What are the minimum window sizes / widths for looking outside

Hello,

we are quite advanced in the building planning. However, I am still struggling with some of the planned windows.

In the attic, we have three bedrooms and a bathroom. Two of the bedrooms also have a dormer, each with a floor-to-ceiling window (= two floor-to-ceiling windows in total in the dormer). Otherwise, all four rooms have a window with a sill.

In the original design by the architect, the rough construction dimensions of the windows are 1m. That leaves a glass area (to look through) of about 80cm, at least that’s what I think.

I believe that’s too small for me, too narrow, like a loophole. But just because I believe that doesn’t mean it has to be the case.

The architect says that would be sufficient, bigger can be done, probably costing a few hundred euros more per window (he didn’t know offhand). We will sit down together again to discuss this. But before that, I want to get your opinion and also try to look at real examples from the inside. The architect also says that regarding brightness, that is absolutely sufficient.

We don’t have and don’t want skylights. The structural requirements and standards for light incidence are met at least, and for me irrelevant for this question. I also want to disregard the exterior appearance; I am aware that it should fit the concept, but I can still discuss that with the architect.

My question is solely about how it feels to be in the room and look out through such a window. If I ever think the window could have been bigger, I did something wrong. So it must not feel too small when looking out.

So I ask for your subjective opinion about your windows:
- how big is your window (e.g., at the kitchen table or preferably in the office at the desk)
- single or double-winged?
- double or triple glazed?
- are you satisfied when looking out, or could the window be bigger?

Well, our cabin is still under construction, so I can't report on everyday life yet. We have a single normal window (1.1m x 1.5m; width x height) in our house. Looking out a lot usually means also looking in a lot. In the kitchen/living room, we have 2x double patio doors 2.2m x 2.3m and a fixed glazing 2.2m x 1.85m and an almost normal window with a sill height above the sink faucet (1.4m x 1.15m). That makes a good 15m² of windows for 42m² of room. The bedroom/children’s room has 1.5m x 1.85m double windows. The bathrooms/utility room have horizontal window formats with a sill height of 1.3m and are then 1.8m x 0.8m.

Overall, all windows are anyway wider than 1m and tend to be significantly wider. From my point of view, a little more width can’t hurt, but it is certainly not necessary in terms of light incidence.

Counter question: in which situation do you - consciously - look outside. Where are you at that moment in the (which) room, at the window or _in_ the room? Maybe then you can also answer your question yourself

Regards

Single-leaf at 1.30m or double-leaf at 1.50m or even more?

I believe windows are so heavy nowadays that single-leaf is hardly possible anywhere anymore, except for windows often found in guest bathrooms.

With double-leaf, the question then arises whether to have a mullion or a fixed central post.

For example, we have a wide, single-leaf window that can only be tilted because of this.

I don't really like these narrow tall windows, but that's a matter of taste. Our windows on the upper floor have a parapet height of 50cm and are double-leafed (so quite wide).

I would advise you to go to a model house park and especially pay attention to the windows there. You get a very good impression there!