For business owners seeking extra storage solutions or additional office areas, adding a mezzanine floor can be a great way to maximise space.
To make sure your mezzanine both serves its purpose and stands the test of time, you’ll need a well-designed floor plan that ensures structural integrity and efficient use of the available area.
This article will walk you through how to draw a mezzanine floor plan all the way from taking measurements to drawing the final plan.
What is a Mezzanine Floor?
First things first, let’s define what a mezzanine floor actually is. A mezzanine is a floor that is built between the main floors of a building, and as such, is usually not 100% enclosed by walls.
Mezzanines can be a smart addition to industrial, commercial and residential spaces, creating extra storage, offices or even relaxation zones. One of the great things about mezzanine floors is their versatility: each design is unique, with the architecture being largely influenced by the intended use and available space.
Drawing Your Mezzanine Floor Plan
Step 1: Assess Your Space
Before you start drafting your sketch, you’ll need to evaluate the available space:
- Measure the dimensions of your floor space. Note the length, width and depth of the space.
- Consider the height. As a mezzanine is essentially suspended between two floors, you’ll need to factor in clearance both above and below, usually 2.5-2.6 or 3m under beam clearance, to make it comfortable and functional.
- Building codes and regulations: Familiarise yourself with local codes specific to mezzanine floors. The local council will have to give it the tick of approval before you go ahead, and these guidelines will dictate the height, size limits and load-bearing requirements for your space.
Step 2: Determine the Purpose and Layout
The function of your mezzanine will play a huge role in your blueprint. A mezzanine designed for storage will need a different layout than one intended for an office space.
- Define your purpose: Knowing what your mezzanine will be used for will help you to plan your structure and layout.
- Plan for accessibility: Ensuring your space has enough room for stairs can impact your layout significantly; no room for stairs means no access, so this can’t be overlooked.
- Consider the load-bearing capacity: Mezzanine floors should be built to support a designated weight load, particularly if heavy equipment or multiple people are using the space.
Step 3: Structural Considerations
Your mezzanine’s stability depends on its materials and the structure of the building in which it will sit. While some mezzanine designs can be relatively simple, others require careful structural planning.
- Understand loadbearing requirements: Each mezzanine design must account for both the dead load (weight of the structure itself) and the live load (weight of items and people it will house).
- Material selection: Steel and concrete are strong and durable, making them the obvious choice for big projects. Timber may be suitable for smaller areas, or small interior touches like handrails.
- Consult a structural engineer: If you are uncertain about any elements of your project, such as the design or the weight-bearing requirements, it’s best to get expert advice from a qualified structural engineer.
Step 4: Drawing the Plan
Now that you have the essentials in place, it’s time to sketch out your mezzanine floor plan. Here is a breakdown of what you need and some tips to get you started.
- Tools: Decide if you’ll be using trusty graph paper or something more sophisticated for your drawings. Computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD provide accuracy and flexibility with the benefits of 3D visualisation, meaning you’ll get a clear example of what your floor will look like before construction begins.
- Draw the dimensions: Start by sketching the outline based on your measurements. Mark areas for walls, openings and main features.
- Include key features: Mark the location of the stairs, doors, windows, and any other structural elements. Ensure the stairs are positioned in a way that optimises the space while maintaining safety.
- Safety features: You’ll need to consider balustrades, railings, and other safety elements, especially if the mezzanine is for commercial or public use.
Step 5: Compliance with Regulations
Each local council has regulations that govern mezzanine structures, so it’s essential to ensure compliance for a safe and legal build.
- Review your local building codes: These codes cover everything from maximum height to accessibility requirements.
- Work with professionals: Consulting with licensed architects, builders, and designers will ensure you remain compliant with safety standards and that your mezzanine moves successfully from concept to actualisation.
Ready to Expand Your Space?
Adding a mezzanine floor to your building is an exciting project. However, you must take the time to properly draw your floor plan, from thoroughly assessing your space to ensuring safety compliance.
If you’re ready to step up your mezzanine planning, contact the industry professionals at Advanced Warehouse Structures to get started.