New life for an attic for a software house in the Old Town
We adapted 187 m2 of old attics into a modern office. We had to reinforce the floors for heavy desks and soundproof the floors so that the neighbors below would not complain about footsteps.
PixelNode Software was looking for a place with character close to the Krakow Main Square. The choice fell on a neglected attic in a townhouse on św. Marka street. Our task was to turn a dusty attic into a space where 31 programmers can work without worrying about floors or noise.
The challenge
The main problem was the technical condition of the 114-year-old floor. The original beams were not designed for the weight of 31 modern workstations and a server room. Measurements showed that the ceiling deflection exceeded standards by 3.2 cm at the central point. Additionally, tenants living on the floor below feared that stomping and talking in the office would destroy their peace. We had to find a way to soundproof 187 m2 of area without excessive structural loading.
Our approach
We started work with a site visit with a structural engineer in May 2024. Instead of pouring heavy concrete, we opted for a light steel structure and dry construction. Our team of three specialists coordinated reinforcements at 4 key load-bearing points. We counted every meter to optimally distribute desks and the social zone. Every two weeks we did acoustic tests using professional decibel meters to check sound penetration to the apartment below.
The solution
We introduced a system of steel joists that took over the weight of the furniture. Specialized mineral wool and a 12 mm thick rubber mat went between them, which reduced impact sounds by 27 decibels. We exposed the original brick but protected it from dusting. We installed 14 roof windows, which illuminated dark corners without destroying the historic facade. Old walls gained modern ventilation, which fits in invisible ducts under the slopes.
Results
The office was handed over for use in mid-September. PixelNode Software moved in within 4 days, and neighbors from below confirmed they do not hear the team working. The space is bright, safe, and above all earns its keep from the first day.
Timeline
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May 2024Structural expert opinion and acoustic measurements in the attic.
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June 2024Installation of 4 steel beams reinforcing the load-bearing structure.
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July 2024Laying insulation layers and installing roof windows.
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August 2024Finishing works, exposing brick, and electrical installations.
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September 2024Final load tests and handing over the keys to PixelNode.
"We feared that a townhouse only meant trouble and neighbor complaints. Mondiairelay-suivi handled the soundproofing so well that no one knocks on our floor, and the office looks brilliant."