How Close To The Corner Of A Building Can You Place A Window

[Ratty2E]

We have a small room at the back of our bungalow that is very dark and need a window. The only available space is 85cm (internally) between a door and the corner of the building. Is there any structural reason why it has to be a certain distance from the corner?

[The Builder]

Ratts, any opening has to be a minimum of 550mm from an internal angle. Small openings can be neare, but they would be far too small for useful light.

To fit in with your available dimension is possible of course, but a specially engineered (calculated) wind post would have to be incorporated in the corner for structural stability.

There's no particular problem with vertical loads on a slender piece of masonry. The problems arise with external influences such as wind loading. It's not widely appreciated that wind loads are far more severe than most of the imposed loads within the building.

In your position, I would simply fully glaze the adjacent door for more light.

[Togo]

Ratty can you put in a roof light or velux window?

[The Builder]

Good thinking, Togo. Veluxes are much cheaper to fit, and give many more times the light as from a regular window.

[vulcan42]

Would need The Builders expertise here but would something like this work?
http://www.develop.csbr.umn.edu/msdg/MSDG/case/wolfridge/images/wrdaylighting.jpg

[vulcan42]

Sorry, I seemed to have arrived late. :o)

[Togo]

I have also seen a light chimney fitted, that terminates in the room, to look like a circular light fitting. They have a dome at roof level and a mirrored tube that runs down to the ceiling fitting. They also give stunning results in the dark when there is a bright moon.

[Ratty2E]

Thank you for all your replies, they have been most helpful and given me some other options to consider.

[The Builder]

No problem at all with Vulcan's link. "Tunnelling" down from a Velux is done all the time.

If the Velux is offset, then the same process applies. Although, in your case, Ratts, it would probably be straight down. Very simple, and with dramatic effect.