Clerestory windows: Frontage is North facing [Melbourne KDR]

orangejuice · Jan 11, 2021 11:10 pm

Hi everyone,

My block is rectangular and frontage is directly north facing.
I'm trying to build a classic C-shape plan for this orientation, ie I__I, with a courtyard in the middle.

Need some advice on
1. What kind of roof do I need to get clerestory windows up on the northern and southern part of the "C-shape"?
I reckon can either be a skillion/raked roof, or a raised ceiling (say up to 4m) and stick the clerestory on top the wall just below the eaves.

2. What kind of angle should the skillion/raked roof be for Melbourne?

3. Related to (2)., what is the size of the clerestory windows needed (Length x Height)?

Thanks!

StructuralBIMGuy · Jan 12, 2021 10:38 am

orangejuice

1. What kind of roof do I need to get clerestory windows up on the northern and southern part of the "C-shape"?
I reckon can either be a skillion/raked roof, or a raised ceiling (say up to 4m) and stick the clerestory on top the wall just below the eaves.

there are too many options .. it also depends on your budget... do you want the frame exposed, lined on the rake, beams or trusses, etc,etc
Lighting, shadows and angles are best simulated in a 3D Bim program

orangejuice

2. What kind of angle should the skillion/raked roof be for Melbourne?

It depends on the roof material, 22deg min, Coastal Perth, natural air flow cooling in summer

orangejuice

3. Related to (2)., what is the size of the clerestory windows needed (Length x Height)?

Thanks!

Windows Up to 3/4 room length x 750mm height optimal

HTH
chris

orangejuice · Jan 13, 2021 10:08 am

Hi StructuralBIMGuy,

StructuralBIMGuy

there are too many options .. it also depends on your budget... do you want the frame exposed, lined on the rake, beams or trusses, etc,etc
Lighting, shadows and angles are best simulated in a 3D Bim program

Wow, I didn't know there's so many options. I'm just looking for a simple cost effective solution. Not fussy about aesthetics.

StructuralBIMGuy

It depends on the roof material, 22deg min, Coastal Perth, natural air flow cooling in summer

If for costal Perth = 22 deg; for Melbourne the angle can be smaller, say 18-20 deg, because Melbourne is further south?

StructuralBIMGuy

Windows Up to 3/4 room length x 750mm height optimal

Thank you!

StructuralBIMGuy · Jan 15, 2021 9:20 am

You need to weight up all the options and costs
Start with the C-shaped design. ie courtyard in the centre
This adds 30% to the cost of a std rectangular house, same size area , 30% greater perimeter.
Will you get back that extra $100K when you sell it... I doubt it.
Then work through all other design/cost parameters, always focus on resale ie
1. location
2.Size
3.Aesthetics
OT, Builders never justify their prices they just expect you to pay it, and the majority do

orangejuice · Jan 15, 2021 3:52 pm

StructuralBIMGuy

You need to weight up all the options and costs
Start with the C-shaped design. ie courtyard in the centre
This adds 30% to the cost of a std rectangular house, same size area , 30% greater perimeter.
Will you get back that extra $100K when you sell it... I doubt it.
Then work through all other design/cost parameters, always focus on resale ie
1. location
2.Size
3.Aesthetics
OT, Builders never justify their prices they just expect you to pay it, and the majority do

Wow, 30% more added cost to std rectangular house!
I really need to go back to my drawing board.
Seems like there's no easy way out for a frontage north-facing block.

:(:(