The mezzanine is often confused with the attic, but structurally these are different building elements. The attic is a furnished attic space in those houses where the rafter system makes it possible to use the area for living quarters.
A mezzanine in architecture is a superstructure over a house that has its own roof. Such a structure is often located in the central part of the house. There are many configuration options for the roofing system, due to which it becomes possible to give the house individuality and zest. The shape of the structure can be built in the form of a rectangle, square, hexagon, cylinder and polyhedron. The mezzanine often has a balcony.
The built-up area is used as a living space or as a terrace. Often, such an architectural structure is used for decorative purposes.The use of the mezzanine in construction was noted as early as the late 17th - early 19th centuries. The constructions were used to decorate the estates of landowners and nobles.
Advantages of a mezzanine in construction
- the superstructure skillfully masks and gives additional fastening to the chimney;
- almost all installation is carried out through the attic, which excludes the involvement of special equipment;
Read also: Subsystem for a ventilated facade: functions, device, materials used, installation methods
- does not load the foundation;
- the usable area is limited to certain dimensions, which prevents irrational fuel consumption in winter;
- household members have additional space for privacy and reading;
- a beautiful view opens from the window;
- the presence of such a structural element changes the appearance of the building, giving it sophistication and presentability.
You can arrange a mezzanine on a finished house. It is noteworthy that for the alteration, you will not need to make changes to the documents, and there is no need to obtain permits.
There are different nuances in the construction of the structure, so it is better to entrust the installation to specialists. A weak point in the superstructure is considered to be the places adjacent to the roof. Leaks are possible at the joints, but with proper installation, such troubles are completely excluded.
Mezzanine construction
The mezzanine has a different configuration, not only of the structure, but also of the roof. It can be single-slope and multi-tiered. If you use a combination of several types of roofs, you get a rather interesting architectural solution.
Large windows are also characteristic. This provides good access to natural light in the room and the creation of a comfortable microclimate. A balcony with an external or built-in structure gives a special charm to the building.
A large amount of materials is not required for the construction of a mezzanine; therefore, it is considered superfluous to strengthen the load-bearing walls and foundation.
Read also: DIY roof construction
The dimensions of the superstructure are comfortable and acceptable in operation:
- the height of the side walls must be at least 1.5 m;
- the height of the room in the center - within 2-2.5 m.
Mezzanines are sometimes erected over garages. In these cases, it is rational to install the entrance via a separate staircase from the street.
An important role in the arrangement of the superstructure is played by the formation of the roofing pie. To cover the roof, materials are used that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and temperature extremes.
It has become popular to use gypsum fiber boards. They have good thermal conductivity and noise absorption. Among other characteristics: fire resistance, long operating period, resistance to microbiological processes.
To prevent the formation of moisture in the superstructure, it is recommended to equip the room with ventilation.
Appointment of the mezzanine
The additional area can be used for different purposes:
- for a library;
- children's room;
- game;
- workshop;
- bedroom;
- study;
- terrace, etc.
Stages of installing a mezzanine over brickwork
1. On the top row of masonry, mount a reinforced concrete monolithic belt with the obligatory installation of threaded rods.
2. Cover the surface of the hardened concrete with two layers of roofing material to create waterproofing.
3. Cut out the wood parts for the construction of the mezzanine frame.
What is a mezzanine? A mezzanine is a small room built on the roof of a private residential building with separate walls and windows (in other words, an extension to the attic).
A beautiful, airy building has long been associated with the patriarchal life of the Russian suburb, lord estates, picturesque suburban buildings, and is an integral part of the painting style of "romantic realism".
Often, artists from different countries painted a mezzanine in their paintings, where they depicted the interiors of fictitious or real streets.
Design features
The mezzanine is usually located in the middle of the roof, which allows you to increase the usable area of the house. In form, it can be:
- square;
- hex;
- rectangular;
- cylindrical.
The roof of the extension has a steep slope; it can be single-pitched, gable, combined, multi-level. Often such a room is equipped with large windows with glass inserts above the window openings. In some cases, a remote-type balcony is attached to the front side of the mezzanine.
What are the advantages
This extension has many advantages:
- large windows allow you to create natural lighting of the interior space of the room;
- increase the total area of the dwelling without additional load on the foundation;
- the mezzanine can be used as a room for any purpose: an office, a library, a bedroom, a nursery;
- with its help, they mask and strengthen the chimney;
- for the construction of this type of superstructure, you do not need to use special equipment, since all work is carried out through the attic;
The mezzanine gives the general appearance of the house extraordinary features, it offers a beautiful view from the window. In France, such extensions were rented by students for living, and in Russia they began to be used everywhere in the 19th century as part of wooden and stone houses. Most often, the mezzanine had three windows, its own roof and a pediment.
How it is applied and formalized
You can use such a room as:
- cabinet;
- game room;
- workshop;
- libraries;
- summer bedroom;
- children's room;
- warehouse;
- recreation areas;
- billiard room;
- bathroom.
The mezzanine can be equipped as a guest room or as a separate living space for tenants, since the tenants in it can exist independently from the common house. Especially if it has a bathroom, dressing room and a separate entrance from the street.
Editorial advice: when arranging a mezzanine, it is better to use custom-made furniture. This will make it possible to take into account the non-standard nature of the room, to make its interior space comfortable and convenient.
To decorate the room, it is better to give preference to light shades. This will help hide defects, imperfections in the interior, and visually increase its area.
Differences from the attic
An attic is an attic space located directly under a high roof, where windows are most often built in.
The mezzanine is a superstructure over a house with its own roof, windows, pediment. Such design features can also distinguish them from each other:
- Roof. At the attic it is sloping, and at the mezzanine it is straight.
- Application. The attic is used mainly as an attic, and the mezzanine is used as a living space or as a decorative decoration of the house.
- The mezzanine has the best natural light.
- The attic is being erected simultaneously with the house and is an integral part of it. The mezzanine can be completed in an already finished building.
How you can decorate a house with a mezzanine, see the following video:
Mezzanine - what is it? This word is often found in old books and sounds like it is understood by everyone. Perhaps this was the case before, but today this term is forgotten and is almost never used. The situation when there is a phenomenon, but how to call it is unknown. Let's figure it out.
In contact with
Mezzanine - what is it
What is a mezzanine house? A question that sounded millions of times after seeing the title of the famous Chekhov story. And he did not always receive a clear answer, although the mezzanine was very widely used in the architecture of the last century. It was a kind of luxury item, symbolized the wealth of the owner and emphasized the sophistication of his taste.
Meanwhile, there is nothing complicated here, it is - a superstructure above the middle part of the house, which has its own roof and side walls. A special feature is its central, symmetrical arrangement, most often directly above the central entrance.
The mezzanine appeared in the middle of the 19th century and served as a decorative element that distinguished the houses of landowners, merchants or officials. The prototype was the famous light, which had very similar functions and structure.
The size and specific location of the mezzanine limit use, leaving the functions of an office, bedroom or something similar, although for large houses where the superstructure area was quite impressive, the choice of use options was much wider (for example, tenants were allowed to live there).
Design features of a house with a mezzanine
As already mentioned, the mezzanine is a superstructure located in the central part of the house, the floor for which is most often the ceiling slab of the upper floor. It is the superstructure, and not the whole attic converted for habitation.
Attention! The standard dimensions of such superstructures were about a third of the total width of the building, and the height corresponded to the height of the floors.
This was done to preserve the exterior proportions of the house. The concepts of "" and "mezzanine" are often confused, the differences between which are on a practical plane. The attic has a more functional purpose, it is a warmed, finished attic, turned into a living space. The mezzanine is originally a living space, although not the largest or most important one. The mezzanine in architecture played a more decorative role, which did not prevent its use for any practical purposes - for example, as an office or a bedroom.
Is the mezzanine a floor
Homeowners often wonder if the mezzanine is the floor of a building.
Some sources use the term "half-floor", which does not bring any clarity. Others use the term mezzanine floor, which is even more interesting.
In any case, it is not a full-fledged floor..
Sometimes another name is used - one and a half-story house. That is, the superstructure is considered as a mezzanine in a house with one or more full floors.
Advantages of a mezzanine house
The mezzanine floor provides an opportunity to get a separate secluded room... This is very valuable for people of creative professions who need to disconnect from everyday life in order to work. In addition, a wooden house with a mezzanine is beautiful, traditional and helps to distinguish the building from many similar buildings. There are also more prosaic advantages, for example - the possibility of a more durable strengthening of the chimney, the absence of excessive heating costs, which is very important for Russian conditions.
How the mezzanine is used
Use is the prerogative of the home owner. The superstructure can perform any function if it is convenient for residents:
- Cabinet.
- Workshop.
- Library.
- A room with various auxiliary functions.
The choice of the best option for oneself belongs entirely to the owner of the house; there can be no special instructions on this matter. The minimum height of the mezzanine usually allows you to create rooms in it with various possibilities of use, higher buildings make it a completely universal room.
In general, the functionality of the superstructure is exactly the same as that of any other room in the house, given the location and the corresponding restrictions associated with it, such as the undesirability of placing any noisy equipment, exercise equipment or other devices that disturb the inhabitants of the lower floor.
Is it possible to make a mezzanine in an apartment
An apartment with a mezzanine is an original and very interesting solution. It should be understood that in this case, the use of the term is conditional, since we are talking about a completely different construction.
This refers to the creation of an additional level that allows you to divide the space of the apartment into tiers.
Another name for such a structure is more accurate - mezzanine.
In order for this construction to be possible, an apartment on the top floor with a high ceiling height is required - about 5 meters, otherwise the mezzanine above the base will rise too low, creating an unpleasant feeling of "pressure".
How to decorate a mezzanine interior
Important! The mezzanine can be decorated in various ways. In this case, the design approach is not limited to anything, especially since the design and functionality itself create a wide field of activity for imagination and experiments with space or entourage.
Depending on the size and function of the mezzanine, the interiors can correspond to the general style of the apartment, creating the whole look of a spacious multi-tiered dwelling, or, conversely, have one that emphasizes the isolation and secluded character of the room. With a sufficient size, an almost full-fledged apartment can be formed.
Mezzanine in architecture
Recently, there has been a revival of old architecture. Simple and rather boring Soviet era buildings are being replaced by more picturesque mansions decorated with various elements.
Once again, houses with a mezzanine have become widespread, the project of which from the category of rarities passes into the category of quite ordinary ones.
You can see such a superstructure in its classical form in many old Russian estates.
Google, upon request, gives out a lot of pictures on which you can see various design options for mezzanines with balconies, small and larger, of various shapes.
Technical characteristics of warehouse mezzanines
There is another meaning of the term. This warehouse mezzanines - specific structures, which are extended and. They can be positioned as a free-standing structure, there are options with cantilever mounting to the wall. The point is that warehouses usually have high ceilings, and for a more rational use of volumes, multi-tiered structures are required. Standard set of characteristics:
- Column spacing (distance between supports) - up to 12 m.
- The number of levels is up to 5.
- The height of each level is up to 4 m.
For the convenience of loading and unloading operations or accounting, a pedestrian flooring is constructed.
The features of traditional Russian architecture, somewhat forgotten in the Soviet period, are reviving again in the modern world. The use of mezzanines in construction is a vivid and vivid example of this. The continuity of the cultural tradition is important for everyone - both for young people and for people of a more mature age, it strengthens the connection with the past and unites people.
at 05/05/2017 1,365 Views
Modern house with mezzanine
A house with a mezzanine, what is it? This question is often asked by people who have plans to build or buy their own home. Some people confuse the superstructure with the attic. The designs have similarities, but they are not essentially the same thing. The mezzanine was originally intended for living quarters and has its own roof. An attic is more of an attic, which can also be improved.
- Mezzanine - what is it?
- Roof design options
- Style selection
- square;
- rectangle;
- hexagon;
- cylinder;
- polyhedron;
- cross.
- The roof of the attic is sloped, while the roof of the mezzanine is straight. For this reason, staying in the attic for a long time can cause discomfort.
- The main purpose of the attic is the attic. And it is not always converted for living. Mezzanines are erected after the house is ready. Their main function is living space, although sometimes superstructures are made exclusively for decorative purposes.
- The roof of the attic is at the same time the roof of the house, while the mezzanine has its own roof.
- The walls of the mezzanine go vertically up to a certain level, and then smoothly pass into the roof.
- metal;
- flexible;
- ceramic.
- billiard room;
- library;
- workshop for creativity;
- spacious bathroom.
- It is better to purchase furniture for a mezzanine to order according to individual sizes. Built-in constructions will have to be abandoned, they will be out of place here.
- It is not worth saving on lighting in the built-up floor. Natural daylight should also enter the room unhindered. Good illumination will help to neutralize all defects and imperfections in the interior. For decoration, it is recommended to use light shades, which should be present in both furniture and textiles.
- Even if the room has protrusions or niches, this inconvenience can be corrected with a combination of shades. This means that furniture and walls should be decorated in the same color scheme and in the same style. In such a situation, the most advantageous material is wood or wooden lining.
- The use of light colors is also preferable because the roof slopes have the ability to visually reduce the space. If the tenants of the mezzanine want to diversify the interior with living colors, it is best to paint only one of the walls with a bright color, and make the rest pale.
Stylish log house with a mezzanine
House with a Gothic mezzanine
House with mezzanine and large panoramic windows
Unusual frame house with a mezzanine
House with mezzanine and glass facades
Mezzanine - what is it?
People who are far from knowledge of architecture often ask the question: mezzanine, what is it? This topic will tell the reader in the most accessible language about the design features of houses with mezzanines, the advantages of such buildings and possible layout options. The mezzanine is an extension above the house, most often it is located in the center, but has its own roof.
The mezzanine room usually has a balcony. This structure can have different shapes:
But most often the mezzanine is made in the form of a regular square. The built-up floor is usually functional, however, it can also be decorative. Despite the fact that houses with mezzanines are one-story buildings, they have significant advantages over typical one-story buildings. So, what is this mezzanine? The photos below will best answer this question.
House with a mezzanine by the sea
Beautiful classic style house with a mezzanine
House with a mezzanine above the garage
Scandinavian style house with mezzanine
What are the advantages of a house with a mezzanine?
A house with a mezzanine has many advantages, some of which should be emphasized in particular. In order for the stove in the house to have good draft, the length of its chimney must be at least five meters. The mezzanine superstructure allows you to place a long pipe in its space, which does not require additional braces.
It will be much cheaper for the owner to insulate that zone of the ceiling above which the mezzanine rises. In turn, this relieves the stress on the foundation, which extends the life of the entire house. For the construction of the superstructure, only two small areas need scaffolding, all other structural elements are mounted from the attic level.
Stylish and modern house with a mezzanine floor
House with siding mezzanine
The surplus area, which is characteristic of two-storey houses, is absent here. Accordingly, heating costs are reduced in winter. If there is no need to use the superstructure in the cold season, so as not to waste coolants, it can simply be temporarily closed.
If one of the tenants has a need to retire, there is no better place than a room on the mezzanine. There is no fuss or noise here. Such an environment is favorable for mental work and good rest.
Advice. Since the superstructure area does not depend on other rooms (the stairs to the second floor are usually located at the back of the house), the mezzanine can be rented out to tenants. And the current taxation system classifies a house with a mezzanine as a one-story building, which makes it possible to save on tax.
Bright contrast house with a mezzanine
House with mezzanine and narrow windows
Attic and mezzanine - design differences
Some people unknowingly confuse a mezzanine with an attic. These architectural elements have common features, but they are still not the same thing.
What distinguishes an attic from a mezzanine?
The difference between a mezzanine and a simple attic is also in good natural light. If, during the construction of the superstructure, the masonry of the vertical walls is raised, the area of the windows can be increased due to the additional vertical frame, which is a continuation of the original window opening. Thus, a figured window appears in the interior.
One-storey house with a mezzanine in a classic style
Cozy one-storey house with a mezzanine
In addition to visual appeal, non-standard windows let in significantly more light than the usual rectangular window systems. Natural light in the built-up floor is just as good as in the main areas of the house.
In the 19th century, all noble estates were equipped with a superstructure located in the upper part of the house. In all fairness, it should be noted that lately attic floors are becoming more and more elite.
Thanks to the mezzanine, the useful area of the house is significantly increased and is used more rationally. This design is especially in demand in houses with high ceilings. Building an add-on does not require the home owner to obtain a permit, which simplifies the procedure and reduces costs.
Today mezzanines are popular for creating warehouses where it is convenient to store any materials and cargo. The multi-storey mezzanine warehouse system allows you to sort goods into categories, making them easy to find.
Modern house with mezzanine and lakeside terrace
Beautiful country house with mezzanine
Roof design options
The roofs of such houses can have different configurations - from primitive flat or gable, to original and whimsical. The most common is the gable roof, installed using hanging rafters.
However, this design is not without its drawbacks. The low height of the vertical railing requires the construction of the side walls for the superstructure. In this case, a significant part of the attic space (the one behind the sidewalls) remains unclaimed. It can be used to arrange miniature closets, but it is not suitable for housing.
In elite houses, sloped rafters are used for built-up floors, and the roof is usually made single-pitched. Sometimes they resort to a combination of a single and a gable roof. Due to the presence of a bay window in the structure of the house, which is the basis for the superstructure, it can be completely placed under one slope. The rooms are spacious and comfortable under the hip hip and half-hip roof. Roofs with a broken configuration are suitable for owners of small houses.
Advice. To create a fancy roof, which are domed and pyramidal polygonal structures, it is necessary to attract professional architects. An extraordinary approach to design will provide the house with a unique image and special appeal. Such options, as a rule, are resorted to by the owners of elite housing.
Pitched roof in a house with a mezzanine
Bright house with mezzanine
Gable roof with hanging rafters
Hip hip roof
Layout and design features
The layout of a large country house with a mezzanine can be designed so that only residents will use a bathroom on the attic floor, and a bathroom and a toilet are arranged for guests on the ground floor. To plan a space, it is not necessary to look for complex design moves.
Ideally, the arrangement of the rooms is designed so that from the hall you can get into the living room and the dining area, which are also connected to each other by a door. With such a layout, even members of a large family will not interfere with each other.
To make the mezzanine space as useful as possible, it is recommended to keep the height of 1.5 meters when erecting the side walls. Thus, the total height of the superstructure should be 2.5 meters.
Mezzanines are sometimes located above the garage, then you can enter the room directly from the street using a special staircase. The built-up room can function as a gym, home theater, workshop or billiard room. It all depends on the needs and preferences of the home owners.
Arranging your roofing cake should be taken very seriously. Mistakes in the choice of roofing material will lead to the appearance of condensation on the walls and ceiling, which in winter will freeze and form a layer of frost.
Round living room with spiral staircase to mezzanine floor
Modern interior with mezzanine
Roof shingles can be:
The main thing is that the structure of the material is resistant to temperature extremes and the effects of ultraviolet radiation. The types of tiles listed above can serve regularly from 10 to 25 years.
When creating a roofing cake and warming the walls of a built-up room, it is advisable to use gypsum fiber boards. In addition to good thermal insulation and sound-absorbing characteristics, GVL has fire resistance and durability. The material is not afraid of either dampness or mildew.
To avoid high humidity in the mezzanine floor, a ventilation system should be installed. If it is necessary to install forced ventilation, it cannot be neglected. Such foresight will protect the roof and walls of the house from premature decay.
Advice. When purchasing materials for the construction of mezzanine walls, preference should be given to those that are considered safe for the lower floor and basement. As a rule, these are light chipboards, fastened with a thin metal profile.
Small house with mezzanine
Stylish Scandinavian design in home decoration with a mezzanine
How to equip the upper mezzanine
Premises created on the mezzanine can have different purposes, but most often they make a bedroom for adult residents or a guest room in the upper mezzanine. However, if the owners plan to equip a nursery or study here, this option also takes place.
In the superstructure, you can also equip:
Moreover, the tenants of the mezzanine can exist independently from the rest of the inhabitants of the house. This is facilitated by the presence of its own dressing room, a separate bathroom and an entrance directly from the street through the stairs.
Small kitchen can be located on the mezzanine floor
Mezzanine, equipped with a home office
Cozy living room under the roof on the mezzanine floor
Room decoration tips:
Retro style living room with mezzanine
Mezzanine in a private house, equipped with a small bedroom
Spacious mezzanine of a private house, equipped with a living room
Style selection
Just as the assortment of rooms is wide by purpose, it is also huge in terms of style. Any design direction can be used to create a pleasant interior. The main thing is that the room is original and as comfortable as possible.
If you plan to place a kitchen or a bedroom on the mezzanine, you should take a closer look at the Provence or country style. Minimalism is more suitable for a study, the same applies to a room for a child. Eco-friendly interiors are suitable for any space.
Rustic style in the design of a bedroom with a mezzanine
Private house with eco-style mezzanine
Loft style in the design of the mezzanine
You can use the usable space in the mezzanine as you like, provided that the configuration typical of the superstructure is presented in an advantageous perspective. In other words, the advantages of the room must be emphasized, and the disadvantages must be carefully minimized. The gallery of photographs presented will help in creating a unique interior.
Regardless of whether the house is a mansion with a mezzanine or is located among other private properties, it is a real decoration and pride of the owners. Only an indifferent person, completely devoid of taste and creative imagination, can walk past such a house and not admire its architecture.
