The Manila Times

The attic

BY AARON RONQUILLO

AN attic, in the context of architecture, is a story immediately under the roof of a home and within the roof framing whether partially or entirely. It is sometimes called a garret (if used as a living space).

Attic vs loft

There may be confusion on the use of the word “attic” with “loft” so much they are often used interchangeably since the definition is similar.

A lot of experts have tried to clear the air on the distinction between the two. Lofts are usually open while attics are closed spaces.

Nowadays, “lofts” are coined by builders to attract buyers for studio apartments or condominiums with more open spaces.

Uses of an attic

Originally, an attic was largely employed in Ancient Rome in triumphal arches where inscriptions or bas-relief sculpture are placed. Another purpose it served was to increase the height of enclosure walls. It was during the Renaissance that it was utilized as a complete story, with windows added to provide natural lighting and ventilation.

At present, the attic serves as an insulator protecting the space below (the rooms) from the hot sun during hot weather. It is found directly below the pitched roof of a house. Attics fill the space between the ceiling of the top floor of a building and the roof, which is usually slanted. These spaces are awkwardly shaped with exposed rafters and corners that would be hard to reach.

As an insulator, attics help regulate temperatures in a house by providing a large mass of slowly moving air. The hot air rising from the lower floors of a house is often retained here.

To a certain extent, attics serve more than just being insulators. They are oftentimes used as storage spaces or an added living space, whether another bedroom or what other purpose the homeowner has in mind.

The Philippine setting

Attics are often common in western countries where the climates are temperate. It is something unusual in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines.

“Attics are more common in other countries because their climate makes it suitable unlike here in the Philippines where it is so hot. This is the downside on our part,” said Arch. Reginald Chiong of RED Architects+ Associates.

However, attics can be feasible in the Philippine setting if one were to get suitable materials and with careful designing.

“With proper choice of materials, we can lessen the heat by applying insulation, heat-rejecting paints and other materials,” said Chiong.

While an attic may be a storage place, it does not have to be dreary if it will be made into a living space. It is all a matter of design.

“In one project, a bungalow, the façade has a ‘dormer window’ to allow passive lighting and ventilation in the attic living space,” said Chiong.

An attic is not a useless feature or space in a home but can serve a purpose.

“When it comes to using attics as living spaces, we architects make an effort to maximize the living spaces,” he said.

Build & Design

en-ph

2023-01-24T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-24T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://manilatimes.pressreader.com/article/282003266550637

The Manila Times