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Above the roofs of the composer district

"In the summer, we can leave the lights off until late in the evening because the roof windows fill the room with so much daylight."

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Urban infill development

Finding a condominium or a new construction project with a customisable floor plan in Berlin is next to impossible. "Why not just buy an unused attic and expand it?" thought the Schneider family. And so they did! In just eight months, they turned their dream of designing their own apartment into a reality. In doing so, the family took a route that is becoming more and more popular: urban infill development. It is a development that is sited on vacant or undeveloped land within an existing community. This allows for creating a new living space in the existing building, fitting modern needs without destroying the original face of the area. The Schneiders had a blank canvas, like pioneers who built the now known Berlin! They could turn their dreams of the ideal home into plans and all it took was filling up an attic with fresh air and light, resulting in a living space where nothing was before.

Main benefits of VELUX roof windows

Large window surfaces are also help keeping the home warm in the cooler days. "We can mostly leave the heating off in the autumn, when acquaintances have already had the heating on for several weeks", says Marko Schneider about the effective use of solar energy.

In addition, the fact that the VELUX windows are fitted with the Balanced Ventilation window ventilator ensures sufficient air exchange according to DIN 1946-6, meaning no additional controlled ventilation is required. "This also allows us to save a lot of energy that would otherwise be needed," the homeowner tells us.

Besides the obvious and more technical benefits of daylight, Sherina and Marko's children are also thrilled with the large windows in their rooms. "The little one often lies on the rug under her window to play or to look up at the sky and discover her latest favourite animals in the cloud formations," her mother says.

Conversion with style

The roof surface facing the street couldn't be drastically altered; thus, the terraces and dormers of the two apartments had to be built on the Northern side of the building, facing the courtyard. But the Schneiders made a virtue of necessity and instead decided to combine several VELUX roof windows for the rooms on the south side. In doing so, they not only complied with all regulations, but the windows also form the basis for an energy concept designed by the Schneiders themselves for their attractive maisonette.

Operated with an elegant handle at the bottom, VELUX top-hung roof windows give you a full, open view of your skyline and maximise the amount of natural daylight. Solar powered and electric VELUX roof windows are ideal for out-of-reach situations, such as vaulted ceilings. This innovative system of remote-controlled windows, blinds and shutters lets you open and close them with just a touch of a button. With the wall switch, you can reach every window easier and faster. Perfect for those out-of-reach spots, they’re the ultimate choice for fresh air and better indoor comfort.

"We can mostly leave the heating off in the autumn, at the same time when acquaintances have already had the heating on for several weeks."

- Marko Schneider, homeowner

Family life under the roof

"We feel very much at home here - both in the apartment and in the neighbourhood", says Sherina Schneider. The light-filled living room has become the family's favourite gathering place. "In the summer, we can leave the lights off until late in the evening because the roof windows fill the room with so much daylight."
Since they moved in, the family created their own home, suiting their own needs, while preserving the area and respecting the building they chose to house their home. Turning the attic into their home gave them the opportunity to stay in the city, yet still have a fresh start and create something that completely fits their style and needs.

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