Recent trends in the design of modern interiors are gradually moving away from the traditional layout of the premises. Previously unusual bar counters, niches, arches and podiums are becoming an integral part of apartments, making the space in them more interesting. They help not only to change the visual perception of the room, but also perform quite utilitarian functions: they hide beams, engineering structures, in a word, they remove from the eyes everything that used to bring disharmony. One of such successful constructive solutions can be a podium.
Instructions
Step 1
The materials for the podium and its shape should be selected based on its purpose: decoration or technical necessity. In the first case, the podium becomes an interior decoration, as well as one of the elements of space zoning. In case of technical necessity, the podium is used as a structure for masking heating pipes, electric cables, building structures. And the decorative and masking podium can be used as a piece of furniture: it can be turned into a horizontal wardrobe, a wardrobe with pull-out drawers for linen, toys and other household items. These podiums can be up to 60 cm and can be used as a desk during the day and as a bed at night. A podium built under a regular bed will help to more efficiently use the space in the room. There are a lot of options for using podiums, but with a low ceiling height (up to 2.5 m), the construction of a podium is not always advisable.
Step 2
The podium structure can be frame and monolithic. Monolithic ones are made in a wet way: they construct formwork, stepping back from the wall, to which the podium will adjoin by 1 cm, expanded clay is poured into it and poured with concrete or sand-cement mortar. The advantages of a monolithic podium are its durability, excellent sound insulation and high sound absorption. The disadvantages are the complexity of replacing the communications that are walled up in it, a lot of weight, which will not allow the installation of such a podium in every apartment.
Step 3
The frame structure provides for the installation of a frame made of metal or wood, followed by sheathing with plate material (OSB-plate, plywood, gypsum fiber board, board). You need to put a frame podium on logs equal in height to the height of the podium itself. They are installed every 40 cm to prevent the slabs or boards from sagging. Sheathing can be at least 2 layers, laying sound-absorbing material between the layers. If this is not done, then when walking on it, every step will be given a hum. It is frame podiums that can be used as a basis for built-in furniture. At a high podium height, a metal frame is formed with spatial beams across and diagonally across the room.
Step 4
The podium finish is usually in contrast to the floor finish, especially the end side, which is dictated not only by the designer's idea, but also by safety considerations. Often, lighting is mounted at the end: spotlights or neon, fluorescent lamps and LED strips, which are placed in a translucent matte box.
