Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Apr 23, 2018 12:34 pm We are about to have plans drawn up for a new build and we have a block that requires aspect vs orientation compromise. The block is faces east with a lovely back garden. Along the north side is an ugly 2 story house so having north openings would be a problem. Also along the north side boundary ther are no trees as this is the old side driveway to the shed at the back. We have therefore been playlist g with floor plans that meet our needs for a downsizer house with a separate grandfathers media/retreat from the family. We also wanted a main bedroom opening t9 the yard, and a large 2nd bedroom for 2 queen beds for the kids. The dilemma now, is how should we let in extra light? We were thing clerestrial windows with south light?? Any thoughts on keeping g roof style costs down while having a lovely open feel but with excellent privacy, would be greatly appreciated. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Help please!?! 2Apr 23, 2018 12:42 pm Is this a single storey house? Are you concerned that north facing clerestory windows will still be overlooked by your neighbour’s second storey? What about skylights? Re: Help please!?! 3Apr 23, 2018 1:00 pm Hi there, thank you for your response. Yes it is single story, so the neighbours would be looking down on us. Yes, we were concerned that north facing clerestory might not be private enough. We had also thought about skylights which would be nice too. We are wanting to achieve a rustic style to our house using some old materials we have collected. The arches drawn in the plan are old iron riches from a demolished public building. We need some extra height to accomodate them above hallway openings. We were also wanting exposed rafters or some sort of beams, so thought a sloped roof would be good.it willalso come down to cost as well though. I have no idea about roof costs. Is clerestory more expense than a simple flat(ish) roof line? How does clerestory vs skylights work out in $$? Thank you again Re: Help please!?! 4Apr 23, 2018 1:35 pm That sounds like an amazing build with the reclaimed materials! So who has designed the building so far? Are you using an architect or coming up with the design yourself in conjunction with a draftsperson? Actually, I assume you are not using an architect since you’re asking for suggestions here? What sort of windows does the neighbour’s house have overlooking yours? If it’s the side of their house then am I right that it’s not likely to be picture windows that run the full length of the wall facing you! So I wonder if you could space your skylights/roof windows/clerestory such that they are not directly across from any of their windows? Further privacy could be achieved by the use of external slatted screens, depending on the angles of lines of sight from their windows. How about opaque glass? Re: Help please!?! 5Apr 27, 2018 8:21 am Hi again, Yes you are correct that the neighbours windows are not primary view windows. There is always the unknown potential though of their house being replaced with a new build and windows would not align with our skylights any more. I think we have pretty much decided to go with south facing clerestory and having complete privacy to the north, view of southern sky above a fully open western end to he yard. I’m really keen on pergolas also to add privacy to the yard, as you suggested. I have designed it myself and am working with a draftsperson to have plans drawn up. We’ve made some rearrangements of rooms to reduce size as we only want a simple but beautiful house. We’ve lined the kitchen dinin* and lounge all in the north side so we can have that whole area with exposed rafters and the high cathedral ceiling. Thankyou so much 😀 I've decided on White on white for doors and trims, White on white 50% on ceiling and Mt buller for walls. Fingers crossed it will look OK 😀 2 7158 i had the my concreters concrete right up to the fence. I have pits all along my path, so the water tends to drain away from the house and into the pits. There's only one… 7 12773 All 3 items listed are defects and are of concern. Please seek qualified independent inspector and/or legal advice for your state. 1 8219 |