To bay or to bay

enmac

just wondering what peoples views are on bay windows - I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of one from my new build

sydthebeat

enmac wrote: »

just wondering what peoples views are on bay windows - I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of one from my new build

nice design feature if it complements the form of the dwelling... however they have become a fashion 'must have' for a lot of people..

I wouldnt go near them if i was building today...

There are so many junction details that can go wrong.

The cost per sq ft to build is probably a multiple of 6 or 7 times the dwelling per sq ft costs.

sinnerboy

They have to be seen in context of the overall design

They can add interest to the elevation and to the internal space and for that reason can justify the hassle factor

If they are part of your planning permission - you will need a further permission to remove them

Builderfromhell

I'd agree with Sydbeat. Pain to set out foundations so you usually just dig a very wide trench and fill with concrete. Setting out for blockwork and cills a pain. getting cills to fit together awkward.

My main criticism is that at night, ie. when you are using the room, people will draw the curtain across the bay window thereby losing the space. Unless you have a huge bay the space is not useful. Usually a couch won't fit.

I have designed in large bays as a sun trap and to optimise views. So, in some instances they may make sense.

pseudo-tech

enmac wrote: »

just wondering what peoples views are on bay windows - I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of one from my new build

Tacky on new designs!! Nearly as bad as applying stone to only some elevations and not them all! Or the Dallas porch (including fluted columns and pediment)! No accounting for taste!!!!

Poor Uncle Tom

Wouldn't the world be a boring place if everyone designed the same type buildings with all the same features, or lack of?

Any element of a building has to have a reason for being, this includes bay windows. I will usually include them in a design if they can maximise a view, take in more sunlight, prevent overlooking, etc.

They can incorporate different materials to provide contrast to a build, like all glass including roof, shingled walls and flat roof, you get the idea.

pseudo-tech

They seem to be more common in new builds the further away you go from cities or in large housing estates! Used inappropriately in the vast majority of cases!