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Designer Profile - Sam MacAlister

Lofts/ Attics

We often have a need for more space in our homes and don't have the room or finances to make major additions to the exterior of the building.

This is one of the areas that the interior designer comes into their own. Within many homes there is a great deal of under-utilised space in the roof cavity.

To use this space we need to understand the space needed for the activities envisaged.

For example….. If we intend to use the area as an additional storage space then not much needs to be done except gain reasonable access and strengthen the ceiling framing to create a floor.

That's reasonably simple as all that's required is to measure the house's roof space or use the existing plans to determine the parameters in which to work, then have an engineer design a framing system to support a floor for storage over the ceiling runners and battens.

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Sam MacAlister

Loft attic space model

However if we decide that the space is needed for another bedroom or two and perhaps an additional bathroom then there are many more factors to consider.
Firstly the space has to be habitable that includes room to stand and circulate, place the beds and storage, place the bathroom fittings and allow for the services such as plumbing drainage and electricity.
It also has to have fresh air and an exterior view and natural daylight. (Remembering this is a home and not a prison).
The space also has to be accessible in a natural and comfortable manner.
Now local building and planning codes cover most of these items but of course it is up to the designer to make it aesthetically pleasing, flowing and functional.

So in light of all of that we have an illustrated example of a loft conversion that is being planned in London by a talented young architect and interior designer Sam Macalister. Sam has recently started to specialise in this sort of work.
The following photographs, sketches, computer graphics and drawings depict how Sam illustrates and demonstrates this to his clients and contractors.

Designer Profile Sam MacAlister Lofts and Attics continued next page.............

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