Page 118 - Homes & Interiors Scotland

Constructing a mezzanine can be carried out in one of two
ways, explains Brown + Brown’s Andrew Brown, both of which LISTED BUILDINGS
will affect the look and feel of the new and existing levels: “The Period buildings require an entirely different
first uses a structure relatively independent of the building, and approach, to protect their heritage and meet
essentially ‘slots in’ the mezzanine. This has the benefit of not stricter building regulations. The process is
interfering with the existing structure, but will probably not worthwhile, however, asserts Purcell’s Chris
be suitable if the property is not on the ground floor, as it will Betts: “Whether it’s a converted church or a
potentially require its own foundations.” warehouse, the introduction of a mezzanine
The other, more common, method sees the mezzanine floor can transform a building’s use and value.
Architecturally, it creates vibrant, dynamic
attached to the existing building, says Brown, as in the case of spaces in areas otherwise le redundant or
upper-level properties such as that pictured top right, whose under-utilised. It allows inaccessible areas
minimal mezzanine tops off a sleek Mereway Modern Classic to be brought into habitable use and, where
kitchen, and period buildings such as that pictured below right, costs per square foot are high, this can make
anchored by Neville Johnson’s dark oak staircase, which respects a considerable difference on development
costs. When historic or listed buildings are
the traditional features of the room and introduces glass
converted, a mezzanine can make all the
difference between simply rescuing the
deteriorating building and achieving a viable
solution for its reuse. Historic buildings
particularly lend themselves to the insertion
of mezzanines as the existing spaces are
o en large and open. You find this especially
in civic buildings.”

[Above] Privacy can be an issue for mezzanines, especially if they are to be used
as a guest bedroom or a self-contained, relaxing seating area in an otherwise
hectic home. The height of the banister is key: in this space, a solid wall conceals
the upper floor from below, but does not obstruct the flow of light. To prevent
the space from looking disjointed, the bold flue running from Bonk & Co’s RAIS
Juno Soapstone stove connects, as well as heats, both levels