Transforming an attic into a dream home
The decision to stay home
Like many of her peers after finishing university, Petra faced a dilemma - should she move into a small apartment closer to the city, or stay in her childhood home and transform the attic into a fully independent living space? Without much hesitation, she chose the second option.
The attic, once a place for childhood adventures, has now become her dream home after an extensive renovation.
"Two years ago, the attic looked completely different - it was dark and filled with clutter. It was divided into smaller rooms and functioned as two separate apartments. One part housed my childhood room and family storage, while the other belonged to my grandmother. We decided to merge everything into a single 100-square-metre apartment, complete with a living room, dining area, kitchen, bathroom, toilet, laundry room, bedroom, study, and my favourite feature - the terrace", Petra explains.
A bright and open living space
"I knew I wanted a lot of natural light and a roof terrace, but a traditional terrace solution would have required altering the roof structure and sacrificing interior space. Just when we were about to give up, my mum discovered an innovative solution - the VELUX roof terrace. This product combines a roof window with a vertical window that opens up to form an exit onto the terrace. We were thrilled because it allowed us to turn the existing roof overhang into a terrace without losing any interior space", Petra shares.
A perfect place to unwind
The space around the roof terrace has become Petra's favourite spot in the house. Whether she's outside enjoying the fresh air or inside admiring the view, this corner of her home is where she relaxes the most.
"The impact of the roof windows is particularly noticeable in the bedroom. Given the attic's height, we decided to create a mezzanine in the highest part under the roof ridge and place our bedroom there. It was hard to imagine this once dark, low-ceilinged space as a cosy retreat, but the windows changed everything. Now, we have a bright and inviting bedroom where we sleep so much better now. I love gazing at the stars from my bed, and in the summer, opening the windows makes it feel like we're sleeping under the night sky," Petra says.
Smart use of attic space
Attic living comes with unique opportunities for creative storage solutions. The staircase leading to the mezzanine hides built-in cupboards and drawers, while the sloping roof and beams provide perfect spots for shelving, wardrobes, lighting, and even houseplants.
"We love to cook, so having a kitchen island in the centre of the home was important to us. Cooking should be a social activity, not something hidden away in a corner. It's also very practical to have a window near the stove - steam and cooking smells disappear quickly with just a little ventilation."
Energy efficiency and comfort
As a physicist, Petra paid special attention to the energy efficiency of her attic home.
"Many people worry that attics are too cold in winter and too hot in summer, but proper insulation and high-quality windows make all the difference. We chose VELUX three-layer glazing roof windows, which provide excellent thermal insulation. To protect against the sun, we also added shades, awnings, and blinds," she explains.
The result is a bright and warm home where artificial lighting is rarely needed, even during the day.
"This is my home, and I'm so glad I decided to stay in a house filled with family history - living under one roof with my grandmother, my parents, and my boyfriend makes it even more special," Petra concludes.