Doing Renovation in a "Panel" House with Professionals

Renovating a 2-room flat in a panel building is often complicated by the presence of load-bearing partitions, but there are houses, for example, of series 1-55, where this problem does not exist. How to live comfortably in a 2-room flat, explained by architect Anastasia Kiseleva, and expert Maxim Dzhurayev commented on the nuances of approval.

Quick Info

The house of series 1-55 is panel, but it's also great for renovation. Two bathrooms and a large corridor – there's space to 'breathe'. The main disadvantage of a 2-room flat is the kitchen of an incorrect shape with many protrusions.

Option 1: For Those Who Spend Little Time at Home

For a single person or a young family who work a lot and rarely come home, the key in layout is convenience and simplicity of use. Storage was arranged using built-in wardrobes and walk-in closets – no open shelves. A compact kitchen cabinet with a two-burner stove, refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher were installed. The utility room with the washing machine was placed in a small bathroom, and the bathroom and bedroom were merged into one private zone.

Expert Opinion: Moving partitions can be approved through a renovation project and technical conclusion from any project organization with the appropriate SRO (self-regulatory organization) accreditation.

A large-capacity cabinet was installed on the kitchen. There are built-in appliances and dishwasher shelves. Upper cabinets can be made up to the ceiling for storing rarely used items. A small bar counter along the windowsill is enough for quick breakfasts. For family dinners and evening meals with friends, a separate dining room was set up on the former corridor space. The living room next to the bathroom was divided into two zones: a living area and a crafting corner for the hostess. Zone separation is done with an open shelf.

Expert Opinion: Changes only in the location of internal non-load-bearing partitions can be easily approved. A renovation project and technical conclusion from any project organization are required.

The main challenge for a family with children living in a 2-room flat: how to fit two bedrooms and keep the living room. We suggest a renovation variant with 'minimal losses': the large corridor was widened at the expense of the living room and here a sofa and TV were placed. The remaining area was used for a compact but convenient children's room. On the kitchen, a traditional corner cabinet and dining table were installed. The corridor area was also slightly increased at the expense of the kitchen: space was found for a wardrobe.

Expert Opinion: Moving partitions can be approved through a renovation project and technical conclusion from any project organization with the appropriate SRO accreditation.

On the cover: Design project by Marina Sarkisyan

Read Also:

— How to Choose a Small Apartment: Layouts + Tips
— 3 Kitchen Layout Options in Panel Houses
— 3 Variants of One-Room Apartment Layouts in Typical "Panel" Buildings