Refrigerator under the window: new features of the forgotten classics (57 photos)
Content
Khrushchev's apartments are still relevant in the real estate market: buying such an apartment is often very profitable, since their prices are very affordable. Residents of Khrushchev, and realtors know one feature of these apartments, this is the so-called refrigerator under the window, which was built during the construction of the house. Modern designers have come up with many options for converting this useful area, which will be discussed later.
History of Khrushchev's kitchen window sills
During the construction of Khrushchev, household appliances were an expensive rarity. Not every family could buy a good refrigerator right away. In addition, the affordable models were very large and were not suitable for small-sized kitchens in Khrushchev's new buildings.
Engineers found a way out: a refrigerator under a window in Khrushchev. For that time, it was an ideal solution, although it had its own characteristics. Kitchens in Khrushchev were perfectly suited for such a construction; in winter, in the part where the refrigerator was located, it was cold enough to store food.
After some time, household appliances became more accessible to the population, manufacturers began to produce smaller models, and the need for a built-in refrigerator disappeared. But the niche in the wall remained, and the residents of Khrushchev’s apartments often have the question of what to do with this element of the interior. There are two ways: repair the opening and use it as a refrigerator or kitchen cabinet with a reduced temperature, or remake the Khrushchev refrigerator and use it for other purposes.
Option one: finishing the Khrushchev refrigerator
The main disadvantage of the space under the window is open ventilation and condensation. And modern repair and decoration of the refrigerator under the window, respectively, have the following goals:
- make the temperature difference on the walls less;
- keep a low temperature under the windowsill;
- make this kitchen design element as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
You can save the desired temperature and eliminate condensation in two ways: using moisture-proof and heat-insulating building materials or install closed ventilation. Coolers and air conditioners for such a small space are difficult to find and installation will require serious costs. The easiest way is to insert a small fan into the ventilation hole: it will not only let in cold air, but also will not allow it to stagnate in a small space.
However, it is even easier to insulate the outer wall, and use thermally insulating materials for decoration: plastic, polystyrene, polystyrene foam, foamed polyethylene. Tiles are best kept cold, but condensation forms on it, so for tiling, special heat-insulating additives in glue or cement will be required, and ventilation should be very high quality. As a heater, you can use mineral, glass or foam, heat-insulating concrete or the same foamed polyethylene.
It is important to completely prevent the exchange of air between the room of the refrigerator and the kitchen, for this you need to make tight-fitting doors.Ordinary wooden ones are not very suitable - they must be adjusted very accurately so that there is no heat leakage. Plexiglas or plastic doors are ideal. Sliding metal and plastic double-glazed windows, which can be made to order in companies engaged in glazing apartments and balconies, are also tightly closed.
However, the glass in such doors will be very cold and reduce the temperature in the kitchen. To avoid this, it is necessary to order double insulated glass units or replace the glass in them with transparent plastic.
Option Two: Cold Cabinet
Since almost no one needs a refrigerator with open ventilation and cooling, the opening under the windows can be converted into a kitchen cabinet. In this case, ventilation is no longer needed - the hole can be covered with foam or concrete. The outer wall can not be insulated if condensate forms weakly on it, or use a thin insulation with high heat-insulating and moisture-resistant properties.
To reduce the likelihood of condensation, the doors must be sealed, as in the case of a refrigerator. If you order double-glazed doors, then you can make the backlight inside the cabinet, it will be practical and beautiful, especially if the glass is made translucent or stained. You can also use mirrors instead of glasses: there is little practical value in such doors, but this option will visually increase the space of a small kitchen.
An alternative to doors can be a cabinet with drawers - this is no less practical, but this option will reduce the thermal insulation of the opening, since it is quite difficult to select hermetically closed drawers.
Option Three: Radiator
If the owners of the apartment are most concerned about the temperature in the kitchen, you should refuse to use the opening to store food or kitchen utensils. Instead, the opening can be completely or partially repaired and a second heating radiator built in or a larger one can be installed. To fill the opening, you will have to do a neat bricklaying, then well plaster and putty. You may have to replace the windowsill.
Option Four: Fireplace
Many people dream of having a real fireplace in the house, and the opening under the windows in Khrushchev allows you to fulfill your dream. The outer wall of the opening will also have to be insulated and finished with materials with low electrical conductivity and moisture resistance - and you can put an electric fireplace simulating real fire there.
But if it is more important not the appearance of the electric heater, but its power, then you can integrate an oil heater or a stone quartz heating panel into the opening. But it is not recommended to use reflectors and fan heaters in the opening - they require free air exchange, which will not be in such a small space.
Such a kitchen design will require the creation of the correct wiring diagram and grounding.
Fifth option: washing
A sink in a small kitchen takes up a lot of space. Moreover, a problem arises if tenants need a dishwasher. And the opening under the windows will save usable space. For washing at the window, you will need to alter the scheme of sewer and water pipes and replace the windowsill in order to build in the sink. Moisture-resistant materials and insulation will be required to finish the opening to avoid condensation on the walls and pipes.
To install the dishwasher, it will be necessary to change the power supply circuit of the kitchen. In the same way, a washing machine can be installed under the window.
Option Six: French Window
The window opening in the Khrushchev kitchen is very small and gives a little light, especially if the apartment is located on the north side of the house. In this case, natural light can be increased using a French window. The main difficulty lies in the dismantling of part of the outer wall.Such work requires not only qualified construction specialists, but also an official technical permission for redevelopment.
The French window can be supplemented with a classic balcony: it does not require a special concrete platform, it is very narrow and is built into the wall. But you can get permission for a modern French balcony, which requires a concrete platform with a width of no more than half a meter. Such a platform can also be partially built into the wall. Fences for such balconies are usually made of wrought iron and are very beautiful.
From the above we can conclude that even the refrigerator under the window in the Khrushchev’s apartment can be used, if you approach this issue wisely. There are many options for using it, the main thing is to choose your own.
