great place for relaxing, reading, embroidering, etc. In the inclined part of the walls of the hall (under the breaks in the roof) you can build bookshelves.
The second option is made with the installation of a bathroom. Additionally, you can break through a window opening for lighting and ventilation of this room.
We increase the area of the rooms due to the corridor, where we build a wardrobe in a niche. The small hallway and staircase are illuminated by a pediment window.
By the way, if the house already has a bathroom on the ground floor, then the entrance to the bathroom located in the attic can be designed from the bedroom. Thus, it will become individual, intended for the inhabitants of the bedroom.
In a small garden house, the attic area often does not allow for more than one room. In this case, as a rule, a spacious bedroom is placed in the attic, the beds are installed along the walls with roof slopes, the central higher part of the room remains free for passage, because sometimes the attic floor is built from the attic space, where the height of the roof beam does not allow a straight ceiling to be installed as desired. height.
The design of the attic floor and its layout largely depends on the roof structure. The diagram shows the attic of a private house with a hipped hip roof. The useful area of the floor depends on the height of the enclosing walls: the higher the wall from the floor to the inclined beam, the larger the area of the attic floor.
In the attic of a house measuring 8x8, 10x10 with a side wall height of 1.4 m, you can arrange four completely comfortable premises(bedroom, children's or guest rooms and bathroom). In this case, the attic will be illuminated by windows located on the roof; they are called dormer windows.
Interior of the attic of a country house
The interior of the attic, however, like any room, depends on the overall style of the house.
In the photos below we offer you several ideas for arranging and finishing the attic floor.
An option for arranging a living room throughout the entire attic area.
Large companies can gather in such a room. Long table and abundance soft sofas conducive to gatherings with friends and relatives.
An excellent option for arranging an attic country house, where you can take “old” sofas from a city apartment. They will serve as sleeping places for the inhabitants of the house and their guests. White walls and ceiling will make the room bright, accents are a bright table and sofa cushions.
Bathroom in the attic of a country house.
Wooden beams and roof posts coordinate the color scheme with the flooring and furniture. Walls and ceiling milky are the backdrop for the open roof structure.
In the attic you can arrange an active recreation area, for example, a billiard room.
Or a quiet rest. A home library moved to the attic of a country house will fill the evenings with interesting pastime for you and your guests.
The inclined walls of the attic limit the possibilities of the room on the one hand, and on the other make it unusual. The bedroom is one of the rooms that is most often located in the attic.
A playroom for children in the attic is a space where children practically do not interact with adults.
Children are characterized by increased activity and the ability to move a lot. A children's playroom located in the attic will delight not only your children, but also their guests. Here you can frolic and play quiet games, listen to music, watch TV, dream in silence alone, and engage in creativity.
Make the attic a single room or divide the space into several rooms? The decision depends not only on the size of the house, but also on your preferences.
Often the arrangement of the attic is postponed until “better times”, sometimes due to lack of funds, sometimes due to lack of ideas. Let the attic of your house always be filled with life, laughter, voices or silence of people.
In conditions where land for construction in the city and nearby suburbs is very expensive, you need to use every meter of free space for living. A well-equipped attic room allows you to slightly expand the usable area of the house, in which you can place an additional bedroom, a nursery or an office.
With the right approach, a room located under the roof of a private house turns into a cozy space, in no way inferior in comfort to other rooms. In this article we will talk about simple rules for designing a living space on the attic floor, its design options and methods of use.
An attic is a room equipped under the roof of a house, which is used as residential space on a permanent basis. Its inventor is considered to be the French architect Francois Mansart, who gave the name to his invention.
In 17th century France, students and poor people often lived in attics under the roofs of houses, whose income was not enough to rent a room with windows. The aspiring architect Mansar was one of these low-income citizens.
However, having settled under the roof, the young designer did not fall into despair, but came up with a way to make a comfortable living space out of a cramped, dark attic, favored by rodents of all kinds and pigeons.
He created several standard designs of houses with mansard-type roofs, convenient for arranging a living room in the under-roof space, which became very popular. Now the attic space is used as additional space for furnishing a children's room, office, guest bedroom or wardrobe.
Pay attention! Experienced designers believe that even now the equipment of the attic floor is the most cheap way increase the usable area of the house without large-scale reconstruction, strengthening the foundation and serious financial costs.
Design Features
The layout and interior of the attic room are important points on which the comfort and ease of use of this room depends. Consider many aspects: the structure of the rafter frame, the angle of inclination of the roof slopes, ventilation and lighting of the room. There are several main features of the attic:
- Roof structure. The roof under which the living room will be equipped must be of the attic type. Its peculiarity is the changed angle of inclination of the slopes, which have a smaller slope in the upper part and a steeper slope in the lower part. The variety of roof shapes suitable for attic equipment is not that great. Most best option– broken gable structure.
- Ceiling height. The ceiling in a room, if it is used as a living room, must have a height of at least 2.2 meters. In places with less height, it is advisable to organize storage areas.
- Lighting. When starting to decorate a room under a roof, you definitely need to take care of natural lighting. To do this, it is necessary to install attic or regular gable windows, which allow maximum use of natural light.
- Heating and thermal insulation. To prevent it from being cold on the attic floor, it is necessary to reduce the heat loss that occurs through the large surface of the slopes. To do this, the roof slopes are insulated, and heating is provided inside the room.
- Ventilation. To ensure influx fresh air To reduce excess humidity and create a comfortable microclimate in the attic, it is necessary to equip forced supply ventilation.
Remember! In order for a room on the attic floor to be considered residential, three conditions must be met: it must have at least one window, that is, a source of natural light, the ceiling height in this room must exceed 2.2 meters, winter period The heating system must function.
Use Cases
The attic is a small space, which, however, can be effectively used to increase the usable area of the house. At the same time, it is not necessary to use it exclusively in the summer, because if you install heating devices of the required power in this room, and also organize insulation of the slopes, even in winter it will be warm and comfortable there. If you correctly develop the layout and come up with a suitable design, the attic floor can be used for the following purposes:
Interesting! Many homeowners come up with more original options finishing and methods of using the under-roof space. Some manage to place a large home theater in the attic, avid athletes equip a small gym, bookworms can acquire their own library. The attic is a room that we always lack to make our dreams come true. The main thing is to correctly formulate your desires.
Lighting and color solutions
The attic floor is a small room, as a rule, its ceilings are slightly lower than standard, and the lighting is always insufficient. All of these factors cause the space to appear darker and smaller than it actually is. Color in the interior of the attic is of key importance; it can neutralize all negative factors and smooth out corners. When decorating this room, experienced designers recommend adhering to the following basic rules:
- A variety of colors are used to decorate the attic, but light, pastel shades, and pure tones are better suited. Using light color range helps make the space visually more spacious.
- If you want to use dark or bright colors, one wall can be dedicated to this. The remaining surfaces should be lighter, but suitable in tone.
- To get a more voluminous interesting space, you can decorate a room with 2-3 several pastel colors, only slightly different from each other. This technique gives the effect of a single space, visually making the room larger.
- It is recommended not to block light sources with curtains, blinds or heavy drapes. This will lead to the fact that the room will always be dark, cramped, and gloomy. Light tulle, on the one hand, will hide what is happening from prying eyes, and on the other, it will make the space light, bright, and airy.
- Furniture, especially if it occupies a large area, should be light in color, otherwise it will also visually make the attic room smaller.
Please note that light and color in the interior always go hand in hand. There is a simple rule that must be followed to make the room look visually lighter and more spacious: the darker the room and the smaller its area, the lighter the color scheme of the decoration and furniture should be.
Finish options
When choosing interior styles, colors and finishing methods, you must take into account the ideas of your designer, who will offer the best option for the rational use of the attic floor.
Modern building materials for cladding walls and floors allow you to realize even the most daring ideas, including the reconstruction of a private village house with your own hands. The finishing of attic rooms is carried out in two stages: first, rough cladding of the frame, and then finishing.
- When choosing a finishing style, you should choose the most natural, rustic, rustic design directions. They allow you to fully exploit the charm of the attic and make it truly cozy.
- During finishing work, it is recommended to use the most natural building materials, which will emphasize the closeness with nature, and will also “breathe”, creating a comfortable microclimate in the room.
- Storage areas should be built-in to make use of areas with lower ceiling levels where it is inconvenient for a person to be located.
Remember that wallpaper in the interior of an attic room lined with wood is not always a good move. If the chosen style allows, it is better to leave the walls without cladding to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
Work progress
If you are going to convert the attic into a living space with your own hands, then step by step instructions It won't hurt you. The good news is that it is possible to equip a room under the roof for living both during the construction of a house and through partial reconstruction.
To do this you need to do the following:
- First you need to insulate the roof slopes. Since the roof is already covered at this point, this has to be done from the inside.
- The attic floor is insulated using backfill material to avoid heat loss.
- Window openings are enlarged or cut into the gables of the house to improve natural light.
- The stairs required to climb to the attic floor are installed.
- Ventilation, heating and electrical wiring are equipped.
Important! Sometimes, in order to equip a living room under a roof, you have to move elements of the rafter frame. It is better to entrust this work to professionals so as not to violate the integrity of the system.
Video instructions
You can use the attic space more rationally if you arrange living rooms there, which are called an attic.
The attic floor can occupy the entire area of the house or only part of it (or garage). Sometimes the attic floor serves as a replacement for the second floor.
What is an attic floor?
To put it simply - living room(s) in the attic (i.e. an attic-type room)
According to construction terminology, an attic (or attic floor) is a living space located on the top floor of a house with an attic roof (i.e., the attic facade is partially or completely limited by the roof surfaces).
The difference between the attic and the second floor - comparative characteristics
If you try to compare which is better, the attic or the second floor, you will get something like the following picture.
| Parameter | Attic | Second floor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Below. The amount of savings depends on the type of attic | Higher |
| Duration of work | Lower compared to building a floor | High |
| Height of vertical walls | Up to 1.5 m.p. | Over 1.5 m.p. | Below | Higher |
| Air volume | Lower due to sloping walls | Higher |
| Square | The usable area is smaller due to the “dead” zones where the roof meets the wall | Higher |
| Room layout | The layout of the attic floor is carried out taking into account the presence of blind areas | Free |
| Plot area | Doesn't change | Doesn't change |
| Illumination | Better, due to sloping windows, more light penetrates | Depends on the number and location of windows. In addition, the deep slope of the window blocks 2/3 of sunlight |
| Glazing area | 25% less than when using vertical windows | Minimum 1:8 to the surface area of the walls (depending on location) |
| Windows | Sloping attic | Vertical |
| Temperature | If all stages of work are carried out correctly, the result is almost the same | |
| Heat loss | Higher | Below |
| The need for thermal insulation material | Below | Higher. The ceiling above the floor needs to be insulated |
| Aesthetics of the structure | A house with an attic floor looks more elegant and unusual | Typical design |
However, it is worth noting that there are cases when it is impossible to build an attic floor. For example:
- load-bearing walls and the foundation may not withstand the additional load;
- the walls are made of porous materials that can collapse.
- small house dimensions. With a mandatory height of 2.3 m (according to sanitary standards, SNiP is limited to 1.5 m) it is difficult to equip a full-fledged living space with a small surface area. If the width of the house is less than 5 m.p. There is no point in building an attic. The resulting area will be insignificant, but the costs will be high.
Is the attic considered the second floor?
According to urban planning standards, the addition of an attic does not affect the number of storeys of the building. Those., private house, in which the second attic floor is arranged, is considered (is) a one-story house.
Documentation regulating the calculation and construction of the second floor of the attic type.
The superstructure of the attic floor is regulated by the provisions of the following regulatory documents:
- SNiP 2.08.01-89 “Residential buildings”;
- SNiP II-3-79 “Construction Heat Engineering” (standardizes the arrangement of enclosing structures, including roofs);
- SNiP 23-05-95 “Natural and artificial lighting”;
- SNiP 21-01-97 " Fire safety buildings and structures";
- SNiP 2.01.07-85 “Loads and impacts”;
- sanitary and hygienic standards.
Types and types of attic floors - dimensions and dimensions of the attic
The height of the attic floor determines its type (type):
- full floor. Vertical wall higher than 1.5 m;
- attic. The height of the smaller wall ranges from 0.8 to 1.5 m;
- semi-attic. The height of the wall is less than 0.8 m.
Depending on the needs of the residents, rooms on the attic floors can be arranged for various functional purposes.
But most often there are bedrooms and lounges.
If the building height requirement of 2.3 m is met, then according to the standards prescribed in SNiP, the area of the attic floor cannot be less than 16 square meters. In this case, the bedroom must be at least 7 square meters.
If the height of the walls of the attic floor exceeds 2.3 m, then the construction of a bedroom of a smaller area is allowed. The justification for reducing the area is the large total cubic capacity (volume) of the room.
Armed with this theory, you can begin to build an attic floor with your own hands. Construction is not a troublesome task if you have detailed step-by-step instructions.
Construction of the attic floor (attic)
Before starting construction, you need to create a project for the attic floor. You can do the project yourself or turn to professionals.
Note that building an attic with your own hands is within the capabilities of anyone. But taking into account all the determining factors and calculating loads is quite difficult without special knowledge.
First, let's find out what affects the attic project.
Choose appearance mansard roof is quite difficult, because This is influenced by a number of factors:
- visual effect. First of all, subjective sensations are taken into account. The final choice may fall on another model, but the starting point is here;
- living area. Rafter system gable roof“steals” the area and creates “dead” zones, but the hip roof allows you to use almost the entire space of the attic superstructure;
- financial opportunities. A pitched roof is the cheapest option;
- roofing material. Some types roofing material can be used if a certain roof slope is maintained. For example, for tiles the angle should be at least 25°, and for PK-100 corrugated sheeting (wave height 100 mm) 3-4° is sufficient;
- general architecture of the building;
- wind and snow load. The snow should slide off the roof;
- condition of load-bearing walls and foundation. The condition of load-bearing walls can be judged after a visual inspection. The presence of cracks indicates a problem. The use of porous material in the construction of a house reduces the ability of the wall to withstand the load created by the attic. It is difficult to judge the foundation. But knowing its type and what materials and technology were used in its construction, you can calculate what load it can withstand;
- arrangement of internal communications and ease of connection to them;
- choice of windows. Installation of special roof windows (sloping windows - sliding, turning, sliding) is carried out directly into the rafter part. They are more expensive, but provide better ventilation. To install vertical windows you need to build walls or gables. The surface area of light-transmitting structures must be at least 12.5%;
- selection of materials for construction. The cheapest and most popular option for performing the work is to use wood. The technology of frame construction is quite simple. It is a mistake to think that erecting a wooden attic floor is unacceptable. According to SNiP 21-01-97 use wooden structures during the construction of an attic floor, it is allowed with proper wood processing and a building height of up to 75 m.
- complexity of calculations. During construction pitched roof loads on load-bearing walls are distributed unevenly. Ignoring this fact will lead to subsidence of the walls and destruction of the foundation.
The main shapes of roofs are shown in the figure.
Nuance. The smaller the angle where the roof meets the wall, the more usable area you will get.
Some projects of houses with an attic floor are presented in the photo.
Before starting work, you must have a drawing, sketch, diagram or drawing with all dimensions.
The drawings of houses with an attic presented below will give you an idea of what needs to be put on the diagrams.
Calculation of the area of the attic floor
The ability to use the attic for living space is calculated using the formula
АхВ + 0.7хС
A- total area of premises whose height exceeds 2.5 m;
IN- total area of premises, the height of which ranges from 1.1 to 2.5 m;
WITH- the total area of premises, the height of which ranges from 0.8 m to 1.1 m.
0,7 - correction factor. It says that theoretically this area can be used, but with significant restrictions.
You can reduce the amount of unused square meters by raising the walls to a height of more than a meter. This is achieved through the construction of attic walls. The attic walls of the attic floor are a superstructure over the load-bearing walls.
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Construction of the attic floor (attic)
Next we go directly to construction work or for reconstruction (conversion of the attic into an attic floor). For those who want to convert the attic into an attic, they need to dismantle the old covering.
Then the rafter system is installed, for which you will need:
- log (diameter at least 180 mm) or timber (preferably laminated veneer lumber, dimensions 80x80 or 100x100);
- board (40x1500) for sheathing;
- hardware, burnt wire, anchors or fittings. In order to securely fasten all elements;
- floor beams. The finishing floor will be laid over them;
- finished staircase to the attic floor. It can be located outside the attic or inside. Outdoor placement creates inconvenience when using it in the cold season and in the rain. The interior steals the usable space of the lower floor. A spiral staircase can be a compromise. Even the smallest room can be equipped with a compact folding or retractable staircase.
- roofing material;
- protective films;
- thermal insulation material;
- material for finishing walls and ceilings.
Attic floor rafter system - device technology
The construction of the rafter system begins with the installation of the mauerlat, then the rafter legs are assembled and installed. It is easier to collect them on the ground. Installation begins with two opposite legs. Then a rope is stretched between them. It regulates the accuracy of installation.
After installing the frame of the rafter system, the legs are fastened together. That is, the sheathing is filled. The sheathing pitch depends on the type of roofing material.
The process of building an attic floor - video
The frame is ready. A correctly executed roofing cake has the appearance shown in the figure.
Windows on the attic floor
Dormer windows are installed between the rafters. To make the fastening more reliable, in the place where the window is installed (at the top and bottom on rafter system) horizontal lintels made of timber are installed.
Insulation of the attic floor
It is necessary to take care of energy saving. The absence of an air gap created by the attic increases heat loss through the attic roof.