There are several options for using attic space. First of all, this is an attic room, located under the very slope of the roof, as well as an additional extension to the attic - a mezzanine. This is a separate structure on the roof of the building, which usually has three windows and a separate roof. The fronton of the mezzanine in old Russian houses was usually decorated with wooden carvings, identical to the decoration of window frames on the facade of the building.
What it is?
The meaning of the word "mezzanine" in translation from Italian is "average" or "centrally located." In Italy, the name of the extension came from France as a derivative of the word "house". Sometimes people get confused in the name of the topmost room in the house and the mezzanine is called the attic. The fundamental difference between them is that the attic is equipped in the attic under the common roof of the building, and the mezzanine is a small bright little room, which is not under a common roof, but has its own roof and walls.
Design Features
The location of the mezzanine in the center of the roof allows you to increase the amount of usable area in the building. The height of the side vertical walls in the classic version is almost always equal to 150 cm. The extension ridge, as a rule, is raised to a height of 240 cm. Such a steep roof slope allows snow to be removed in time in winter, without accumulating.
If the designer conceived a different form of the mezzanine, then, accordingly, the configuration of the roof also changes. There are many constructive options for overlapping roofs in houses with a mezzanine: from simple gable to multi-tiered fantasy ones.
Regardless of the shape, the mezzanine is that part of the building that can be equipped not only with the newly erected building. Very often, owners of private houses make such an extension already on fairly old buildings. In new private cottages this additional area is organized due to the specific location of the rafters and often gable and single-pitch roofs are combined.
Main characteristics
The main advantage of the classic mezzanine over the attic is that the interior receives much more natural light. Windows in such extensions can be enlarged by an additional glazed extension above the opening. Not only the aesthetic qualities of window openings are increased, but also the level of lighting.
Also, modern architects during the construction of such structures use the opportunity to create additional lighting, without making any overlap between the mezzanine and the lower floor room. This allows you to increase the volume of the lower room and create dynamics at different levels.
Very often, such add-ons adorn the external or internal balcony. The mezzanine is a good place to place any purpose. In such an annex there may well be a bedroom, a nursery or a library. Any decision will be appropriate, the main thing is that there is light and fresh air. We should not forget that the meaning of the word "mezzanine" refers to the French words "house", "home". And this means coziness, comfort and home warmth.
Color and interior styles
For the proper design of the room should take care of the maximum preservation of natural light. It is better to arrange the furniture so that it does not create obstacles to sunlight. Wallpaper or wall decoration is also recommended in light colors. Designers are advised to maintain furniture and wall decoration in the same style and soft colors. The mezzanine is a place to relax, so do not clutter it with various trash.
The stylish interior will allow you to use the space for pleasure and joy of the whole family. If you want to retire in this room, you can organize a separate office. The mezzanine (superstructure) is not just an additional place, but also a kind of refinement in the architectural appearance of the building.
Mention in art
Many writers, poets and artists describe the romanticism of this room. For example, the American artist John O'Brien depicts attics and mezzanines on many of his canvases. And no wonder, because in these houses you want to live forever. And the English writer Lucy Maud Montgomery from Clifton presented the world with a magnificent series of works for children about the adventures of the girl Ani, which mention green mezzanines. Russian writers also did not ignore this beautiful and airy extension to the house. For example, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov in his work “House with a Mezzanine” very well and figuratively describes the whole romance of this room.
The main charm of such a building is the atmosphere of home comfort, silence, comfort and a lot of light. The mezzanine construction practically does not create an additional load on the foundation of the building, therefore, to give the private house a special chic and elegance, it is quite possible to recommend its construction. Knowing what a mezzanine is, what a useful and elegant building it is, you probably will not be afraid of the difficulties associated with construction and additional costs. All efforts will be rewarded with interest!
Tiered racks
Tiers in warehouses are also called mezzanines. There is no romance here, so you should limit yourself to a description of only some of the features of such metal structures. With a significant height of the ceilings in warehouses, several levels are created for storing goods. Such tiers are connected by stairs and passages.
At the same time, the entire volume of the room is rationally used and the equipment pays off pretty quickly. The quick assembly of such metal mezzanines is based on the combination of ready-made standard elements for fastening metal racks and flooring. Particular attention is paid to the strength and stability of the entire structure, since the load on the tiers can be increased. Fastening, as a rule, occurs with the help of bolts through the mounting holes. Depending on the height of the room and the purposes of its use, the design section of beams and supports is also adopted.