What is Mezzanine
Definition of Mezzanine in Construction
The term mezzanine will be used on construction projects to describe an intermediate floor or level. Mezzanine is a term that does not have one formal meaning on any one particular project. Architects will use the term to identify a level that does not usually cover the entire square footage of a full floor, or has been added to a lower floor, to provide additional storage space, office space or other functions. In some instances, there could be a mechanical mezzanine that has been constructed to accommodate mechanical equipment for the project. Many times an architect will construct a mezzanine level off of the slab on grade, especially in larger industrial projects, to create an office and meeting area, aside from the general manufacturing or industrial floors. The addition of a mezzanine level is a popular and efficient method of creating additional space, when the ceiling or the roof level is exceptionally high, and will accommodate an intermediate level. The creation of mezzanine spaces is also performed when the use of the structure is revised. For example, if the structure was an old manufacturing facility that required high ceilings and is now being converted to residential units, the establishment of mezzanine levels, could efficiently and professionally create additional residential accommodations, within the same total square footage of covered area. The popular lofts, within many city environments, are constructed by creating a mezzanine type level to accommodate additional sleeping or congregating areas. It is important when constructing a project, or bidding a project that has the description of a mezzanine noted on the plans, that a full understanding of this meaning, as understood by the architect and structural engineers is fully realized. The term can cause misunderstanding as well as difficulty, if not accurately understood for each particular project.