Could I Build a Mezzanine in My House?
Inserting another level can transform a living space. Follow this expert advice on how to build one in your home
If you’re planning, or already have, a double-height extension or a room with unused roof space above it, then a mezzanine level – think home office, den or extra bedroom – could be a smart way to make the most of it while still enjoying the benefits of an airy room with a high ceiling.
Here, three building and architecture experts share their knowledge on which kinds of spaces are suitable and how best to plan the project.
Professional advice from: James Hood of Model Projects; Michael Schienke of Vorbild Architecture; Stephen Fletcher of Stephen Fletcher Architects
Here, three building and architecture experts share their knowledge on which kinds of spaces are suitable and how best to plan the project.
Professional advice from: James Hood of Model Projects; Michael Schienke of Vorbild Architecture; Stephen Fletcher of Stephen Fletcher Architects
Consider what lies beneath
A mezzanine normally works best above a living area that doesn’t require a high ceiling or much daylight, such as a kitchen or bathroom, according to Stephen Fletcher. “Then the upper area should be something like an occasional bedroom, study or library,” he says.
“Mezzanines also work best when they only occupy one part of a grand space, so a double-height element remains and dominates,” he adds.
“When designing the structural calculations for the mezzanine level, it’s important to consider what the space will be used for,” James says. “Elements such as a large piano or bookshelf might need an increase in beam size. If the mezzanine is to cantilever out of a wall, then the structural design is critical from the start of the design process.”
A mezzanine normally works best above a living area that doesn’t require a high ceiling or much daylight, such as a kitchen or bathroom, according to Stephen Fletcher. “Then the upper area should be something like an occasional bedroom, study or library,” he says.
“Mezzanines also work best when they only occupy one part of a grand space, so a double-height element remains and dominates,” he adds.
“When designing the structural calculations for the mezzanine level, it’s important to consider what the space will be used for,” James says. “Elements such as a large piano or bookshelf might need an increase in beam size. If the mezzanine is to cantilever out of a wall, then the structural design is critical from the start of the design process.”
Raise your roof
“The best mezzanines are created in the roof space,” Michael says. “Imagine partially removing your first-floor ceiling, then adding a circular staircase to the next level up from your first floor bedroom.
“You can then add rooflights into the roof slope, which will create views from the mezzanine and add light to both levels. This also gives you unique views from the mezzanine to the outside.”
“The best mezzanines are created in the roof space,” Michael says. “Imagine partially removing your first-floor ceiling, then adding a circular staircase to the next level up from your first floor bedroom.
“You can then add rooflights into the roof slope, which will create views from the mezzanine and add light to both levels. This also gives you unique views from the mezzanine to the outside.”
Keep kids in mind
Mezzanines can be a brilliant option in children’s rooms, Michael suggests. “Give them great stairs up onto a private and fun higher level, with railings, of course, then add beanbags or other low-level chairs,” he says.
As well as adding a sense of adventure and a place to hide away, a mezzanine also makes practical sense for kids. “They can make the upstairs level into a space for playing while keeping the lower level where they sleep much tidier,” Michael says.
Take a look at innovative staircase designs from across the world
Mezzanines can be a brilliant option in children’s rooms, Michael suggests. “Give them great stairs up onto a private and fun higher level, with railings, of course, then add beanbags or other low-level chairs,” he says.
As well as adding a sense of adventure and a place to hide away, a mezzanine also makes practical sense for kids. “They can make the upstairs level into a space for playing while keeping the lower level where they sleep much tidier,” Michael says.
Take a look at innovative staircase designs from across the world
Plan as early as possible
If you can, James advises, think about your mezzanine at the start of your design process. “They often affect the general structural design,” he says.
“For a new build, the platform level will need to be integrated into the overall structural design of the building,” he says. “For a renovation project, new structural beams may be required, so this will need planning early in the process to avoid costs spiralling.”
Find more ingenious ways to fit a bed into a small space.
If you can, James advises, think about your mezzanine at the start of your design process. “They often affect the general structural design,” he says.
“For a new build, the platform level will need to be integrated into the overall structural design of the building,” he says. “For a renovation project, new structural beams may be required, so this will need planning early in the process to avoid costs spiralling.”
Find more ingenious ways to fit a bed into a small space.
Build in good access
“The most important thing to consider is whether to go for a full staircase or a ladder,” James says.
“Consider whether you want something interesting and sculptural or discreet and out of the way,” Stephen says. “Your staircase might also be integrated into a joinery unit that includes bookshelves.
“Don’t forget to assess the floor area your staircase will occupy,” he adds. “Spiral designs have a more compact footprint.”
James says, “A balustrade or guard rail is usually required, as a mezzanine area is open to the space below. Materials can vary; traditional timber, metal, glass, or a combination can all be used.”
“The balustrade should be high and sturdy enough to provide a sense of security and safety,” Stephen says.
“The bottom of the stairs should stop at least 300mm from the nearest door, as with any other other stairs in the house,” Michael says.
Search for local architects and building designers in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
“The most important thing to consider is whether to go for a full staircase or a ladder,” James says.
“Consider whether you want something interesting and sculptural or discreet and out of the way,” Stephen says. “Your staircase might also be integrated into a joinery unit that includes bookshelves.
“Don’t forget to assess the floor area your staircase will occupy,” he adds. “Spiral designs have a more compact footprint.”
James says, “A balustrade or guard rail is usually required, as a mezzanine area is open to the space below. Materials can vary; traditional timber, metal, glass, or a combination can all be used.”
“The balustrade should be high and sturdy enough to provide a sense of security and safety,” Stephen says.
“The bottom of the stairs should stop at least 300mm from the nearest door, as with any other other stairs in the house,” Michael says.
Search for local architects and building designers in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Sneak in a study
In a bedroom with a high ceiling, a mezzanine can make a great home office.
“If your master bedroom needs space for a desk, but you don’t want it to be the first thing you see when you wake up, assess whether you can create a mezzanine,” Michael says. “Add comfortable stairs up to a ‘room within a room’, where you can have a more private area just for yourself.”
However, keep head height in mind, James advises. “A study zone often needs more than a snug or sleeping area, as you’ll be sitting at a desk.”
In a bedroom with a high ceiling, a mezzanine can make a great home office.
“If your master bedroom needs space for a desk, but you don’t want it to be the first thing you see when you wake up, assess whether you can create a mezzanine,” Michael says. “Add comfortable stairs up to a ‘room within a room’, where you can have a more private area just for yourself.”
However, keep head height in mind, James advises. “A study zone often needs more than a snug or sleeping area, as you’ll be sitting at a desk.”
Aim for aesthetic harmony
Your mezzanine will be partially or wholly visible from the room below, so the two levels should work together style-wise. “Consider how both fixed and movable furniture is positioned below to avoid clashes,” James says.
Your mezzanine will be partially or wholly visible from the room below, so the two levels should work together style-wise. “Consider how both fixed and movable furniture is positioned below to avoid clashes,” James says.
Be discreet
In general, plump for a design that isn’t too ‘top heavy’ – your mezzanine should complement your space, not overwhelm it.
“The structure should be as minimal and discreet as possible,” Stephen says, “so as to allow the proportions and existing features of your space to dominate – for example, a grand cornice if you’re in a Victorian townhouse.”
Michael adds, “If the mezzanine is used for storage only, it’s counted as part of the room it’s in. If you have it as a habitable space, such as a bedroom, study or office, you’ll need the stairs leading up to it to comply with Building Regulations.
Read more:
Add a New Level: 12 Unusual & Inventive Mezzanine Designs10 Ways to Get More With Mezzanines
Tell us:
Have you gone for a mezzanine level, and has it enhanced your home? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments section.
In general, plump for a design that isn’t too ‘top heavy’ – your mezzanine should complement your space, not overwhelm it.
“The structure should be as minimal and discreet as possible,” Stephen says, “so as to allow the proportions and existing features of your space to dominate – for example, a grand cornice if you’re in a Victorian townhouse.”
Michael adds, “If the mezzanine is used for storage only, it’s counted as part of the room it’s in. If you have it as a habitable space, such as a bedroom, study or office, you’ll need the stairs leading up to it to comply with Building Regulations.
Read more:
Add a New Level: 12 Unusual & Inventive Mezzanine Designs10 Ways to Get More With Mezzanines
Tell us:
Have you gone for a mezzanine level, and has it enhanced your home? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments section.
Not every space suits a mezzanine, so you’ll need to measure carefully. “Generally, mezzanine levels are located either within the roof space or in a room with oversized head height,” James Hood says.
“As a rule of thumb, you’ll need a minimum of 2.2m under the mezzanine platform, plus a floor thickness of 250mm, and a minimum of 1.6m to 1.8m to the top of the mezzanine itself,” he says.
When it comes to regulations, Michael Schienke explains: “No Planning Permission is needed for a mezzanine, unless you intend to extend your property externally.”
However, any work must adhere to Building Regulations. “It’s important to check with your designer, architect, engineer or local building control department to ensure the upper mezzanine level doesn’t fall outside of Building Regulations,” James says. “Usually, they’re classed as uninhabitable spaces and don’t have the same restrictions as a normal room.”