Under the Attic

Text description provided by architect.

In most Romanian buildings the space below the pitched roof remains a space without a clear function, its use being restricted by fire protection regulations.

The existing flat was organised in a cellular, somewhat laborious way. An entrance hall communicated with a second hall, giving access to two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The project aims at installing visual connections in depth and a permanent contact with the exterior to generate a feel of generosity within the narrow physical boundaries.

Two radical gestures dissolve the unfortunate circulation zones: the elimination of the wall between the existing bedrooms and the decomposition of the bathroom.

The sanitary functions are split up, in order to allow simultaneous use by two persons. The kitchen divides the dining and living areas without cutting the visual connection.

The diversity of functions overlaps with spatial richness, introducing the 3^rd dimension as the main element to dynamise the spatial experience. The choice of materials is subordinate to discretion and the economy of means.

The project refuses the architectural clichés usually associated with mansard-apartments, the attic being integrated only fragmentally and in an almost accidental way, permitting punctual vertical intrusions.

The irregularities of the old floor plan are absorbed by integrated furniture turning the corners to emphasise the fluidity of space.