So the dropped ceiling would be at the same level at the lowest point of the boxed window? Seems a bit awkward.

Don't drop the ceiling that much--just a bare minimum. Enlarge the box around the window? Make more of the ceiling--i.e. don't think of it as flat but a design of it's own. I know that's a vague comment, but a lot of times ceilings in basements become very ad hoc, either dropped to one flat level or boxed around pipes and ducts. The ceiling can to relate to what's going on below and help define those spaces at the same time that it hides stuff.

I have no idea about structural things like this, but if that's what youre going to do, I'd try to add some mirrors or something along the inside of that box, to try and reflect as much light as possible into the space. I don't really see the point of putting in a window, and then half closing it up though.

On second thought, don't you need an egress window from your basement since it is going to be a finished space? It seems to me that this "solution" would be a safety code violation, especially if this is the only window in the basement. It doesn't look like anyone could squeeze out of it in this configuration. That said, cutting out the wall to accommodate an egress window would solve this problem, no?

There are french doors in another area for egress and 2 other windows. The other windows are not in the finished area. This is the only window in that area. The ceiling has to be that low to go over the beams and my husband is insisting on dropped ceiling for access to plumbing & electric. I think a bigger box and maybe sloped walls in the box? Like the idea of extra lighting in there.

Your local building official will let you know what the requirements are--provided, that is, your contractor obtained a building permit. You won't want to learn about the requirement at final inspection. Stating it over-simply, most codes require that the window sill be no higher than 42" off the floor, and that the clear opening of the window be 5sf. The window well outside must also be of an adequate size and if it is more than 42" deep, it will need a ladder....

Contractor did get permits. Outside is not an issue. Window at least 8 feet off ground. House on steep hill.

Don't drop the ceiling at all. Go with an industrial look. Personally, I'd rather see the plumbing and wiring and ductwork than have it hidden under a low solid expanse of ceiling.

Do not drop the ceiling below the top of the window. Keep it as high as possible. As for the black pipe, box it in to look like a beam. Hope this helps and good luck on the renovation. :)

I would keep the ceiling track high and tight. If necessary a wall angle can be installed over the window slope down to the track. It takes a little more work that way, but you get more light coming in.

I'm in the same situation and would like to know what you ended up doing. and if your happy with your decisions. Right now we plan to have Stained Glass in front of the window so the light is not as much a concern as visibility to the window. I can raise the ceiling, but my wife is opposed to the 'beams' that would be exposed by doing that.

I like the idea of an angle on that framing. A nice gradual slope to the drop ceiling, instead of right angles. Kind of like a dormer on a roof, but inverse. That and painting a very light reflective color next to the window will hopefully bring more light in.

We angled the opening to get the maximum amount of daylight. We are very happy with our solution. Had a little trouble getting the contractor to understand what I wanted. I had to make a model out of cardboard.