I am making myself crazy over what the correct window height proportions should be for my living room window design. Ceiling height is 10 feet. Are there any design guidelines that dictate which choice I should make?
What is your vote? A,B,C,D,E
* NOTE: I have attached some updated images, so keep reading – scroll down *
Edited 1/1/2008 10:05 am ET by gblotter
Replies
Are those operable casements? If so the manufacturers hardware is only good to a certain height. Unless they are custom then I think hardware could be found. Check the specs. On a design note, I think C has the best proportions. How far off the floor are they? I would get the head up to nine feet if you can.
John
You are asking for advice without giving all the pieces of the puzzle.
What are the wall sizes bordering the windows? What are the views outside?
Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
More information is probably needed such as the view, what the outside wall or facade is like as well as interior.
Isn't there also a general architecture rule that things in odd numbers are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. If this is the case how about reducing the windows to 3 across?
gblotter,
The golden rule applies here but more data needs to be known..
How high are the ceilings? do you have room for the taller ones when you add back in the headers required and the minimum height above the floor requirments?
What surrounds the windows? either side what view do you have..
Where do you live? Large windows with no real view are stupid in Northern climates.. too much heat loss.. I suppose something applies down south too, a southern or western exposure would allow too much heat build up.. (no real experiance their either..
I was forced one time to put casement windows in where the windows can't open completely because they hit the over hanging rafter tails.
Thanks for your replies.
A few more details as requested ...
Ceiling height is 10 feet.
Window height off the floor will be approximately 16 inches.
The windows are flanked by 4-foot walls on each side.
The gable wall that these windows will fit it has balloon framing, so I can easily install the header above the rough opening for any of these window size combinations. With the tallest window option, part of the header will extend above the ceiling line (does that make sense?).
The tall windows are Andersen casements. The short windows across the top are Andersen awning windows. According to the Andersen website, I can get operable casement windows in sizes up to 72" tall.
Even with the tallest window option, I won't have an obstruction problem with the roof overhang when I open the casement windows due to the 4-foot side walls.
The view out my front window looks at my neighbor's house across the street. Nothing spectacular. I am mainly trying to size the window combination so that it looks proportional to the gable wall that it fills. Not too squatty, but not ridiculously tall.
I live near San Jose California, so heat loss from large windows is not a huge concern with our moderate climate.
All opinions welcome.
Edited 12/31/2007 1:41 pm ET by gblotter
Looks like you're using Sketchup? How about drawing the whole wall, both inside view and outside, to give a better sense of scale and proportion. Often it's a case of what "looks" right, but needs to be in context.PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Can't really address gable wall proportions without seeing a drawing, but ...
I would go with option B and set the sills at 24" A.F.F. I think 16" feels too low in many cases. A room with a 10' ceiling needs a baseboard that finishes at a minimum of around 6-8" tall, and the remaining 'strip' below the window sill, once trimmed, may seem too narrow and not give adequate rooom for outlets.
If you do this, the windows will finish at 8'-6" A.F.F. which, with a 10' ceiling, will give you adequate room (18" +/-) for headers, curtain valances, crown, trim, etc.
Jeff
Edited 12/31/2007 2:42 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke
I think it depends on the width of the wall it is going in. If the room is fairly narrow, the taller options will make it feel even narrower by drawing the eye vertically.
Also keep in mind, that if you hold the window down for 2 x 12 header, anything taller than a 88" unit will put the window low enough to the floor that tempered or safety plate glass will be required.
troubleseeker said: "Also keep in mind, that if you hold the window down for 2 x 12 header, anything taller than a 88" unit will put the window low enough to the floor that tempered or safety plate glass will be required."
This is an important consideration. How low to the floor can I go without tempered/safety glass?
18" or less above floor height = tempered. FWIW, i think the Golden Rectangle is boring. I like to see dimensions that are unusual.
splintergroupie,
I understand your point but from the options listed and for the purpose he is using it the golden rectangle should be the best fit..
I get the impression this is kinda a rubber stamp home.. where certain formula approaches will keep him out of major design trouble..
I'll grant you that this is perception based on extremely limited information.
It's the OP's home with 10' ceilings..."rubber stamp"????
I understand the allure of the Golden Mean and its security. I love nautilus shells, too, but the windows whisper 'Rennie Mackintosh' to me, not 'Sears and Roebuck'.
Splintergroupie,
What's unusual about 10 foot ceilings? Sort of the semi norm around here. Only tract houses and other low end construction has 8 foot ceilings anymore.. 12 foot and even higher are the tendancy for upper end homes...
The homes I viewed in San Diego recently all had 10+ foot ceilings for living rooms where picture windows are. I can't say it's a national trend because I haven't viewed all the houses in the nation but based on my experiance visiting the tens of thousands of homes I did I would say that is the case..
Semantics, Frenchy. You used the term "rubber stamp", which i equate with tract homes and the like, but you apparently apply to "semi-norm" construction. Doesn't matter...we know what we mean, just use different terms to describe it.
Still B ;o)Jeff
I'd need to see your choices in the wall. Can you draw the wall s we can see it in proportion?
B or C, but it depends on the shape of the wall it is going into. And, how it aligns with other windows and architectural features when viewed from outside.
The good thing about Craftsman style is that it's not so formal, so it not so critical.
Per your request ...
Here are some updated images that show the various window combinations positioned in the gable wall. With dimensions, it is probably easier to evaluate the different options now.
Your vote please? A,B,C,D,E
View Image
View Image
View Image
View Image
View Image
Edited 1/1/2008 10:03 am ET by gblotter
C works for me, You don't want that parting mull at the top to low so that taller people are bending down to see out. I also like the 18" at the bottom. You still have room for a handsome baseboard .
No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.
Edited 1/1/2008 10:13 am ET by CardiacPaul
Now that I see it in the wall. I like "B".
a "B" for me
It takes studs to build a house
B would be my choice.
Unobstructed view.
Tall enough to easily crank windows.
Casements are not so big that you end up with latching and sagging issues.
Usable space under windows.
Ease of putting header on top of plates in normal framing.
Exterior band possible above window to ty in birdboxes or other gable end finish.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
"With dimensions, it is probably easier to evaluate the different options now."Actually, your dimensions are interferring with the decision. They add a business that confuses the mind's eye. Also, the added area above the ceiling and below the floor tricks the eye and changes the true proportions of what you are going to see....on the inside. I can use my hand to hide the attic and make my pic but I'd still want to see what it looks like without the extra stuff. Your decision will affect both views: inside and out, so I'd want to see both. I think I like C the best after hiding all the extra stuff. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I could live with any but D or E bec those windows' top corners look 'pinched'.
I'd prefer C with 3 windows instead of 4