Opening back wall and vaulting ceiling/velux windows

2 years ago

We're considering adding velux windows to our kitchen diner, above our table. The kitchen area has another floor above it but the dining space has just loft space above, so we believe it to be possible.
It has crossed my mind that perhaps we could vault the ceiling, either exposing the beams (this part of the house dates to 1700s) or having it as open space without beams. Both scenarios would include velux windows.
Looking for advice - do you think vaulting the ceiling is possible and worth it for such a small area? Would it look silly? Would just roof lights be a better option?
The second thing I'm considering is opening the wall with the two windows and door. I don't think we have the space for bi-folds to open due to a side gate being in the way and French doors would just blow all over the place in wind. The door we have gets used a lot and the position of it is ideal, so I wondered about sliders, but then we have no where for the cat flap!! Is there an alternative suggestion I'm missing? I'd love to see the garden more and have more light. Not too fussed about having a massive opening as I don't think it would get used much as that wall doesn't get much sun.
The room is north facing.

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Coldwater
Original Author

2 years ago

We vaulted and love it!!! The amount of light we now get is amazing!

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Comments (18)

kazzh
2 years ago
How about extending the window down to full length? Retain the window sill, but just drop it lower. So it's may be one or two brick runs from the ground. Maybe switch out the windows from 4 pane to full height casement so you can slide them up for summer air but not have to worry about doors catching in the wind. This could retain the cottage feel, letting light in but not going too out of character.
Coldwater
Original Author
2 years ago
I'd considered a picture type window too, but am unsure if we'd gain much from doing it. We had these windows dropped 4 years ago as incredibly they were half the size they are now. The previous owners clearly did not like to see the garden!!

Also not sure if it would look in keeping the the house.

Does anyone have examples of similar in a cottage?
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Jen, are you sure everything is in proportion? I'm asking, because that store seems to be just a bit wider than a door (so about 1 m) which is fine, but doesn't give much space to manoeuvre inside it. Also, a bit too many doors in a small space, but I'm afraid I can't offer you a remedy for that. You have two wide, massive windows and a door in between, I think that will give plenty of light. Personally, I'd just add skylights or a glass roof. Or a long strip of glass all along What you don't seem to have is ventilation windows. Trust me, you're going to want one in the utility, or at least a good fan. Transom style windows could work too if you can open them. I really wish you'd see an architect... there are lots of different, small things that a professional can spot from miles away that you wouldn't even consider. As I said, I regret we didn't; our house is great, but it could've been even better!
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J
2 years ago
You can get stops for French doors to stop them moving.
Steph Houghton
2 years ago
Companies can put cat flaps in glass panels now, or alternatively you could have the cat flap through the wall.. we did this at our last house and it worked well (no photo though sorry)
R Bolton
2 years ago
I would definitely vault the ceiling and add skylights if you have the budget - it would make a small space feel much bigger and add value, character and light. with the windows it depends if you want to keep the character of the cottage or do you want the view? You need to decide which one as i dont think you can have both. you could make the door all glass and leave the windows. I also like an oriole window with a window seat if you dont want french doors. (I have french doors and love them. you can add hooks so they dont blow open.) Good luck - it‘s a lovely house!
88wj88
2 years ago
Inward opening french windows ? Love the idea of a vaulted ceiling / with velux - it will make the space so much brighter.
PRO
Earl & Calam Design and Build Ltd
2 years ago
Putting in sliding doors at the back would bring loads of light in to the room. Cat flap can go in the wall to the side.
PRO
Walk Interior Architecture & Design
2 years ago
be good if you can check on the beams before going too far with any works - eg will they look good? or they may still be worthy by being painted along with the newly exposed void - which if then insulated, plastered and painted would add character & light. I'm not convinced by a skylight and it may bring more issues/costs. but increasing the glazing eg deeper windows or doors would have it's benefits.
Tim Baker
2 years ago
You appear to have a low ceiling so I think vaulting it would be an excellent choice. I'd add some roof glass, it does not need to be opening for a magnificent light room. Then see what you think about the windows. You won't need more light just choose between a better view of the garden against loosing the cottage look.
Coldwater
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you all for commenting and your ideas! We've had someone round today who has confirmed our roof is suitable for velux and vaulting with no as structural alterations needed. So that's very promising! We just need to decide on the size of Windows now!

With the doors/windows, it's such a difficult decision. As you say, we need to decide between the view (Which we don't have much of) or character. I've just always imagined having a kitchen)diner with a big glass opening so it's hard to let go of that!
163 hrd
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I think you should have the glass opening of your dreams. I live in a cottage and although I would never alter the front we have changed the rear to suit a modern lifestyle. I consider the front to be the public side, and the rear to be private to do as I like. Your home should make you happy! The photo you posted has reminded me of just how dark our house used to be.
Coldwater
Original Author
2 years ago
Oh I'd love to see photos of what you've done to your cottage, if you'd be willing to share?
suesigngirl
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
If budget allows and it's practical, vaulting the ceiling and adding roof lights would make this space feel lighter and airier. My friend has just had an extension to her tiny 30's kitchen and the roof lights make a huge difference to how bright it is now. Someone mentioned an oriel window, which is something I'd love in my north facing kitchen. They seem to make any space brighter as they allow light in differently to just a flat window. Good luck!!!

Edit: if it were my kitchen I'd do away with the two windows and go for one fairly large oriel, with a window seat. We have a cat too, and it's easy to underestimate the importance of the cat flap if you don't have a cat that uses one.
Timothy Orchard
2 years ago
Tim O.

The alternative to bifolds is Slide and swing doors / panels.

The benefits are in the simplicity. You can just open the door and leave the other panels for simple garden access. Bespoke panels are made to your specification....Mine were cheaper that Bifolds!

The other panels slide and open independently.

When they are all open you get the required 'outside In' scenario which can be enhanced by losing the step down with the addition of a 'plinthed' patio.

Could the catflap be moved to the wall by the door?
Julian Cheese
2 years ago
Go for your vaulted ceiling with velux windows these are off the shelf items you can get triple or double glazed to suit your aspect. They will let in much more light and add real interest and shadows to that end of your room. The one downside is they may need painting or treatment as they tend to have timber surrounds, look for minimal maintenance ones also get openers to let flies out. The only thing, as I write, will be availability and cost as prices have shot up in the last 6 months and delivery is taking much longer than I have found previously, so you have to plan for and order items will in advance, you don’t want t end up with a hole in the roof with nothing to fill it!
PRO
Elizabeth Dean Garden Design
2 years ago
We used to own an old farm-worker's cottage with a separate, single storey coal/laundry building behind. We connected the two buildings with a rear hallway link building and gutted the coal/laundry shed to convert it into a new kitchen. We removed the old ceiling, put veluxes in the roof to add light and also kept a few of the joists (we removed some of them but had to put strong bolts through the remaining ones to tie them to the rafters.) We also put collar-ties on some of the other rafters and put extra reinforcements in along the wall-plate. Bottom line, is, I think it's well worth opening up the room into the roof pitch – it will look fabulous – but you should probably have a word with a good structural engineer first! :-)
shelby1of4
2 years ago
Hi Elizabeth Dean, I would love to see photos; it’s just been suggested that I do similar with a linked walkway from cottage to barn.

Opening back wall and vaulting ceiling/velux windows

Coldwater
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Comments (18)

kazzh

Coldwater
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Opening back wall and vaulting ceiling/velux windows

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