How to make a second floor in an apartment

If a person decides to build himself a house, then the first question that confronts him is the number of storeys of the building and its dimensions. Our article is devoted to two-story private buildings with an attic or veranda, a garage, balconies or without these structures. We propose to consider standard plans for two-story houses, familiarize yourself with the rules for planning the premises of the first and second floor, and also select suitable materials for construction.

Project of an unusual house

We are developing a plan for the second floor in the apartment

Start with a plan. A properly drawn up plan will not only save you time and effort, but will also protect your family budget from unnecessary expenses. And the first point in this regard should be technical skills. A full second floor can only be created in an apartment with high ceilings, otherwise you will create two entire floors, which will be inconvenient for the whole family.

it is necessary to measure the height of the ceilings, compare the possibilities with the wishes. So, for example, with a ceiling height of 4 meters, you can safely plan your second floor. If your ceilings are lower than this, then you need to think about how to cope with your dream.

How to calculate the parameters for the second floor in a room?

As mentioned above, to equip a full second floor, the ceiling height must be at least 4 meters. How much space is needed to arrange a sleeping area on the second level?

It's easy to calculate. In a sitting position, a person occupies a height of about 1 meter, add to this value the height of the bed, the width of the mattress and blanket and another 20 cm. It turns out that the second tier should be at least 1.2 meters from the ceiling.

The resulting space under the mezzanines on the lower level must be at least 2 meters. However, this value can fluctuate in different directions, depending on how this space should be arranged.

Bright design solutions

The second-level structure for apartments with a wall height of less than 4 meters is called a mezzanine. It consists of a supporting structure, low railings (balustrades), stairs and a plinth.

The second level of the room will become an island for relaxing, reading books and creativity. This is the personal area that teenagers miss so much in a one-room apartment.

It is more convenient to lift the bed upstairs. In this case, the level height will be minimal.

There are harmonious options that combine a mattress and a table for a laptop or notebook. This idea is not difficult to implement; the additional space will take about 50 cm.

It is advisable to combine the mooring with low cabinets or bedside tables, if, of course, the area of the upper tier allows.

In a studio apartment, you can also create a relaxation area with a TV and a comfortable chair, and thoughtful sound insulation will ensure comfort on both levels.

People of second-level creative professions set up home workshops or offices. This allows you to escape from a calm family environment and focus on work.

Another functional way to use the second level is to create a home library. In a private house it can be substantial, but for owners of smaller areas it can be more modest, but, in any case, this idea looks impressive.

A private house offers more opportunities to implement bold ideas. A multi-level layout can be used instead of an attic. The defective attic floor is then replaced with an open space with a comfortable ceiling height.

When choosing the location of the upper tier, we strive to preserve the practicality and functionality of the lower one. If the height of the walls is less than 4 meters, it is more advisable to place the second tier above the workplace, dressing room, sofa or sleeping place.

An original idea for a studio apartment - a sleeping place above the kitchen furniture. However, such solutions must ensure good ventilation.

The usual location of the mezzanine is above the door. At the same time, the harmony of the room is not disturbed and there is no feeling of constraint and congestion.

The second level can occupy the entire perimeter of a room or hall of a private house. So in the upper part there will be space for several functional areas.

If the room has a non-standard shape, with niches or protruding elements, then this feature should become the basis for determining the location for the second level.

The unique design of the mezzanine is conveyed by the partition and staircase. Partitions are made of wood, metal, reinforced glass or polycarbonate. The choice of material depends on the style and decor of the room. Solid glass provides reliable protection and at the same time allows sunlight to pass through, making the entire structure lighter.

A partition made of wooden blocks or metal rods looks lightweight and does not block daylight, but small objects can fall out through the holes, which should be taken into account if there are children.

Functional partitions in the form of an open shelf or shelf are popular. On the one hand, they cover the layer from prying eyes, and on the other, they serve as additional storage space.

Selecting a fence

The most common are glass railings. They are quite strong and reliable, but at the same time they completely transmit sunlight, which is an important condition for the upper levels located away from window openings.

The most compact structures are made of metal in the form of thin pipes, rods, with the addition of forged products. The form can be completely original, it all depends on the direction of the style in which the room is designed and the desire to highlight the enclosing element or make it discreet in the overall space of the room.

The base and fastening of glass screens are made of metal, wooden frames or handrails. But some models consist exclusively of glass, so they seem to dissolve the fence and, expanding the space, give the room a light and weightless image.

Examples of projects

Two-level loft-style apartment in a historical building

At first glance, a loft is not an obvious choice for furnishing a 28 square meter studio. However, the high ceilings and location in a historical building determined the style of the project. This is the profitable house of AM Lehman in the center of St. Petersburg.

The height of the walls is about 3,200 cm, which made it possible to move the bedroom to the second level. The main difficulty of the project was related to the technical characteristics: the sink, shower, toilet, hoods - all this remained in place; in many ways, the designers had to deviate from the rules of ergonomics.

Stylistically, everything here is very neat. The mezzanine is softened by the rounded shape of the upholstered furniture, and the cabinet furniture, as well as the staircase with railings, are made of wood. Matte black metal is trending; they are used to make handles for headphones, lamps, and support frames on an accent wall in this color. By the way, note that the emphasis is on the painted wall, not the brick one. Usually it's the other way around.

The staircase is interesting for its shape. It seems airy, weightless. This is an advantage; steps do not burden the space. On the second floor it was possible to install a bed with lamps at the head of the bed; this space is not overloaded with anything else.

Interior in a former communal apartment, inspired by Mexico

Everything is mixed in this two-level apartment: the designers drew inspiration from Mexican culture, Soviet aesthetics and even a catalog of Italian tiles.

It was a large ordinary apartment on Vasilyevsky Island. However, the room was divided into 6 small rooms connected by a common corridor. Now each apartment has a kitchen and a bathroom.

This studio has an area of only 23 square meters, including the second floor. But in this small area, the designers managed to arrange a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom area. In addition, the project has a well-thought-out storage system - a closet in the hallway, small compartments by the window sill and a dressing room by the bed. It is clear that it is impossible to remember everything there. But the kits are convenient to assemble the next day.

To save space, the designers suggested transforming the furniture. There are folding chairs and a pull-out table by the window. Pay attention to the range and style of the project. This is a good example of a contrasting combination of complex colors - brick, lemon and turquoise.

Minimalism in the studio from Taiwan

Duplex studio apartment with an area of 22 sq. M and 3.3 m ceiling located in Taiwan. The apartment is designed for young people. The design is based on minimalism and functionality.

The file system is well thought out here. This, by the way, is the main pain of small studies. Almost all photos of the interiors of this two-level apartment have shelves and wardrobes: from the stairs to the sofa in the living room and the niches around it.
The designers even managed to use the free space near the bed for shelves. And in front of the bed there is a small work space.
Good idea with a two-piece convertible table. They can be folded into a narrow bar counter along the wall. Another option is to place it perpendicularly, aligning the long edges - you will get a wider table.

The stylistic solution in the form of light colors and light wood is one of the classic ones for small studios, close to the Scandinavian style. It may not seem too bold to some, but with such a combination it is difficult to miscalculate. It always looks fresh and not boring.

High ceilings in the house will become the main accent if they are played correctly. Bright colors, unusual textures, and the use of monograms are all options for paying attention to the surface. For brutal interiors, a beam ceiling load is suitable. Depending on the design, you can give the apartment a rustic or industrial pattern and adjust the proportions.

Coffered ceiling - the intersection of beams at right angles. This method is most successfully used for decorating high ceilings.

Walls play an important role in design. If any of them attract attention, it will highlight the correct design and distract from the excessive height of the ceiling. You can beat her like this:

contrasting colors;
ornaments with large motifs;
photo wallpaper;
textured finishing materials;
decorative panels;
simulated window openings;
mirror inserts.

The brightness of the wall surface can create interest and make imperfections in the room's geometry or design less noticeable.

Curtains for high ceilings

Classic textile window decoration with curtains is unacceptable for an apartment with high ceilings, as it elevates the room. To balance proportions, designers offer the following techniques:

Placing the cornice as low as possible relative to the window or opening level.
Finish the decoration with folds covering the top of the window.
Using Roman types of curtains.
Forming light folds at the bottom of the window using coffee curtains.
Make curtains according to the size of the opening itself.
Elimination of tissue, emphasis on opening.

Stylistic direction

It seems that when creating the design of a two-level apartment, you can give free rein to your imagination and decorate each room in a different style. But this is far from true because, moving from one room to another, a strong contrast will be felt, the apartment will seem less cozy and organized. It is best to erase the boundaries and equip the apartment in the same style. This will create a more orderly, effective and spacious environment. And you can make the interior of each individual room individual if you choose different decor, textiles and other details.

The main styles in modern interiors of two-level apartments:

minimalism;
high tech;
loft;
avant-garde, art deco;
Scandinavian.

Minimalism is the most popular trend in the design of two-story housing. This option uses a minimum of furniture and decor, which allows you to create a stylish, elegant interior in which order and comfort reign. The ultra-modern high-tech style, with clear, regular forms, without drawings or abstractions on the walls, has a similar design principle. In an industrial loft, brick and concrete surfaces, various beams, and rafters serve as thematic decor. Avant-garde and art deco are distinguished by their extraordinary settings, where many details differ from classical forms and break generally accepted stereotypes. Scandinavian style or constructivism successfully combines aesthetics and functionality in modern interiors. The best solution would be to stick to one color option in the main design. This will make your home feel more spacious and orderly.

In light colors

When predominantly light shades are used in decoration, it visually expands the space. Any dark detail against such a background will stand out greatly and play an accent role. This way you can play on contrast. For example, in a snow-white interior, a black staircase looks stylish and expensive, as do pieces of furniture of the same shade. And if you decorate the entire interior in soft, warm, pastel colors, the atmosphere will be bright, elegant, cozy and luxurious.

Mix of colors and textures

It is advisable to use a minimum number of different colors and textures in one space. This solution will allow you to avoid unwanted mistakes and create a harmonious interior.

The most successful combinations of various textures in the interior:

leather with wood;
smooth and textured surfaces;
wood with natural stone;
any surface with a mirror, glass, metal.

Leather upholstery goes well with wooden surfaces of floors and panels. If the room has plain walls, then you can highlight an accent area using relief surfaces, three-dimensional drawings, 3D panels, and textured plaster. Wooden elements combine perfectly with brickwork, natural stone or their imitation. The most win-win combination is the combination of smooth, glossy surfaces with embossed, textured, matte ones. Mirrors, glass, metal parts are appropriate in any interior, as are living indoor plants. If you want to design a room in one shade, then you can highlight functional areas using different textures. When combining several tones, it is worth choosing one dominant one and complementing it with other representatives of the palette. You should first familiarize yourself with color schemes, which will allow you to choose the most successful combinations that can be applied in practice.

Different designs

In a two-level home, the basic design principle is similar to the interior design of a studio apartment. Where it is necessary to adhere to a single style throughout the entire area. The main thing is to design the living room, dining room, hall, staircase in the same style, but in the bedroom, nursery, office, you can display the main direction only in some fragments and decorative details. It is allowed to use competent eclecticism, when several styles are mixed in one room. But there is no need to use a radically different design for each room, as the home will look disorganized and tasteless.

We are making a full second floor in the apartment

If your ceilings pass the "height test" and are great for creating a second floor, you will need to decide in which area you will build the second floor. Some people do this in just one room, others prefer to use all the available space. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. First of all, you need to think about where the staircase will be located, since it will occupy a certain place on the first floor.

If you want to make a second floor above your apartment, keep in mind that some of the furniture may not fit under it (cabinets over 2 meters) or look awkward (shelves under the ceiling). It is also important to know that low ceilings will change the perception of the rooms - the space will seem small, a little uncomfortable. But on the second floor you can create several rooms (it all depends on the area of the apartment) and place the necessary things.

The ability to add an extension directly above part of the apartment helps avoid the feeling of low ceilings. Designers recommend using it. This way you can increase the area of the room without losing the elegant appearance of the lower floor. But, unfortunately, the size of the apartment will not change as much as in the first case.

What materials are needed to create a second floor in an apartment?

To build a second floor, you need a solid foundation. That is why when planning it is necessary to take into account the walls to which the ceiling will be attached. They must be load-bearing, drywall and plasterboard are not materials that you can “rely on”.

Once you have made a plan and double-checked it carefully, you can start shopping. It is necessary to calculate the amount of materials needed.

Typically a piece of wood is used to create the second floor. It becomes the base, the frame, which is attached to the load-bearing walls. We recommend buying laminated veneer lumber, it is much easier to work with. The frame will be complemented by beams that guarantee the durability of your floor. And only on the rafters can you fasten the boards. The foundation for the floor is ready. The whole structure is quite heavy, to which is added the weight of the furniture and the inhabitants of the apartment. Check the fastening systems carefully.

Materials for the manufacture of two-story houses

Construction markets offer an abundance of materials for building a house: timber, foam concrete, brick, aerated concrete, wood. Frame construction is gaining increasing popularity due to the reduction in the final cost of construction and the speed of construction. The choice of building materials depends only on the budget of the owner of the future cottage and his wishes.

A frame two-story cottage is built the fastest

Wood is a time-tested material

This is a traditional building material with characteristics such as reliability, good heat retention, aesthetics and environmental friendliness. Wood retains heat indoors very well, and the building itself heats up the fastest. That is why houses for seasonal living are recommended to be built from wood.

Interior decoration can also be made of wood

If the house is built of wood, you can save on finishing. The inside of the building will be beautiful and cozy. For the construction of two-story structures, glued laminated timber, logs and solid timber are used.

Project of a house made of rounded timber

Frame technology

The only thing simpler than frame technology is erecting a tent. The advantages of frame construction include the freedom to distribute the internal layout of premises, and the operational features are almost identical to wood structures.

Fast construction of a frame house allows you to quickly move into a new home

Features of frame construction:

fairly low construction cost;
speed of work;
the house has less weight;
savings start from the foundation;
no need for shrinkage time;
no restrictions on the form of construction.

Log house (timber, log)

When choosing a material such as a smooth, massive frame, they take into account possible gaps in the building that will have to be caulked and finished, as well as six-month shrinkage. All this is due to a certain percentage of moisture content in the logs. They also use profiled timber with protrusions and depressions. Such locks allow you to build walls faster, and in the end there are much fewer cracks in them.

Glued laminated timber is made from dried boards, so there will be no deformation during drying. Interior finishing begins immediately after the installation of the log structure. The size of the logs is selected according to the wishes of the future owner. Common sizes: 100 by 150 mm, 150 by 200 mm and 200 by 200 mm.

The log house is a native Russian style of building, which has its own advantages: the house will stand for a long time and is highly durable. If the logs are very thick, then insulation of the walls is not required. Interior decoration is also optional; the log house inside already looks natural and beautiful.

House made of timber

A log house is always beautiful and luxurious inside and out

Brick houses: beautiful and elegant

The advantages of brick in construction are due to the ease of installation and the ability to form any structure. Bricklaying also has many options. Houses made from this material last a very long time (about a hundred years), which adds reliability to brick buildings.

The sound insulation of brick is higher than that of wood. Additional advantages of this environmentally friendly material include frost resistance, fire-resistant qualities and simple application technology. Even small house projects require some skill when working with bricks, so when building a two-story structure, they work with the project especially carefully.

Brick buildings look neat and interesting

Aerated concrete (foam concrete)

Aerated concrete is becoming more and more popular due to its qualities:

high level of thermal insulation and sound insulation;
if the location of the house allows it, then wall insulation is not needed;
aerated concrete is easy to process and lay;
This material is environmentally safe;
houses made of aerated concrete rarely experience dampness due to the good vapor permeability of the material.

IMPORTANT POINT!
Aerated concrete has a low level of fracture strength, so the first floor is reinforced with steel rods.

The disadvantages of the material are due to its good moisture absorption. To prevent problems of this kind, the walls are plastered and covered with waterproof paint. Aerated concrete is a porous material, which can cause cracks near door or window openings. Aerated concrete is intended for the construction of external walls, and foam concrete is intended for internal partitions.

A house made of aerated concrete is built faster due to the size of the blocks

The process of laying aerated concrete blocks

Lightweight metal frame

The metal frame consists of vertical posts, rafters, horizontal crossbars and some other elements connected by bolts. With such designs, insulation is used for the walls, and the metal profile is coated with an anti-corrosion compound. The advantages include a short construction period (up to 9 weeks), known in advance, often low weight of the structure, ease of transportation and assembly. An undoubted advantage will be the cleanliness of the construction site and the absence of solutions. With the help of a metal frame, houses are built in any season.

Despite all the advantages of a lightweight metal frame, you need to take into account the high cost of such construction

How to make a second floor in a room? Ventilation and light

These parameters are very important if you plan to equip a bed or workspace on the second level. As you know, warm air always accumulates under the ceiling (especially during the heating season). If you don't think about ventilation, sleeping in a stuffy atmosphere will be simply unbearable.

Ideally, the second tier will be equipped near the ventilation grille. If this is not possible, you need to contact professionals who will combine the second level with a ventilation system using hoses and a fan.

When it comes to lighting, there are two options. If the second level is supposed to be equipped with a pier, then lanterns are perfect as light sources. If the workplace is equipped, it is advisable to have access to natural light. This can be achieved by creating a second level near the window. If this is not possible, then several lamps with diffused and directional light will help bring the lighting as close as possible to natural.

Features of a two-story house with a garage

The location of the garage combined with the house has its own characteristics:

the convenience of visiting the garage without having to go outside;
the same exterior as the residential building is used, which is perceived as a single architectural solution;
The roof of the garage can be used as a second floor terrace.

It is not recommended to have a garage facing the bedrooms.

Terrace instead of garage roof

Two-story cottage with garage

Design stage

The second-level superstructure allows you to expand the living space without increasing the number of floors of the building, without requiring large investments. The mezzanine floor project is compiled taking into account the following criteria:

technical condition of load-bearing structures;
reliability of containment elements;
design workloads.

Adding a “below the ceiling” level requires not only drawing up a detailed plan, but also obtaining permits, as well as coordinating the work with government agencies. For residential premises, where the load is usually low, a metal structure with a wooden floor is considered optimal. Design elements:

supports;
beams;
ladder;
a balustrade is an indispensable element, especially when there are children in the house and for a mezzanine where they can stand at full height;
flooring.

Advice! A staircase with a step height and depth of 16 cm and 26 cm, respectively, is considered comfortable. Since we are talking about organizing a living and functional space, it is necessary to provide sufficient lighting and a ventilation system. The ceiling is the stuffiest space, so it is convenient to place it on the second level of the apartment if there is good ventilation there. Experts recommend installing the second floor next to the ventilation duct. If you plan to use the mezzanine as an office, you will need natural light, so the best place is near a window. Another important criterion is the ceiling height; A space where the ceiling is 15-20 cm above your head is considered comfortable.

What is panoramic glazing

Panoramic windows are those that occupy a large area and, as a rule, occupy the entire space from floor to ceiling in height. This type of glazing requires precise calculations and a well-thought-out design solution. Large windows mean a large window flight, which means you need a powerful beam that will serve as support for the roof and walls of the second or third floor (if there are any).

House with panoramic windows: inside view

Standard solutions when designing houses with large windows are practically inapplicable, since each case is unique and requires its own solution. Each house with panoramic glazing is an individual project, and it costs a lot of money.

Even an otherwise ordinary house with panoramic windows looks more interesting

If it is not possible to order an individual project, you may be able to find a ready-made one that generally suits you. It is better to use it entirely, without major changes. Only adjustments can be made where the supporting structure is not affected. You can only change the position of non-load-bearing partitions. It is not advisable to even touch the position of doors and windows in load-bearing structures without recalculation - the aftereffects can be unpredictable.

House floor planning rules

When developing the layout of two-story houses and cottages, the needs of all family members are taken into account. This allows not only to make the building comfortable for living, but also to take into account the operational load on the floors and foundation. In addition to the general concept, a plan for each floor is developed. The development plan is drawn up in advance

Correct layout of the first floor

When developing a small house project, special attention is paid to the correct layout. As a rule, on the ground floor there are rooms for various purposes, some of which are the same for all buildings

Most often they have:

Living room where guests will be received;
Kitchen;
Guest bathroom;
Entrance or corridor;
Boiler room or boiler room.

The ground floor plan is designed to suit the needs of a specific family

In addition to the listed rooms, subject to availability, the following can be provided on the ground floor:

Cabinet;
Dining room;
A guest room.

If space allows, the number of rooms can be increased

Villa and villa plans posted free of charge indicate the possibility of including a garage in the ground floor plan. It should include a separate entrance and the ability to enter the house. For the plan to be successful, long and narrow corridors must be avoided. This can be achieved by combining several rooms. Proper zoning will help separate one room from another.

Garage and terrace are located on the ground floor

Correct layout of the second floor

In classic house designs, the 2nd floor is a recreation area for the whole family. It is customary to enter here:

Bedrooms;
Locker room;
Bathrooms with bath or shower;
Children's bedrooms.

Second floor – family recreation area

If the area of the house allows, on the second floor you can delimit a room that will be used for family recreation. This is a kind of analogue of a living room, intended exclusively for people living in the house.

The size and number of rooms depend on the area of the building

Additional bedrooms may be available subject to availability

Rules for combining several rooms

If the house area is small, you can combine separate rooms by removing some partitions. This studio layout allows you to maximize free space. Most often, on the ground floor, the kitchen, living room and hall are combined into a single whole with the obligatory assignment of the corresponding zones. The arrangement of the island is provided for the kitchen. A bar counter with this option is required. Its shape depends on the shape of the room. The most popular are triangular, semicircular, and U-shaped designs, but if desired, you can create an arbitrary system according to an individual sketch.

Possibility of combining rooms on the ground floor

The combination of several rooms allows you to exit from the corridors. From any point of the combined space you can get into the office or bathroom. If the area of the room is large enough, the idea of combining several rooms on the ground floor should be abandoned. In this case, the installation of internal partitions will be appropriate, based on the purpose of the room.

Kitchen, dining room and living room in one space

Advantages of two-story houses

Consider the advantages that a two-story house offers:

Any territory will never be hampered by extra square meters, which can be used at your discretion. Especially if the plot itself is small, then the surrounding area is in great demand. The second floor frees up space in the area around the house for a summer kitchen with a veranda, a children's playground, and a cozy garden;
the second floor rises somewhat above the surrounding space, so the design of the building’s exterior becomes even more interesting and relevant;
the two-story structure seems designed for balconies, which can be decorated with forged metal elements that combine perfectly with brick, wood or glass. On such a balcony it is convenient to arrange a small observatory with a telescope for observing the night sky. And if you make balconies on two sides of the house, then on one it will be convenient to see off the sunset with a cup of hot tea, and on the other to watch the sunrise;
the second floor allows you to more conveniently arrange rooms, adding those that would have to be saved on in a one-story building.

Balconies are a special advantage of two-story buildings. Interesting project with a wide balcony

How to make a staircase to the second floor in an apartment

Choosing a staircase to the second floor of an apartment is not an easy task. You will have to choose between comfort and free space. A ramp staircase is considered the most comfortable way to move between floors. It has handrails; even elderly or sick people can climb it. However, it takes up a lot of space; for example, such a staircase is not suitable for small studio apartments (the space that you get on the second floor will be occupied by the staircase to the first).

A spiral staircase is an excellent compromise between space and comfort. Climbing these steps is easy, and the stairs take up much less space. The only drawback is the rise time, which increases significantly, and the danger for children and the elderly. The fact is that the steps of such a staircase have different depths in different places, so it is easy to trip and fall on it.

The cheapest and, perhaps, the most inconvenient way is an attached “attic” staircase. It can only be used in apartments where only young and healthy people live. However, if you are making a second floor only in the nursery, such a staircase will be an excellent “simulator” for children.

Do not forget about the restrictions, as the risk of falling from the second floor is very high. The railings on the second floor can be made absolutely anything, it is important that they are high enough.

who lives on the roof

Of course, there are many ways to build a two-story palace, and you don’t have to move out of town to do this. If all the stars have aligned for you, and you are the happy owner of an apartment on the top floor in a house with an attic, you can make an effort and build a real second floor. In this case, the increase in the living space of your apartment will occur due to the technical room or attic.

There are a lot of advantages to creating a full second floor. Of course, the most important thing is to increase living space. The more square meters, the more space for each family member. In turn, there will be fewer quarrels and conflicts - because now you won’t have to share the TV remote control, and you can wait out a bad mood in your room. In addition, when selling, the cost of such an apartment will be significantly higher, as will the uniqueness of your offer on the market.

The disadvantages in this case are significant, but in general they are relative. These are obvious costs for the subsequent payment of apartment bills, an increase in property taxes and the continued maintenance of housing. The more square meters, the more it costs you. And if you sell an apartment, you will have to look for someone who will be able to afford the purchase.

In addition, you will have to tinker a lot with papers. Definitely, in order to legitimize such a layout and appropriate part of the total area, it will be necessary to obtain the consent of absolutely all owners of apartments in a residential building. The fact is that common property (attics and technical floors as well) belongs to all owners on the right of common shared ownership. Accordingly, you are required to ask permission to use the attic from each apartment owner in your building.

And, of course, for such an apartment you will definitely have to obtain a conclusion on the compliance of the redevelopment with the requirements of the law, make changes to the documentation and legitimize all actions.

What are apartments with a second floor?

In the Middle Ages, land was very expensive and families were large. It was then that the need arose to functionally use every square meter of living space. Houses began to go up. Today, two-story apartments are an indicator of wealth, but in those days even simple craftsmen lived in such houses. The dining room with kitchen was located on the ground floor, while the upper floors were intended for bedrooms and bedrooms.

One of the two-level housing options is called a residence. Today, a two-story apartment is no less popular, especially in metropolitan areas with high population density. With this design solution, the room can be easily zoned. A two-level studio apartment allows you to increase usable space in a small area.

Tools and materials

Bed made of solid pine The finished bed will be made of natural material: wood, which has proven its practicality and quality over the centuries.
Pine is ideal for this. First of all, you need to prepare all the necessary components with which you will work. So, you need to buy: pine timber 40 × 60 mm for stairs; Pine beams 50 × 100 mm for racks and mattress frame; pine board 20 × 100 mm, 20 × 150 mm and 20 × 150 mm for spacers and sides.

While you shouldn’t be tied to a specific length of boards, first you need to look at what parts are needed, calculate their total length and purchase the material.

In addition, one cannot do without skillful hands, thanks to which such a project can be carried out.

Please note that making a bunk bed from a simple pine board is much more difficult than, for example, from laminated chipboard. This will require certain skills in edge processing and gluing sections of chipboard.

So if you are a beginner, use tabs.

Plywood In addition, to make the base on which the mattress will rest, you need to purchase:

a sheet of plywood 9 mm thick or a set of slats with side supports;
self-tapping screws, screws, screws and angles;
vinyl glue and sandpaper;
thermal tape or plastic edge;
decorative washer caps.

Before you start making the bed, all wood that will be used should be left in the house for a week. Your material then adapts to the environment and reaches the same temperature and humidity as the room where the finished bed will be installed. Thanks to this, all elements are not deformed after completion of the work.

The wood, which will be the basis of the entire frame, must be well processed

It is important to work with the right material, ideally even, smooth and without various defects. If your material is handmade, inexpensive and unprocessed, you will have to process it yourself, which will require a well-equipped workshop

Since not everyone knows how to do this and has the necessary tools, it is better to immediately buy ready-made boards that just need to be cut. However, their cost will be higher.

Pine board

Construction of an additional floor: choice of technology

After the project has been prepared, you can proceed directly to the technology for constructing the upper floor. Experts distinguish several types of it:

masonry;
use of reinforced concrete structures (in particular, polystyrene concrete);
use of wood (timber);
use of frame-panel technology;
use of prefabricated structures.

Each of these technologies has its drawbacks. For example, construction from brick or reinforced concrete is possible only after preliminary strengthening of the walls and foundation of the building. In the best case, you can use the frame method to unload the old foundation by erecting additional supports and a new foundation around the perimeter of the house. At the same time, using wood will mean that you will have to wait at least one year for finishing. The most popular technology recently has become the construction of a frame second floor. This is the best option for a small country house or cottage, which does not require too much financial investment. In addition, such panels are lightweight and in some cases reinforcement is not required at all.

Frame structure of the second floor of a wooden house

The main advantages of this technology are:

light weight;
lower cost of materials compared to other technologies;
possibility of construction regardless of weather conditions;
fire safety.

If you choose based on convenience and practicality, then it is worth noting glued structures of a curved type, which are attached to each other in a hinged way. However, in the construction of private houses they are used extremely rarely due to the fact that the price of such elements is very high.

Frame houses are fast, reliable, profitable and environmentally friendly

General procedure for working with frame panels

The frame method is most often used in domestic construction. The main elements are panels, which you can buy ready-made or build yourself. To make a panel with your own hands, you will need only three basic materials

wooden beams that will serve as clamps and also hold the shape of the panels;
chipboard sheets with which the panels themselves will be covered;
thermal insulation material 1.5-1.6 cm thick (the most common option is mineral wool or polystyrene foam).

In general, the process goes like this: wooden beams are used to build the frame. After it is securely fixed, a sheet of chipboard is attached to the outside. Then, insulation is placed inside and covered with a second sheet of chipboard.

Forming the frame of a wooden house

Step-by-step detailed instructions have the following steps:

you need to “part with” the roof of the house: it is dismantled first. The roof is completely removed, rafters and beams are removed.
Using a winch or small crane, the panels and beams are lifted onto the construction site.
The end walls are installed and fastened together with longitudinal elements. Additionally, to ensure greater structural strength, vertical elements are used.
The rafters are attached to the longitudinal elements.
In areas where window openings are designed, vertical beams are fixed.
The end cladding of the walls is made from chipboard and thermal insulation material.
Lathing is installed on the roof frame. The roof pie is being laid.
The final stage is the installation of the floor, installation of windows, finishing of the walls (wallpapering, painting, etc.), arrangement of the ceiling.

Thus, the construction process is not too complicated. It is quite possible to implement it yourself with several helpers.

A frame house is a complex engineering structure in which there are no details and everything is subordinated to achieving the main goal - high quality of the house

Finishing the second floor in the apartment

To make your second floor look not like a separate apartment, but like part of it, you need to create a unified design. The second floor can be finished in the same style as the first, or the entire apartment can be completely renovated. Try using light colors for ceilings and walls to eliminate the "low ceiling" feeling. Consider lighting on both the second and first floors (in the part where the superstructure is located). Ventilation deserves special attention. It will always be hotter on the second floor than on the first floor. Consider the correct location of the air conditioner so that it does not blow directly on the bed or sofa, but cools the apartment.

SECOND TIER IS CONVENIENT!

The second tier in the room is made according to individual needs and sizes to make it as comfortable as possible for your family. Everything will be taken into account - the number and location of windows and doors, the height of ceilings and doors, the height of furniture and proper arrangement in areas of the living space, taking into account your wishes.

For example, stairs. It is clear that in the room of an elderly overweight lady it will be completely different compared to the stairs that will be used by a thin young student.

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Device under the ceiling of a berth

A modern studio apartment or the first floor of a private house is increasingly becoming a spacious room in which you need to organize a living room, kitchen, dining room, but there is no space to organize a separate room or bedroom. If the ceiling height allows, it would be a mistake not to try to make an upper level and place a sleeping place there. Since most of the time it will take place in a horizontal position, low ceilings, a wide slope, and a distant distance from the windows are not a significant obstacle.

If there is free space next to or in the back of the bedroom, it is quite logical to place wardrobes or other large storage systems and equip a play area. For this reason, the equipment in the bedroom is very attractive, so the child will have a private corner where he can do his business away from the rest of the family.

Even if the space is very small and has asymmetrical shapes, it is enough to install a bed or a high mattress. And then, despite the low walls and ceiling, a sitting or lying child will be quite comfortable.

Design features

Multi-level apartments have a number of structural systems, which allows you to create an exclusive environment and emphasize individuality. For example, one large window, the size of the entire height of two tiers, will make the space very bright and will look impressive and luxurious. In an apartment located on the top floor, you can create an attic space that will serve as an office, library or room for relaxation and privacy. In the case where the upper level is made of a mezzanine tier, the height of the lower floor can reach more than four meters. This makes it possible to use various decorative beams, large objects, large paintings, voluminous chandeliers to decorate the ceiling, which will not look bulky and will favorably emphasize the individuality of the design. Any design feature of a two-story apartment can be turned into a unique advantage of the layout if you use imagination and creative thinking. To find inspiration, you should look through successful design projects of multi-level modern homes in order to get interesting ideas and translate them into reality.

How to provide access to light on the mezzanine?

There can be two lighting options: daylight or artificial light. It all depends on the functional purpose. If only the sleeping area is on the second level, daylight is not needed. But for an office or library it is necessary to provide good natural lighting. This may require changing the wall structure, breaking through a window opening, or installing a light tunnel.

There must be artificial light on mezzanines. This is solved by conducting electricity and selecting lamps that are placed inside.

Staircase - a functional element of the interior

Main types of structures:

March. Economical, easy to install. Systems consist of gears. The design makes the staircase very comfortable. Closed flights of stairs are often mounted on a load-bearing wall. Wood or metal is used for manufacturing.

Life. The best option for interior decoration. Easy to use, beautiful, economical. Spiral staircases can be square, octagonal or round in shape. When designing, it is very important to make correct calculations.

Attention! The staircase can be made without railings. The main condition is that it must be mounted close to the wall.

Forged. A staircase made of artistic forging will look stylish in an interior decorated in any style.

Bolted on. A distinctive feature is the absence of a frame. Screwed to the railing. It is durable, stable and ergonomic. The design takes up little space and seems lightweight.

Regardless of the chosen design, making the interior of a two-level apartment beautiful is quite simple. The main thing is not to be afraid to implement the most non-standard design solutions. A two-level apartment is ideal for creating your own space in a small area.

Beautiful options

Modern fasteners and materials make it possible to create all kinds of hanging devices. The bed and ladder, which do not touch the floor, create a light effect. And the unusual coating makes you want to touch it.

A small two-level apartment, decorated in a modern style, is an example of how you can compactly place all the necessary things in a relatively small area.

It is small-sized apartments with carefully selected details, neutral wood colors and textile upholstery that are more comfortable and allow you to relax as much as possible after a working day.

For spacious apartments (from 80 to 100 sq. m), the classic style is more suitable. A variety of decorative furniture details, carved wood, forged metal balustrades, and gilded trim will create an atmosphere of luxury.

To create a complete image of an apartment, proper lighting is necessary. In addition, it acts as another zoning tool. By turning off the lighting on one of the levels, you can visually narrow the space. In addition to local lighting, general background lighting is necessary; it must be taken into account when creating a project.

The two-stage system is well suited for the attic. In addition, some apartments have a technical floor or attic space attached to them.

A staircase of an unusual shape will become the central object of the interior of any room. The slide will make the descent faster and will become a real adventure for children and adults.

For a design option for a two-level apartment in a modern style, see the following video.