ᐅ Large Dormers or High Knee Walls?

Created on: 12 May 2023 16:42
8
8aElProfe
Hi,

We were almost finished with our planning, but now, thanks to a fortunate development, we can build higher than previously expected.
For our attic space, the question is whether to choose a knee wall with an interior clear height of 60 cm (24 inches) featuring large dormers (covering half the facade) and a roof pitch of about 35°, as originally planned, or to raise the knee wall to 160 cm (63 inches) with a roof angle of 24° without dormers.

Since the eaves line must remain continuous, dormers cannot be implemented with the higher knee wall.
Due to area limitations for living and ancillary space, we have to construct the attic rooms accordingly.
Our builder cannot install strip windows in the 160 cm knee wall option.
Because of the continuous eaves, in the dormer version the knee wall must be lowered to 60 cm (24 inches) to fit large windows with a sill height of 1 m (39 inches).

On the children's room side, there is a nice view to the southeast, which speaks in favor of the dormer option.
In the master bedroom, the higher knee wall would provide more headroom above the bed. We would not position the bed as shown in the attached floor plan, but against the walls by the hallway and the end wall.
Additionally, the attic storage spaces would be more accessible with standing height on the ridge side. If it becomes legally possible to convert these storage areas into rooms in the future, the higher knee wall would make them much more usable.

What do you think?

Note: In the attached section, the dormer version has a slightly lower ridge height (the latest status before the new information). We can raise up to a clear height of 3.40 m (11 ft 2 in) under the ridge. So, either knee wall 60 cm (24 inches) with roof pitch 35°, or knee wall 160 cm (63 inches) with roof pitch 24°.
Section drawing of a house with gable roof, attic, roof pitch, and dimensions.

Attic floor plan: hallway, stairs, two rooms, bedroom, two bathrooms, storage.
K
kbt09
17 May 2023 17:06
Well, the layout and the staircase don’t quite convince me yet. The section in the other direction is missing. Especially when going down, you need at least 20cm (8 inches) of clear headroom above your own height for comfortable walking:

Section A--A: Staircase with railing, figure on steps, dimensions indicated.
H
hanghaus2023
17 May 2023 17:31
I quickly made a sketch. With a knee wall. No need for continuous skylights here.
Floor plan of an apartment: two bedrooms on the left, hallway, utility room/children's bathroom, open living area on the right

It also works without a walk-in closet, allowing for a more spacious bathroom and bedroom.

Could the floor area be reduced by adding a roof terrace or balcony? Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the regulations in Switzerland. A kind of setback floor is also conceivable.

Are you planning to do it yourself (DIY)?
8
8aElProfe
20 May 2023 18:34
hanghaus2023 schrieb:

I quickly sketched it out—with a knee wall (drempel). That way, no need for roof windows or skylights.
grosse-gauben-oder-hoher-kniestock-629796-1.png

This also works without a walk-in closet, allowing for a more spacious bathroom and bedroom.

Could the floor area be reduced by adding a roof terrace or balcony? Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the regulations in Switzerland. A type of stepped floor (setback floor) is also possible.

Are you planning to do it yourself (DIY)?


But that would reduce each of the children’s rooms by about 3 m² (32 sq ft). Then they become too small for us. But thanks for the suggestions. A terrace could actually be doable.
H
hanghaus2023
20 May 2023 18:47
With a roof terrace, there are solutions that do not interrupt the eaves. However, 14m2 (150 square feet) less means one room fewer.