yläkerta

Yläkerta is a Finnish term that denotes the upper floor of a building, often corresponding to the attic or top story. The word combines the prefix ylä-, meaning upper, with kerta, used here to mean floor or level. In everyday language, yläkerta is commonly used to refer to the upper level, while the more technical term in architecture is yläkerros.

In architectural terms, the yläkerta is the highest usable level of a building and is typically accessed by stairs from the main floors. Depending on the roof design, the space may have sloped ceilings, dormers, or skylights, and it often features smaller or differently arranged windows compared with lower floors. The use of the upper floor varies by building and era: it may house bedrooms, storage, or dedicated living spaces, and in modern renovations it is frequently converted to additional living space, subject to local building codes and fire-safety regulations.

Beyond architecture, yläkerta appears in Finnish place names, addresses, and business names to indicate the upper level of a building or a venue located upstairs. It can also be used descriptively in architectural descriptions of homes and buildings.

In summary, yläkerta refers to the upper part of a structure, commonly associated with attics and top-floor rooms, and it features prominently in both everyday language and architectural discourse in Finland.