Design Help w/ Opening Wall

9 years ago

All, I am going to get an structural engineer in to determine what is required to support my design, but first I want to nail down a design that incorporates into the rest of the house. I have attached some pictures and a notional drawing. My main goal is to carry the theme of the house correctly, so I want to carry the vertical posts from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor. These may turn out to be structural or just facade is the engineer wants to use a steel beam to span the entire length. My main dilemma is what to do at the two edges. Right now there aren't any posts on the 2nd floor and the ends, but from doing a scale drawing, I think the whole design looks better some posts. Anyway, all design advice is welcomed. Thank you.

Featured Answer

imsuzz

9 years ago

I would not put posts on lower area. It will look too busy. Remove upper railing and put glass also. The design now is too distracting. Check with structural architect/engineer to see if you can put in metal beam across to keep it fully open below.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Frederic
Original Author
9 years ago
Sorry, forgot to attach present pictures.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Call in a local architect. Some people just shouldn't even attempt to DIY.
Related Professionals
Fort Wayne Interior Designers & Decorators · Springfield Interior Designers & Decorators · Youngstown Interior Designers & Decorators · Stockton Interior Designers & Decorators · York Architects & Building Designers · Myrtle Beach Architects & Building Designers · San Marcos Architects & Building Designers · Waterbury Architects & Building Designers · Manchester Architects & Building Designers · Amarillo Architects & Building Designers · Pocatello Architects & Building Designers · York Architects & Building Designers · Bronx Architects & Building Designers · Monroe Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Pullman Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Frederic
Original Author
9 years ago
imsuzz, how large of opening do you think if appropriate? Here is another drawing I did where I kept some of the wall. I think I could open it another 5ft or so on the right. The good news is there are just two HVAC returns and some electrical to move, but no plumbing. Thanks
PRO
Paul Graham Companies, LLC
9 years ago
If you do go with the posts and decide to add posts at the ends (edges) then you should do half columns at the edges. This is called a pilaster and you can find more information on the web.
imsuzz
9 years ago
Hi Frederic. The opening would depend on a few things. What are you seeing on the other side of the wall . What do you Not want to see on the other side of the wall . Most important is proper support and permits. This is structural. Have the contractor remove the wall boards /drywall keeping the studs for support so you can have the visual. IWalls can always go back up.
typeandrun
9 years ago
I like your opening vs adding columns. Except can you move the opening so it would be centered below the three columns?
Frederic
Original Author
9 years ago
imsuzz, the other side of the wall is the front entrance foyer and hallway. Off the left of the hallway are two bedrooms/bathroom and off the to the right is the master bedroom. The hallway is very dark and narrow so I think opening up to the living room is a good idea. I'm not worried about proper supports, etc, I would do whatever the architect/engineer says is required. I just want to have a cohesive design of the hallway to living room transition be right before I move forward. Thanks
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
what typeandrun says. line up the opening with the columns above, or else centered between them (less wall removed) but don't have it be random, based on whats in the wall.