ᐅ Dormer not possible due to the knee wall being too high.

Created on: 3 Sep 2016 20:07
J
jeti79
Hello,

We are currently in the planning phase for our single-family house with a pitched roof and have a dormer with 2 windows included in the offer for the upper floor. Unfortunately, according to the architect, this has to be removed because we decided on a knee wall height of 1.15 m (3 ft 9 in), which makes the windows too small. (With a roof pitch of 45°)

Since we find the appearance of the house a bit "bare" and there would otherwise be no windows in that space, I am wondering what alternatives exist that would not significantly impact the budget?

If you need any further information, please let me know.

Best regards,
Jens
J
jeti79
3 Sep 2016 22:39
The question is: the house was originally planned with a 75cm (30 inches) knee wall. We increased it to 1.15m (45 inches). Will I automatically get windows that are 40cm (16 inches) shorter? Sorry if this is a silly question, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it...

Just read BeHaElJas’s post: Yes, a small gable roof would probably be the more sensible solution. I’ll bring that up at the meeting. I’m curious what that will mean cost-wise...
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garfunkel
3 Sep 2016 23:09
My dormers have an opening for the windows with a height of 1m (3.3 feet) – window frame = 80cm (31.5 inches) glass height. I wouldn’t want it any smaller!

What I don’t understand yet: is it not possible to have the dormer flush with the exterior wall? That’s how it is for me, and if you support the small remaining piece of roof in front of the dormer from the outside wall, you could probably gain some more window height and window area. Of course, that would affect the overall look of the house, so it’s something to carefully consider.

Edit: Is it important that the knee wall is 1.15m (3.8 feet) high and not 75cm (29.5 inches)?
J
jeti79
3 Sep 2016 23:15
I imagine it like that on the exterior wall as well.

Yes, there should definitely be a high knee wall. There are a few other factors involved, including the height of the attic and a shower connected to the sloped wall. I can attach a plan tomorrow.
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Legurit
3 Sep 2016 23:21
If it is on the exterior wall, it is called a cross gable, right?
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garfunkel
3 Sep 2016 23:21
The knee wall is mainly for visual and practical purposes, while the knee post contains structural elements.
(As far as I understand it)

Is it then possible to plan the rooms with dormers either with or without the knee wall, and the others as originally planned?
J
jeti79
4 Sep 2016 12:39
Well, not just the appearance – we currently live with a high knee wall and can even fit a loft bed under the roof slope (with some clearance).
Moreover, by adjusting the knee wall height, I can influence the height of the attic space, which I would also like to use as a retreat area.

I’m not quite following the idea of partially leaving out the knee wall, sorry. The rafters have to be supported somehow. Perhaps I just didn’t understand it correctly.