ᐅ Adding frame extensions to increase ceiling height for windows due to external blinds (e.g., roller shutters)

Good evening, fellow building enthusiasts,

a technical and cost-related issue has come up for us.

We actually want floor-to-ceiling windows. These are to be shaded with external venetian blinds. We were told that we either need an additional frame extension at the top, about 15cm (6 inches) thick. This already costs around 5,000 euros gross for all windows. Alternatively, small lintels have to be constructed.

The explanation is that the actual window frame cannot sit directly against the concrete ceiling, otherwise there would be problems with thermal insulation, because the blind box is basically at the thickness level of the concrete slab, which would reduce the space for the insulation (we are using ETICS – external thermal insulation composite system).

To avoid seeing the frame extension or the small lintel, it is recommended to install a suspended ceiling.

Has anyone heard of a similar issue or can share their experience? Especially builders with floor-to-ceiling windows equipped with external blinds.

Thanks!

That might be the case. However, it could possibly have been planned much better. What does your architect say about it?!

nightdancer schrieb:

That might be the case. But it could possibly have been planned much better. What does your architect say about that?!

Could you explain what a better plan would look like? The option described is preferred by the architect for the floor-to-ceiling windows. We are still before the structural work tender stage, so there is definitely room for adjustments.

Thank you!

Bauherr am L schrieb:

Could you explain a better plan, or what would that look like? The option described is preferred by the architect for the floor-to-ceiling windows. We are still before the shell construction tender, so there should definitely still be room for changes.

Thanks!

If you are still before the shell construction tender, why is the additional cost for doubling already known?! The windows will be tendered later anyway. The doubling should not cost more than 100 euros (about 110 US dollars) per window. Why isn't an insulated roller shutter box used to integrate it into the external wall insulation system (EWI / ETICS)?

Bauherr am L schrieb:

Could you explain a better planning approach, or what would that look like?

Holistically, for example. Since you can’t read people’s minds, it’s difficult to impossible to give useful advice to those who get lost in individual threads.

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nightdancer schrieb:

If you are still before the shell construction tender, why is the additional cost for frame extensions already known?! The windows will be tendered later. The frame extensions shouldn’t cost more than 100 euros per window. Why isn’t an insulated external blind box used to integrate it into the ETICS?

Thanks for the tip about the insulated external blind boxes. That is definitely an idea.

Our architect has already obtained concrete quotes based on the design so that we can see where we actually stand. Considering the current situation, it’s quite good. We do need to reduce costs, so naturally the question arises whether these expensive frame extensions are necessary and what alternatives there might be.