ARCHITECT’S VIEW
Is a mezzanine the right design feature for you?
Architect Barbara Weiss reveals her tips for mezzanine floors and how this clever design idea could suit your project
What is a mezzanine?
A mezzanine is an intermediate floor that remains partly open to the storey below, which will usually have a tall or double-height ceiling. It won’t extend over the whole floor space of the building, unlike a main floor, and typically oversails an open-plan living area. Mezzanines can be quite concealed, so oftentimes you’re unaware of them, but their half walls or balustrades allow for a great viewing point to look out over the area below.
What kind of spaces do they work best in?
Mezzanines work best in buildings that have that extra ceiling height. Otherwise, it can be difficult to incorporate them into a build without sacrificing some floor above or below. They can be useful for rooms where the floorplan is tight, but the volume is large, so you can create extra space that you wouldn’t otherwise have. If you’re converting a barn or a warehouse, for example, it could be a functional way of making the most of the ceiling height while incorporating a visually attractive design feature.