Attic
Renovation
An attic renovation is not the same as a standard apartment renovation. We are still creating a home, but the scope of work often sits somewhere between an apartment and a house. We work with the roof structure, chimneys, the roof itself, common parts of the building and often also a lift. The reward can be a completely atypical space on the top floor, with views and sometimes even a terrace that would be impossible to create on the lower levels.
An attic renovation is somewhere between an apartment and a house
With a standard apartment renovation, we usually work within an existing volume. An attic conversion goes much further. We are turning a non-residential space into a home, altering the roof and intervening in common parts of the building. That means permits are unavoidable and, in some cases, the project also includes other interventions such as adding a lift. It is still an apartment, but in terms of scope an attic renovation is often much closer to a house.
The roof structure and chimneys determine the layout
In an attic, we never start with a clean floor plan. The roof structure and chimneys determine where the staircase can go, how the layout can develop and which parts of the space can actually be opened up. Some unused chimneys can be removed, while others have to stay. Sometimes we conceal them within new walls; elsewhere we leave them exposed. The layout is often unusual too, with the entrance on the lower level and the main living space with a terrace one floor above.
What the roof allows
Roof windows, dormers and terraces have a major impact on the quality of an attic apartment, but not everything we would like to design can also be approved. In historic parts of Prague, and especially on visually exposed roofs, heritage regulations can be very strict. The size and number of roof windows may be limited, and standard groups of roof windows may have to be replaced with custom studio-style glazing. Terraces are similar: they usually need to be recessed into the roof rather than projecting beyond the façade.
An attic apartment can offer what other apartments cannot
The very limitations of an attic often create a type of space that would never exist in a standard apartment. The top floor can offer views, privacy, open space beneath the roof and, very often, the possibility of a terrace. In historic city buildings, the attic may be the only place where outdoor space can be added at all. The result does not have to be just another apartment under the roof, but a home that makes the most of the specific building and its location.
Our portfolio is not built on visualizations, but on real completed projects. This is what our completed reconstruction projects actually look like:
FAQ
Yes. An attic conversion involves much more than layout and interior design. We also work with the roof structure, chimneys, the roof itself and common parts of the building. In terms of scope, an attic renovation therefore often sits somewhere between an apartment renovation and a house renovation.
In most cases, yes. Converting an attic into residential space changes the use of the area and usually involves alterations to the roof or other common parts of the building. The exact approval process always depends on the scope of the project and the specific building.
If the project affects common parts of the building, the relationship with the other co-owners also needs to be resolved. This typically applies to the roof, structural elements, a new lift or other interventions outside the future apartment itself.
Sometimes, but not automatically. First we need to verify whether the chimneys are still in use and what role they play within the building. Some can be removed, while others must remain and then become part of the layout. They can either be concealed within new structures or deliberately left exposed.
Not always. The possibilities vary significantly depending on the building, the location and how visible the roof is. In historic parts of Prague, heritage authorities may restrict the size, number and arrangement of roof windows. On some roofs, even standard groups of several windows placed next to each other may not be permitted.
Often yes, but it depends on the specific roof and the approval possibilities. In historic buildings, terraces are usually designed as recessed spaces within the roof volume. A terrace projecting beyond the façade is generally far more difficult to approve, or may not be permitted at all.
Mostly yes. It depends primarily on the level at which the new apartment is located. In apartment buildings, lift requirements are linked to the height of the residential entrance level. For an attic conversion, we therefore assess not only the attic itself, but also the whole building and whether an existing lift can be extended or a new one needs to be added.
Often very differently from a house. The entrance may be on the lower level, while the main living area, the best views and the terrace are located one floor above, directly beneath the roof. The layout therefore follows the structure of the building, daylight, views and the possibilities of the roof rather than a standard apartment scheme.What should I look for when choosing an attic to renovate?
Not only the location and the view. The height of the attic space and the roof structure are crucial because they determine whether two residential levels can be created or whether only one floor will fit. The final usable height is also reduced by new floor build-ups, insulation and the new roof construction. An attic that seems high enough during the first viewing may therefore not provide enough space for a full duplex after renovation.
Not only the location and the view. The height of the attic space and the roof structure are crucial because they determine whether two residential levels can be created or whether only one floor will fit. The final usable height is also reduced by new floor build-ups, insulation and the new roof construction. An attic that seems high enough during the first viewing may therefore not provide enough space for a full duplex after renovation.
Often precisely because of them. An attic apartment can offer views, privacy, a high or open interior and a terrace that simply cannot be created on the lower floors of a historic building.
— Let’s meet!
Whether you’re building a house or buying an apartment, get in touch with us. We’ll discuss everything with you, point out potential challenges, and guide you through the entire process from design to move-in. Fill out our short questionnaire to share your intentions with us, and we’ll contact you soon to arrange a personal meeting at our studio. Together, we’ll discuss your ideas and options.