Hello dear house building enthusiasts,
I would like to convert the attic (2nd floor) of an older building (built in 1974). When the house was constructed in the 1970s, the builder already planned a floor layout for the attic, knowing that it would be converted a few years after completion.
Unfortunately, life got in the way and it was never converted. For the past 45 years, it has been used as a “luxury storage attic.” As you can see from the two floor plans, there is a balcony, several skylights, and also regular windows. I have attached the current state (Ist-Stand_2018.jpg). As you can see, no walls have been built yet.
I reconstructed the originally planned layout (see attachment “Ursprünglicher_Grundriss.jpg”) from the old documents and redrawn it. Unfortunately, I am unsatisfied with this layout for the following reasons:
I have already put a lot of thought into this but haven’t found a satisfactory solution. I have attached one of my drafts (Grundriss_Neuentwurf.jpg). In this version, I like the placement of the kitchen, dining area, and bathroom very much, but I have the following issues:
In general, I have a question:
The apartment measures 107 m² (1150 sq ft) calculated according to living space regulations. Is it common for a size like this to accommodate 2 children’s bedrooms plus 1 master bedroom, or is it more usual nowadays to have 1 child’s bedroom and 1 master bedroom?
Since the apartment is not intended for me, I have no personal preferences.
Thank you in advance for any help and ideas!
Best regards,
Flasher
I would like to convert the attic (2nd floor) of an older building (built in 1974). When the house was constructed in the 1970s, the builder already planned a floor layout for the attic, knowing that it would be converted a few years after completion.
Unfortunately, life got in the way and it was never converted. For the past 45 years, it has been used as a “luxury storage attic.” As you can see from the two floor plans, there is a balcony, several skylights, and also regular windows. I have attached the current state (Ist-Stand_2018.jpg). As you can see, no walls have been built yet.
I reconstructed the originally planned layout (see attachment “Ursprünglicher_Grundriss.jpg”) from the old documents and redrawn it. Unfortunately, I am unsatisfied with this layout for the following reasons:
- The kitchen was also meant to serve as a dining area (typical open kitchen). Due to the kitchen’s position under the sloped roof, it is undersized. It was intended to place a table for 3 people in the kitchen.
- A child’s room can only be accessed via the common staircase, not through the apartment itself. That is a no-go for me.
- I would have liked a combined living and dining area.
I have already put a lot of thought into this but haven’t found a satisfactory solution. I have attached one of my drafts (Grundriss_Neuentwurf.jpg). In this version, I like the placement of the kitchen, dining area, and bathroom very much, but I have the following issues:
- I can’t find a satisfactory way to place the sofa.
- I would have liked to use the entire width of the balcony for the living room. Now, I placed a bedroom in half of the balcony space and would even have to remove the door-window combination to the balcony.
In general, I have a question:
The apartment measures 107 m² (1150 sq ft) calculated according to living space regulations. Is it common for a size like this to accommodate 2 children’s bedrooms plus 1 master bedroom, or is it more usual nowadays to have 1 child’s bedroom and 1 master bedroom?
Since the apartment is not intended for me, I have no personal preferences.
Thank you in advance for any help and ideas!
Best regards,
Flasher
ypg schrieb:
Living spaces require a second emergency exit (through a window). This is not provided by double casement windows. But there is a balcony in the living room. Isn't that sufficient?
Hello everyone!
I have now updated my sketch with more detailed measurements of the walls, windows, elevation lines, and roof slopes. Additionally, I have marked all four cardinal directions.
@ypg:
Screed:
You’re right, the screed and ceiling need to be constructed as well. I would estimate at least 20cm (8 inches) of “height loss,” okay?
Roof pitch:
I’ve indicated this on the sketch: 29.2 degrees
Living area
No, I left out the balcony. It has about 12.5m² (135 sq ft). But you’re also correct here—I didn’t subtract the walls when calculating the living area. Personally, I prefer to create a nice apartment rather than squeezing out the last square meter at the expense of attractiveness.
Dormers:
I had the idea of dormers about six months ago but was unsure about the potential costs and whether the structural calculations would allow for a dormer. Certainly, a very valuable point that would enhance the living space.
Best regards,
Flasher
I have now updated my sketch with more detailed measurements of the walls, windows, elevation lines, and roof slopes. Additionally, I have marked all four cardinal directions.
@ypg:
You’re right, the screed and ceiling need to be constructed as well. I would estimate at least 20cm (8 inches) of “height loss,” okay?
I’ve indicated this on the sketch: 29.2 degrees
No, I left out the balcony. It has about 12.5m² (135 sq ft). But you’re also correct here—I didn’t subtract the walls when calculating the living area. Personally, I prefer to create a nice apartment rather than squeezing out the last square meter at the expense of attractiveness.
I had the idea of dormers about six months ago but was unsure about the potential costs and whether the structural calculations would allow for a dormer. Certainly, a very valuable point that would enhance the living space.
Best regards,
Flasher
kaho674 schrieb:
The balcony is in the living room. Isn't that enough? I am a complete layperson on this topic, but the balcony faces the street. That means I could imagine it being accepted as a second emergency escape. Firefighters could easily access the balcony using a ladder.
Regarding dormers, I would recommend consulting a structural engineer. To my knowledge, the size of all dormers (or the single dormer on one side) should not exceed one-third of the total length of the roof surface. This is already a limitation. Among people I know who have added dormers later, no structural issues have occurred.
You should, of course, be aware that such a modification will significantly affect the exterior appearance. And you need to consider whether that is what you want.
The ridge line confuses me. Is the ridge offset?
You should, of course, be aware that such a modification will significantly affect the exterior appearance. And you need to consider whether that is what you want.
The ridge line confuses me. Is the ridge offset?
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