Case studies

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Project Description

This two-story apartment is located in the suburban area of Zugló, designed based on an interesting concept. Upon entering from the corridor, one arrives in the private zone, housing three bedrooms and a bathroom, while the communal spaces are located in the attic. It's not typically fortunate to guide guests through the apartment and up a staircase to the living room, but the unusual solution is likely explained by the large terrace associated with the apartment.

Inclined Surfaces

Furnishing an attic is always a complex task, as the flatter the ceiling angle, the less usable space is available. Moreover, columns, chimneys, and beams often pose challenges, located inconveniently. However, the fascinating sight of structural elements meeting in various planes compensates for the difficulties.

Challenging Circumstances

In this case, the space to be furnished is only about 36 square meters, which is not much for three functions in an attic. Additionally, there are two pillars, and next to the staircase, there is a concrete ceiling, 30 cm above the floor level, which may seem inexplicable to a layman but is undoubtedly necessary from a structural standpoint. According to the architect's plan, this is an unused space, but something must be done with it.

Placement of Functions

Unfortunately, there is not much flexibility in the layout, as the kitchen is best installed next to a vertical wall. The only suitable space is next to the pantry, but here, the presence of a pillar and the large window facing the terrace complicate matters. However, this window is one of the biggest positives from another perspective. This is where the dining area can be placed, and the remaining space will become the living room.
 

Turn it to Our Advantage

At first glance, this area seems unsuitable for much, raising many questions. Where to place the sofa, the TV, and what should be the fate of the 'concrete nook'? After much deliberation, it turns out that this distracting factor will be the key to the solution. It could be storage, but that would take up a lot of the already small space. Therefore, let it be part of the lounge! This idea immediately puts everything in place and answers the posed questions. Since the triangular nook is too deep, we reduce it with a plasterboard wall and cover it with wood. On top of this, a thick seat cushion made by an upholsterer, a backrest, lots of pillows, and the sofa is ready. Bookshelves are placed on both sides, and another comfortable sofa forms an L-shape under the window. This way, the TV's location is also determined, in front of the concrete railing of the stairs. The dark color of the staircase walls and the wooden slats in front of the railing make this area visually appealing.

The Favorite Island

 The kitchen island is very popular, and many people want one even when it's not justified. In this situation, however, due to the openings, this solution is necessary for the kitchen to be functional. For technical reasons, the wet block remains near the pantry wall, the built-in fridge next to the pillar, and the cooktop is placed in the island. Cabinets, 60 cm from the kitchen side and 40 cm from the dining side, assist in storage. The high-performance extractor hood can be vented to the outside in the false ceiling.

(Read the original article in Nők Lapja 41.)

 

 

 

 

Andrea Sallak