Our new flat has triple glazing that is Argon filled and has a rating greater than A+ all the windows that face SW are sliding floor to ceiling, the outer layer is auto tinting and self cleaning the inner sheet can go from clear to opaque at the touch of a switch so no curtains needed.
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
Our new flat has triple glazing that is Argon filled and has a rating greater than A+ all the windows that face SW are sliding floor to ceiling, the outer layer is auto tinting and self cleaning the inner sheet can go from clear to opaque at the touch of a switch so no curtains needed.
I'm soooo jealous. I'd love a lot more glass in our house, to be honest, I'd love to demolish my house and build a new one on the same plot.
I am aware of the DDA and now building regs part M. I can't say I know every clause - do they mandate a minimum sill height somewhere? I've not come across that.
Argon filled double glazing is basically the minimum standard now, and it only equates to about 25% glazing.
Most architects I know (and I know a lot of architects) will always try to get floor to ceiling glazing in to a house or flat. Quite apart from wheelchair users, anyone would like to be able to see out while sitting down. But most builders - including the big ones like Wimpey and Redrow - don't use architects. They only employ technicians to get them through building regs without reference to experience or comfort or betterment of any kind. They stick to 'code' - reinforced by the likes of NHBC and LABC warranties, both of whom are extremely inflexible.
@Hostafan1 if you can't face demolishing your house and rebuilding, you could replace the windows with bigger ones - even just doing one at a time. Dropping sills is relatively easy. Raising the lintels is a lot more difficult.
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
@raisingirl. The house is in completely the wrong place on the plot. It used to be a dairyman's cottage with a very small garden, it's now doubled in size and has a 7.5 acre plot. I can't afford to build a new house, and I'm sure our useless council wouldn't let me anyway, but I can dream.
We love it everything is new and designed for wheelchair user.
We have not had a full winter here yet with SW gales and rain blowing straight up the channel so we might change our mind's then !! but I don't think so.
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
@raisingirl A lot of the problem is that the builders purchased and registered the land years ago therefore they do not need to comply with current regulation.
There is a amendment currently going through government I understand that will do away with this loophole but with B*it everything seems to be on hold
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
I can see why you can't afford it Hosta It's quite hard for councils to refuse a replacement dwelling application but they can insist on a pitched roof and brick walls, sadly.
HHog - B**it has stymied everything
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
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"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
Argon filled double glazing is basically the minimum standard now, and it only equates to about 25% glazing.
Most architects I know (and I know a lot of architects) will always try to get floor to ceiling glazing in to a house or flat. Quite apart from wheelchair users, anyone would like to be able to see out while sitting down. But most builders - including the big ones like Wimpey and Redrow - don't use architects. They only employ technicians to get them through building regs without reference to experience or comfort or betterment of any kind. They stick to 'code' - reinforced by the likes of NHBC and LABC warranties, both of whom are extremely inflexible.
@Hostafan1 if you can't face demolishing your house and rebuilding, you could replace the windows with bigger ones - even just doing one at a time. Dropping sills is relatively easy. Raising the lintels is a lot more difficult.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
We have not had a full winter here yet with SW gales and rain blowing straight up the channel so we might change our mind's then !! but I don't think so.
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
Something like this would please me
There is a amendment currently going through government I understand that will do away with this loophole but with B*it everything seems to be on hold
"You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
HHog - B**it has stymied everything
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”