Usually, when we think of creating more space in a building, the first thing that comes in the mind is building more if there is space. But that has since changed as Classic Mouldings has an alternative to make and achieve that extra functional space by turning the Attic into a livable space. Known for the most artistic interior design and decorations since 1991, the firm has also ventured into roof technology providing affordable and practical solutions for more efficient buildings with the latest accessories to upgrade the roof space.
The attic is the easiest space in a house to transform into a beautiful and amazing livable space filled with daylight and fresh air for whatever purposes. From it, you have the best panoramic view of the vicinity. It can be a study room, a gym, a children’s playroom, a bedroom etc. depending on your needs. It is also arguably, the most private room in the house.While most homeowners use the attic for storage of water tanks due to the entanglement of pipes and the supporting roof structure, you can factor in a more purposeful room in this space with proper planning at the design stage of a building or even much later in an existing building.
Most houses have an attic which can be converted into a livable space. However, it is conditional that the roof must be pitched at a high angle as flat roofs are not buildable. Ideally, the roof space from the attic floor to the pitch should be at least 2.3 m high hence the sharper the angle the better. Low angle roofs compared to high pitch roofs also are more likely to cause rain penetration. It is advisable that you avoid support in the roof space as much as possible to achieve a beautiful attic. Instead of trusses, you should use rafters and try to avoid columns in the middle. To reconstruct an attic space in an existing building, you need a permit letter and a renovation license from the county office.
The preferred roofing material should roof tiles as this allows ventilation and airflow between the tiles. The underlay material beneath the roofing tiles should be a breathable roofing membrane to allow the roofing material to breath, and also to extract humidity from the roof and the house.
Design
When planning to design or re-create your attic, it is important to note that specific design features are essential for the most conducive living environment. Among other features, roof windows are the most basic for ventilation and also because, they provide the best quality of light for the room.
Some houses in Kenya have dormers widows which are vertically fitted. However with the attic space, it is easier to flood in the room with direct sunlight using the roof windows. Just as the name suggests, the roof windows are fitted on the roof itself, in a slanted position.
Classic Mouldings roof windows from the renowned FAKRO come in different sizes depending on the client’s needs. Conditions that determine the choice of optimum roof window type include roof pitch, height of the window installation, attic wall height and the general height of the room. The major designs of FAKRO windows include the top hung, the side hung and pivot windows whose accessories such as the blinds and shutters combine functionality and appeal.
FAKRO roof windows come with toughened glass as standard and double glazed to maintain the required room temperature even in extreme weather conditions. These windows can be automated; fitted with sensors such that if you leave the window open and it begins to rain, it shuts itself. They also have automatic air vents which allow for controlled air circulation. Activated by air pressure, variation between the inside and the outside of the room, the vent will ensure that the individual room temperatures are balanced with the optimum level of fresh air. With up to 35 % of heat lost through traditional means of room ventilation, this technology is a huge contribution to energy saving.
Roof windows also come with a variety of flashing to suit any type of roofing materials or shingles. Flashings are essential for the correct installation of the roof windows because it seals around to avoid any water penetration. Precisely designed, they ensure a durable and neat fit with the roofing material used. The purpose of the flashing is to ensure good drainage away from the window and provide protection.
It is interesting to note that the roof windows are also designed with a secure 360 degrees movement which allows for great views of the outdoors, visually enlarging the attic space.
The other key design feature is access to the attic room. If the attic is prepared for human use at the design stage, the architect usually provides for a stairway. If the attic is recreated in an existing building, a ladder can be installed, foldable or spiral, leading to the attic.
Process
When doing an Attic Conversion, you should highly consider insulating the roof tiles usually done using glasswool which is lined in between the roof truss all round. The sealing of the walls can be done with gypsum or plaster boards which can then be painted with decorative paints to give it a perfect finish.
Conversion of the Attic/ Roof space into a livable space is becoming an extremely popular concept in Kenya every day. More architects and developers desire and plan to incorporate Roof windows in the Attic spaces as part of a livable area in the house in their design. Conversion of Attics maximizes on the space and increases the resale value of the property. Nearly most house owners whose Attics spaces have been converted into livable space say, “We could never have expected such an added value to our house.”
Visit Classic Mouldings at their Nairobi showroom, tell their team of professionals what you have in mind – and they’ll make it happen.
Classic Mouldings, Kellico Complex, Mombasa Road, Nairobi – secure parking, great ideas, informed staff, professional backup. For further information: info@classic-mouldings.com
Tel; + 254 (0) 02 2585596/ 3519526 or 0721 123 123,
