getting natural light into a single storey extension

3 years ago

I’m planning to build a single storey rear extension for my terrace and would like to get more natural light in. I am trying to avoid using skylights (have heard too many horror stories of leaks) and solar tunnels (no expertise in tunnel installation in my area).
I am thinking of doing a ‘stepped’ metal roof design which allows placement of a row of letterbox windows. This hopefully will allow more light to spill in.
The length of my extension will be around 7 meters wall to wall.

Comments please.

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Comments (3)

PRO
Designed Design Associates (DDA)
3 years ago
hey there, is it a good alternative. If the site condition permits, i would suggest to have a higher/ taller opening to ensure a good source of light into the space. The amount of light source you will get also depends on the orientation of the house. i.e. if its a East & West direction, you will be able to get optimum light source streaming into the room at certain time of the day. However, if its a North South facing, then it will likely be a " light-split". hope this is useful.
rubberduckie
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the advice!
I just realized these are called clerestory windows, my bad. My place is N-S facing but I’m located at the equator. What’s a ‘light-split’?
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Wow those fees..........like Jonathan, that's a lot. Changing the deeds ( last time we did that on a property was just short of £3k I think ( solicitors charges etc ). So, i'm guessing you've already shelled out the largest bill to the Architect...( literally astonished ). You'll probably still have a charge from the Water Co to come and check the drains as It's moving. I'd go get some more quotes for the build as that's around double what i'd expect for a single story (I'd go to £40K) depending on your doors / window requirement, but £60k's out of the park so to speak. To be honest, I think you're getting bad advice from expensive people. I'd spend a day trying to find out what costs are usually from others that have had similar done. You've got to factor in new furniture, flooring etc. Lastly, I also agree with Jonathan that a toilet off a living room is weird. So, yes i'd probably shelve the sideways toilet, swallow the amount that you have paid so far, save on not building on the side return and look at going under the stairs. It will be a nicer room at the end. I presume ( maybe i'm wrong ) that you're going to amend the kitchen as that still has problems. The little wall at the forefront that juts out too far and the fridge being in the dining room. I think that needs a tweak too. I like Jonathan's plan, but it won't be easy with all the drains on the right. Moving the sink and drainage, is costly. However, it will be a lot cheaper than the shared driveway idea and re-arrange the kitchen to it's best use. I wish you luck, and please let us all know what you decide. I'm so sorry you've had this awful experience. I think you've been unlucky with your choice of people and maybe ditching them all will be the best thing you've ever done. I'd go for something like this, the same as Jonathan.
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PRO
Designed Design Associates (DDA)
3 years ago
my bad, meant to say " Light - Slit", like a strip of light/ a glow. Being E-W facing, you have a better chance of catching the light steaming further into the room during sunrise and sunset.

getting natural light into a single storey extension

Comments (3)

Designed Design Associates (DDA)

rubberduckie
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getting natural light into a single storey extension

Comments (3)

Designed Design Associates (DDA)

rubberduckieOriginal Author

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rubberduckie
Original Author