Attic (88 Photos): What Is It, What To Choose - An Attic Or A Full-fledged Second Floor, Internal Projects Of Arrangement From A Gable Roof

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Attic (88 Photos): What Is It, What To Choose - An Attic Or A Full-fledged Second Floor, Internal Projects Of Arrangement From A Gable Roof
Attic (88 Photos): What Is It, What To Choose - An Attic Or A Full-fledged Second Floor, Internal Projects Of Arrangement From A Gable Roof

Video: Attic (88 Photos): What Is It, What To Choose - An Attic Or A Full-fledged Second Floor, Internal Projects Of Arrangement From A Gable Roof

Video: Attic (88 Photos): What Is It, What To Choose - An Attic Or A Full-fledged Second Floor, Internal Projects Of Arrangement From A Gable Roof
Video: 50 Attic Design Ideas to Take Your Space Way Beyond Storage 2024, March
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The word "attic" is associated with the famous Frenchman François Mansart - he was an architect and was one of the first to make a guest lounge out of the attic. This idea quickly spread throughout Paris.

In Russia, attics appeared at the end of the 19th century, but at first they were dark rooms with small dormer windows that could not give much light and only illuminated a small area.

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What is it?

An attic is an attic space located on the last floor of a house. People use it for both living and storing old things. Today, the attic floor is a room, the ceiling of which is at the same time the roof for the entire building, so its surface is placed at an angle. You also need to know that the line where the planes of the facade and roof intersect should be no higher than 1.5 m from the attic floor.

The roof of such a room is gable. For more convenient use, the attic is made with a break. Part of the roof with a slope must be insulated … External attic walls have two parts: vertical, which has one base with the lower floors, and inclined, for the frame of which the roof rafter system is used.

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Differences from the second floor

A house with two floors is already considered multi-storey, and it does not matter if it is an attic floor or not. However, these concepts still differ from each other: the second floor has a full-fledged tier consisting of a straight facade, and its walls are of the same height.

The attic floor has a gable roof … Also, its ceiling has an inclined surface and different heights of the walls.

In fact, the attic turns the house into a structure without an attic. Taking into account the norms, such a superstructure does not count as a second floor.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Features of the attic layout are directly related to the design of the building itself. It is also important to correctly identify the supporting structure. Professionals argue that materials should be selected taking into account the load that is transferred to an already standing building.

The structures themselves can be made of wood, reinforced concrete or metal. The attic most often occupies the area of the entire floor … But there are also cases when it is only a small part of the room. Modern architecture allows you to make an attic of any shape, which is striking in its uniqueness and originality.

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The main feature of such a room is the windows. Their size is smaller than usual, however, they fill the room with sufficient light.

Such premises have quite a few advantages:

  • the living area is significantly increased due to the use of the attic;
  • it becomes possible to use the old building;
  • the design looks beautiful and complete;
  • heat loss through the roof is significantly reduced;
  • reduced heat consumption in winter;
  • thanks to windows that give light up to 40% more front options, a spacious and bright interior is obtained;
  • the ability to install an attic without lifting equipment, as well as without evicting people during work;
  • in comparison with the front version, the attic floor is much warmer.
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Like any other room, the attic has several disadvantages:

  • the height of the walls is much less, since the room has a sloped ceiling;
  • for the same reason, the usable area decreases;
  • accumulation of snow outside the windows in winter does not allow light to enter the room;
  • the unusual location of the attic requires high-quality waterproofing materials, which significantly increases costs;
  • heating the room in the summer.
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Views

A room with a mansard-type roof in the attic has many options for arrangement, only a flat roof is unacceptable.

The simplest is a pitched roof.… There are no skates in its construction, and hence the work associated with them. The beams are fixed to walls of different levels, so a bevel is formed, the angle of which should be approximately 45 degrees. If the slope is less, then snow will accumulate there in the winter season, which means that some additional beams will need to be installed, which, in turn, will lead to a decrease in living space in the attic

The design of the building from the outside looks rather non-standard. A large or small window is made in the wall of the attic. Such a roof structure is the cheapest, especially if the distance between the walls does not exceed 4.5 m.

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Gable… The best of all options is a gable roof. Due to this design, it is possible not only to satisfy all the requirements for the size of the area of the room, but also to make the costs not too high. The most in demand is the attic, which has a simple gable roof. The height of the ceiling should be such that a living room can fit under it

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Gable roofs are symmetrical when the ridge is located directly above the center of the building, and asymmetric if it has an offset in relation to the center of the building. The gables are straight. The attic room looks like a trapezoid, but if it is very large, then the shape can be square.

The only drawback is cutting off free space on all sides, and many owners do not like this drawback. To keep these areas from being empty, they are often equipped with cupboards or even pantries. The location of the windows depends on the angle of inclination in the room - they can be at the very top or be right in the middle.

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Broken line… The so-called sloping roof also consists of two slopes with different slopes. Such a room allows you to save money on the construction of all the walls. However, the rafter system in this case has a slightly more complex structure. The option is often used when the rafters are extended beyond the surface of the walls - this helps to protect the unit adjacent to the surface from various precipitation. This option is most often used for self-construction

The sloping roof allows not only to increase the area, but also to obtain additional living space. It can be either a kitchen or a garage. Materials in this version are lightweight, but the calculation of the foundation is still necessary.

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Four-slope… For such a complex roof system, a drawing must be made. The surface of the attic is huge, the cost of warming the room increases significantly, and the dimensions inside the building become smaller, since the surfaces are cut off from four sides. Gable roofs are wind-resistant. Due to the fact that the surfaces are inclined, the strong wind load does not affect so much. Houses with such roofs are considered the most attractive - hip roofs fall into this category. The frame for them is additionally reinforced with inclined rafters, since all the load falls here

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With a balcony… If the load-bearing wall makes it possible to increase the window opening, then a balcony can be built in this place. Columns can be placed to support it. It is better to do this above the entrance, which will also become a decoration for the house. The balcony can be used both from time to time and be a place for constant rest, so there you can install an armchair, a small wicker table with a sofa and other pieces of furniture

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Device

Starting to make the interior arrangement of the attic floor in the house, you need to know that it consists of several mandatory stages:

  • Design … It is necessary to ensure that the project of future premises is available. There it is imperative to reflect how many windows, partitions, load-bearing walls there will be, what the internal arrangement of the roof will be and many other points.
  • Rafter device … Before starting work, you need to make sure how high-quality the rafters are, because they must withstand not only the load from the snow, but also from the insulation layer. Therefore, the recommended width for them should be at least 20 cm.
  • Vapor barrier … The vapor barrier is attached to the battens. For this, you can use a multilayer polyethylene film. This material is very durable and does not get damaged during installation work.

The strips are laid perpendicular to the rafters using nails or staples. Installation must be started from the skates with an overlap of 10 cm. The places where the fastening was made must be glued with construction tape.

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  • Warming … A variety of materials are used to insulate the attic floor: expanded polystyrene, various insulation blocks, as well as foil mineral wool. It is best to use basalt wool, which takes the necessary shapes to fill the space. Insulation, ideally, should be at least 20 cm thick. Also, for insulation, you can use plates that, among other things, also have excellent sound insulation.
  • Room waterproofing … Waterproofing is necessary to protect the attic from moisture. For this, diffusion films with two or three layers are suitable. To provide a gap for ventilation, you need to press them with rails.
  • Ventilation … Ventilation of the superstructure under the roof solves the most important problem in the room - the microclimate. The gaps left will allow air to escape in the ridge area, and will also allow moisture to evaporate from the insulation and waterproofing layer. The ventilation gap should be up to 5 cm high.
  • Heating … Having finished the insulation work, you can think about heating the attic, especially if this room is used for a summer residence. You can connect electrical appliances or, in the presence of an existing heating system, install additional batteries and change the pump to a more powerful version.
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However, the best solution would be to install an autonomous heating system, especially if the attic has a balcony - this approach will allow you to heat the room to the required temperature even in severe frosts.

Finishing materials

When all the work on the insulation of the attic is completed, you can start finishing it. Immediately you need to consider all the materials that are used for this. Depending on what the roof structure will be, the ceiling can be with or without a slope. Therefore, when choosing materials, this must be taken into account.

Lining… This material is the cheapest and most popular for interior decoration, and the attic will be no exception. If the lining consists of plastic slats, then the work will progress quite quickly, because there is no need for any special skills. This material has a wide range of colors, allowing you to implement different design ideas. However, it is very fragile and may crack on impact

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To create coziness, a simple wooden lining is often used, the main advantage of which is environmental friendliness and natural colors. A room decorated with such material creates a warm atmosphere.

The disadvantage is its susceptibility to moisture and temperature changes, so it can be used to decorate the attic only by insulating the room well.

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Plywood… If the financial issue is very acute, then for floor cladding you can take such material as ordinary plywood - it is often used to level the main surfaces for finishing, but it can also be used for cladding without any additional finishing. Plywood can be mounted without any problems, it is economical in price and is a fairly durable material. However, if the level of humidity in the attic room is high, it is not recommended to use it

Additionally, it should be noted that such material is an excellent basis for wallpapering. Plywood can also be used as an independent product for decorating rooms. In this case, it is enough just to cover it with paint or transparent varnish, which will emphasize the texture of the finishing material.

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Block house… To create a "fairy tale" on the attic floor, a block house is suitable. This material is an imitation of a bar, therefore, having finished a room in this way, you can get an almost log frame. A room lined with such material resembles a real tower from a fairy tale. This material is practically not afraid of moisture, does not require repair, moreover, in itself it is considered an excellent decor for a room

Its only drawback is that the area of the room is reduced by 2-3 square meters. cm.

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Drywall… Many owners use drywall to decorate the attic. It has such advantages as non-flammability, ease of installation, and not too overpriced. It can be used to level both the surface of the walls and the ceiling

But for finishing the attic, it is better to take a moisture-resistant drywall - such a sheathing is suitable for wallpapering or for decorative plaster.

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As for the finishing of the attic floor of a house or summer cottage, which outwardly looks like wooden buildings, it can be completely made of wood or simply be supplemented with appropriate inserts.

For example, you can make a Provence style decoration with wood-based cladding. A wood floor will also be appropriate here.

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The options for finishing the attic floor are so diverse that it will not be difficult to create a beautiful interior.

Zoning

The attic, as practice shows, can be a room not only with a single purpose. If the room has a large area, then it is easy to divide it into zones.

However, it is worth considering the originality of this structure and consider some of the requirements for it:

  • the exit from the stairs must be placed in the common part, so as not to violate the privacy of the bedroom or living room;
  • it is worth considering the location of the beams, because they cannot be removed, but can only be decorated;
  • the living area should be located in the sunniest place so that there is natural light;
  • if it is supposed to have a living room and a children's room, it is necessary to make additional sound insulation between them.
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There are two ways to divide the attic into zones: studio and cell. The first option includes free movement of public and private areas. The second, on the contrary, is based on dividing the premises into separate rooms.

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Zoning can be done using partitions - it can be screens and drywall partitions. It would also be appropriate to divide the space with furniture or several shades of color. You can choose any of the options.

However, it should be remembered that it is not necessary to greatly overload the floor, as well as divide the space, otherwise the room from the attic will turn into a cage.

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Design

The attic can be used to create the design of any room - it can be a living room, a bedroom or even a kitchen - it all depends on the size of the building and on the imagination of the owner.

Living room

If the attic room is quite large, then you can arrange a cozy living room for receiving guests or evening gatherings after working with the family. Thanks to the windows, the room gets enough light, and also has an excellent view of local attractions. therefore windows should not be curtained, but it is better to put a small armchair or a soft sofa near them.

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When arranging a living room, a person immediately faces problems associated with the slope of the walls, since this immediately raises the question of where to place cabinets or shelves, which are an important attribute of the living room. The best place to place them would be the vertical side of the attic.… It is worth choosing compact furniture, and you can also make niches yourself. It is better to put the racks in the middle of the room, which will immediately divide the room into zones.

The color of the room and the decor are directly related to the style chosen for the attic. For modern solutions, design in light colors is suitable.… For example, ceilings can be painted white and floors can be covered with environmentally friendly materials. Styles such as Provence or country are suitable for the design of such a room.

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Bedroom

Almost everyone dreams of being able to lie in a comfortable bed under sloping walls in the morning and admire the dawn while looking out the window. All these dreams can be realized by completing a bedroom on the attic floor.

Such a room does not need high ceilings and a lot of space - enough bed, a small bedside table and a beautiful sconce. If space permits, you can add a wardrobe and dressing table.

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Colors play an important role in the design of the bedroom. Better to use light shades, since the dark ones create an unfavorable environment in which it is difficult to relax and fully rest. You also need to use natural materials that not only have the ability to "breathe", but also have a positive energy. Wooden surfaces are especially relevant in such a room.

The decor for the bedroom can be textiles, for example, a blanket casually thrown over a chair, or soft pillows. Flowers on the windowsill, as well as original lamps, will help to complete the interior.

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Children

For children, turning the attic into a living room will fulfill their most cherished desires. However, it is possible to settle a child in such a room no earlier than he turns six years old, since the presence of a staircase, as well as the unevenness of the walls, can be traumatic for the baby.

When choosing furniture, you need to pay attention to the fact that it has rounded corners. Of the furniture, it is definitely worth putting a bed in the room, a desk with a chair and a low chest of drawers for storing necessary things.… The decoration of the room can be made bright or light.

Low walls are the best option for turning the attic into a children's room. A child will feel comfortable there, unlike an adult.

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Cabinet

The attic is also best suited for creating an office, since it is fenced off from everyone, which means that you can work calmly here without reacting to the noise coming from other rooms. Both a workshop and a library are appropriate here, and you can simply arrange a place to work at a computer.… It is better to take neutral shades for decorating this kind of room, conducive to activity, not giving you a quick feeling of fatigue.

For a desktop, a place near the window is suitable. Often use a window sill instead of a table topto save space. Also, if space permits, the room should also have a seating area - a small soft sofa or armchair is suitable for its decoration.

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Bathroom

It would seem what could be more ridiculous than placing a bathroom in the attic. However, even for her, the necessary conditions can be created. In addition, there are windows inside the premises, and there is no view from the neighbors. The room has a large area, so designers will have a place to turn around.

Do not forget that for the equipment of such a room, sewage and water supply will be required … Also, when choosing finishing materials, do not forget about high humidity. To decorate the bathroom, you can use a mirror that has an unusual shape, you can additionally hang tulle.

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Furnishings

Since the attic has an unusual shape, choosing furniture for it can lead to a difficult situation. If the bed or sofa fits anywhere, then it is better to carry out the cabinets built into the gables. The middle compartment is suitable for clothes stored on hangers. The rest of the items can be placed on the side blocks, which should be placed much lower.

For dressers or a table, the space under the slopes is suitable … If a dining room will be located in such a room, then you need to think about the place where the dishes will be stored. In this case, you can also use the gables by erecting glass racks under them.

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To equip a library in the attic, you can install shelving with a closed and open part. In an open area, it is better to place those books that are most often read, and those that are used less often - in a closed one. Having completed the arrangement of the room in this way, dust will not accumulate on the surface.

Advice

At the expense of the attic, you can increase the area of the house inside, therefore, the equipment of such a room is often explained by the fact that there is not enough living space. The superstructure of such a room allows not only to get one more room, but also to save money on the construction of an additional second floor.

In order to properly equip the attic floor, it is necessary, first of all, to deal with its layout, as well as determine its purpose. It is important to understand whether it will be a winter option or just a summer unheated room. Of course, a room equipped for wintering will cost much more than a summer option. However, this approach will allow you to enjoy the extra meters in the winter.

The best option would be a house with a gable roof, since when choosing, for example, a sloping roof that has a large number of bends, the room itself will visually decrease from this.

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You also need to pay attention to how many windows there will be in the room: the fewer there are, the more artificial light is needed … If the windows are small, then the room will visually decrease, and, conversely, having large windows, you can get high heat losses.

It is worth paying attention to the height of the walls. If it is less than 2.2 m, then you will need to remove the ceiling - and this is a very serious question, because the elements of the roof can be load-bearing.

It is important to know that by correctly insulating the room, as well as by correctly performing steam and waterproofing, you can get a room that is not afraid of any influences of nature.

Warming must be done both from the outside of the rafters and from the inside, since heat loss in a room can reach 20%. To prevent this from happening, you need to use only high-quality heat insulators, which will help save money on heating.

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Do not forget about the insulation of windows, because most of all heat leaves through the slopes. Also, many specialists use foil-insol - this is such paper with foil glued on one side. It helps to reflect infrared rays entering the room - this way it retains heat. It is attached throughout the entire area, working only on the inside of the floor.

Both the ceiling and walls can be sheathed with drywall or chipboard, which, in addition to all their advantages, also have sound insulation, which is important for such a room. The floor also needs soundproofing, because if it is not done, then all the noises can be heard below. For this event, stone wool is suitable - it must be laid in two layers between the logs. In order to avoid the formation of condensation on top of the insulation, it is also necessary to lay a layer of vapor barrier.

Then you need to make a rough covering, which can be made of wood or other durable materials, such as drywall. Only after that the floor covering itself is laid, which the owner will choose.

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When decorating the attic, you do not need to choose dark colors - they will exert a sense of pressure. For walls, it is better to use wood or its imitation. Materials should be chosen light, so as not to weigh down an already heavy structure.

Instead of piers, you can use cabinets or shelves. It is better to arrange beds along the walls, because this is the area with the lowest ceiling. Lamps will look great on beams, while dividing the room into zones.

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Beautiful examples in the interior

Decorating rooms is very time consuming, but the end result is worth it. Having chosen which room will be located on the attic floor, you can get to work.

Light room… If this is a bedroom, then it must be done in light colors, since this approach is beneficial for many reasons. Firstly, the room will seem visually larger, and secondly, it is more pleasant to relax and unwind in it after a hard day at work

Small windows won't let in a lot of light, so you can add it with pretty table lamps placed on your bedside tables.

The whiteness of the bed blends perfectly with the white ceiling, creating coziness and tranquility. This monochromatic background is diluted with graceful patterns in the form of various monograms, which looks really charming. Inside the sloping wall, there is a small niche in which beautiful objects such as a vase can be placed.

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Baby room… Children will feel great in the children's room equipped on the attic floor. The room is so large that there is enough space even for a child's car or motorcycle. The child will be able to play as much as possible, while being under the supervision of parents. In the center of the room there is a sofa and a small pouf, on which adults can sit while watching their baby. If the child gets tired of riding, he can relax on the large sofa set against the sloping wall. Parquet floors are in harmony with the wood clapboard on the walls and ceiling, creating a warm atmosphere. The whole family can relax in such a room

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Kitchen with bedroom… The attic can also accommodate a kitchen combined with a bedroom. The whiteness of the ceiling, smoothly blending into the wall from the street, is combined with the walls, finished with wooden clapboard. Kitchen furniture to match the ceiling gives the room a feeling of cleanliness and comfort. In such a room, you can not only eat, but also relax after dinner with wine

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Cozy living room… The best option would be to arrange the living room. The walls and ceiling are decorated in pastel colors. It blends harmoniously with the sofas on both sides of the attic. A billiard table in the middle of the room will allow the company to have some fun and relax after work

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Today, the attic is most often used as a living space. It can accommodate the missing room in the house. Its decoration can be done both with your own hands and with the help of specialists. The end result will delight you with the presence of additional premises, as well as its beauty and uniqueness.

For information on how to equip an attic, see the next video.

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