Windows

[LBolton2008]

I know, I know....go to the class, but I'm so anxious, I MUST ask questions! ;)

One of the most appealing things about a log home of course is the natural-ness of the logs, but for me, it is also tons of light, which means WINDOWS. From what I am seeing most LHBA homes, do not have tons of windows. I'm not sure why, but it seems to me that you could put a lot of windows in a LHBA home, because of the sheer strength behind the structure. I realize the more "holes" you cut out for doors and windows, the less sturdy it will be, but with all of that steel running through it, how could it not be just rock solid even if you do add lots of windows?


Lisa

[rreidnauer]

You can add lots of windows. There are suggested minimums for how close to a corner you can get, but overall, you can do some major "windowing" especially if using 4x bucks. I guess one reason many don't go overboard is so much went into putting them perty logs up, it's a shame to go and cut them all out. The gables are a great place to install mega glass, since that area is completely non- structural. (you could theoretically make the gables 100% glass)

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[LBolton2008]

You can add lots of windows. There are suggested minimums for how close to a corner you can get, but overall, you can do some major "windowing" especially if using 4x bucks. I guess one reason many don't go overboard is so much went into putting them perty logs up, it's a shame to go and cut them all out. The gables are a great place to install mega glass, since that area is completely non- structural. (you could theoretically make the gables 100% glass)

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Thanks so much! THIS is what I wanted/needed to hear! :) I love these people! :) ~ Lisa

[loghousenut]

To back up what Rod just said, there's one of the student's homes in the photo section that has 100% commercial style glass in the gables. I'd find it for you but I'm on the phone at work.

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[LBolton2008]

To back up what Rod just said, there's one of the student's homes in the photo section that has 100% commercial style glass in the gables. I'd find it for you but I'm on the phone at work.

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LHN, I'll look for it. Thanks.

[LBolton2008]

This is the Wellington Hills place. LHN, is this the home you are speaking of? Hopefully, the photo posts, ok.

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/student-log-home/wellington-hills

[LBolton2008]

This is the Wellington Hills place. LHN, is this the home you are speaking of? Hopefully, the photo posts, ok.

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/student-log-home/wellington-hills

Guess not. I'll figure it out.....

[rocklock]

I have 21 windows, doors with triple glass and sky lites.

[loghousenut]

This is the Wellington Hills place. LHN, is this the home you are speaking of? Hopefully, the photo posts, ok.

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/student-log-home/wellington-hills

Wellington Hills is one but I was thinking about "Mikes Artistic Place". Wallace Falls Lodge did something similar.

I first took the class from Skip in 1981 and it was before he had the 7,000 sq ft mansion finished, so class was held in a little 20x30 or so sized log house with no windows at all except for one little tiny one way up on the third floor loft. I never missed having windows in that place. I think your log home can have as many or as few windows as you'd like it to have. You'll love it either way.

[BoFuller]

Depends where you live. I am dictated how many windows as well as placement and quality. :(

[rreidnauer]

Land of the Free . . . . .

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[AkChas]

I'm like you LB - I love lot's of natural light. But besides structural integrity considerations, there's also the climate of your location to take into account. In an area with darn cold winters, my windows would be more on the south side (for sun / passive heat exposure), and fewer on the north side (but enough, in order to watch the Northern Lights from inside : ). Windows will leak more heat than logs. Of course there are some REALLY efficient windows that will lose less heat from inside, but they can be REALLY add to the cost. The type of frame comes into play too, for heat efficiency vs cost (aluminum, synthetic, wood). Size of individual windows get much more expensive, the larger you go as well (I like strategic placement of smaller windows for larger windowed areas). The class covers these considerations and there's lot's of stuff on these topics here too. Another one is, "standard sized" windows are cheaper than custom sized. And then there's the consideration of finding replacement panes, should you ever need to replace a custom sized window.

Building a scale model with store-bought dowels (1/2" or 5/8"), sure helps to visualize various aspects of things in a 3-D sense. My model is just coming together, but I chose to go with scale-sized branches/twigs, to make my "build process" a bit more realistic (peel, inventory which is used where, placement, fitting, etc).

As much as there is to think about and consider -- it's still -- Soooo Much Fun! And exciting! Yaaay.

[LBolton2008]

I'm like you LB - I love lot's of natural light. But besides structural integrity considerations, there's also the climate of your location to take into account. In an area with darn cold winters, my windows would be more on the south side (for sun / passive heat exposure), and fewer on the north side (but enough, in order to watch the Northern Lights from inside : ). Windows will leak more heat than logs. Of course there are some REALLY efficient windows that will lose less heat from inside, but they can be REALLY add to the cost. The type of frame comes into play too, for heat efficiency vs cost (aluminum, synthetic, wood). Size of individual windows get much more expensive, the larger you go as well (I like strategic placement of smaller windows for larger windowed areas). The class covers these considerations and there's lot's of stuff on these topics here too. Another one is, "standard sized" windows are cheaper than custom sized. And then there's the consideration of finding replacement panes, should you ever need to replace a custom sized window.

Building a scale model with store-bought dowels (1/2" or 5/8"), sure helps to visualize various aspects of things in a 3-D sense. My model is just coming together, but I chose to go with scale-sized branches/twigs, to make my "build process" a bit more realistic (peel, inventory which is used where, placement, fitting, etc).

As much as there is to think about and consider -- it's still -- Soooo Much Fun! And exciting! Yaaay.

Great idea. I think I will do the 'model' as well.

[LogHomeFeverDan]

Why am I reminded of that new commercial out with the mini "entertainment" center with the "big screen" tv that's really a cell phone. Have you seen it??
When we make our model, can we get lil pieces of slate and do one floor and then like popsicle stick t & g floors?? <sly grin>

[dvb]

I made the gable ends with as much glass as I could fit in.

[LBolton2008]

I made the gable ends with as much glass as I could fit in.

Great to see more photos. I am so wrapped up in this whole dream that I think I'm starting to make people around me crazy! I try to hold my tongue and not talk about it, but I just cannot help it! I like your glass!

[LogHomeFeverDan]

Great to see more photos. I am so wrapped up in this whole dream that I think I'm starting to make people around me crazy! I try to hold my tongue and not talk about it, but I just cannot help it! I like your glass!

Glad I'm not the only one with the addiction....or is it an affliction..... <shrug> I guess title doesn't matter it's good!!! All Good!

[Basil]

My gable end on the front is almost all glass. Two picture windows in the great room, and two french doors as well. The second floor wall is drywall, so it reflects all that light back into the great room from the gable. We never turn lights on until dusk.

[LBolton2008]

[QUOTE=Basil;85516]My gable end on the front is almost all glass. Two picture windows in the great room, and two french doors as well. The second floor wall is drywall, so it reflects all that light back into the great room from the gable. We never turn lights on until dusk.[/QUOTE

Awesome!

[John W]

Yes, we all drive our casual acquaintences crazy with the log house talk. Friends understand and listen, hopefully the spouse is on board. Mine is only halfway there. But I've let her follow her dream and it's payback time. She can't physically do it, but has volunteered to cook for whoever shows up to help (trust me, that's a good thing) as long as they're there.

And yes, we're all addicted, crazy, etc. Count me in.

[Timberwolf]

Yes, we all drive our casual acquaintences crazy with the log house talk. Friends understand and listen, hopefully the spouse is on board. Mine is only halfway there. But I've let her follow her dream and it's payback time. She can't physically do it, but has volunteered to cook for whoever shows up to help (trust me, that's a good thing) as long as they're there.

And yes, we're all addicted, crazy, etc. Count me in.

Yes, that is a VERY good thing.

Even if she never lifts a hammer, as long as she's got your back, you'll be fine.