This is huge and impressive. I've been thinking of similar ideas for expanding my system in the future. I will second PeterK2 about the weight and weakness of the PVC structure. I used to use 3/4" PVC and heavy canvas to make iguana cages in a very similar manner to your construction. The typical size for a cage was 3'x6'x6' or 4'x8'x6'. 3/4" PVC at 24 inches in length will bow in a frame like this with weights much over 30 pounds even when the fabric is evenly across it as you did. You can help this by sliding a pipe in the center of the PVC. Maybe see if 1/2" steel conduit or concrete rebar will slide within the 3/4" PVC pipe. The main weak point I see is where the two T fittings mate together with a small length of pipe. You may want to look at some 4 way fittings as they sell here: http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/pvc.shtml The other potential problem point I see would be twisting and falling diagonally as Peter brought up. It is hard to see but is the ceiling where this will be kept open to the floor joists above? The simplest fix will be to both support it from above and below. Add some strong anchors into the joists and suspend it with the frame under it still. You'll want to run the bin perpendicular to the joists and tie off to several joists to distribute the weight. While you have the sewing machine out nylon straps with a loop on one end and a ladder lock strap would be easy to make. http://www.ahh.biz/hardware/ladder_cinch_locks/locks_ladder_heavy_black_plastic.html I hung my worm inn with a frame of PVC around it to hold square and parachute cord tied off to the frame and some solid anchors in the floor joists overhead. [I just know I need to be clear as this is a wide open forum, I'm not trying to target you Worms4Tracy - solid anchors in joists are NOT plumbing pipes or electrical conduit these are 1/4" minimum bolts or lag screws with either a hook or eye. Each one should be able to hold an average mans weight minimum]

Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.We are in Texas and it gets really hot, up to 110 degrees in the Summer and Winter just lasted for about 2 months last year (~36 degrees) Personally, I really like full windows for a full clear view, thats why I chose fixed windows in the family room, while the breakfast bay window (on the right of pic) could be open for ventilation in the kitchen area. I'm not sure what brand, it was an option the builder suggested (either 3060 or 3070)...I'll be meeting the builder to finalize all the options this weekend, I can probably ask and see if they could also do the transom bigger and operable as you mentioned earlier I actually requested to bump the ceiling height in family room from 10 ft to 12 ft too so I can accommodate bigger windows and have some dimensions between the kitchen and family room...but it was quite expensive so we didnt go with that route.

I believe that if a wall is more than 10 feet high it must be framed with 2x6 studs instead of 2x4 studs, so that would require rebuilding the supporting wall(s). As far as how difficult it is to raise and rebuild the roof itself, its really hard to provide any opinion without seeing a picture of the current setup. Bruce

You said you've already made a decision but for others in the future....transoms in a bedroom complicate window coverings. We are renting a house with plantation shutters on the windows and nothing on the transoms. Dawn is pretty darn early in the summer! If you are a late sleeper or need to sleep during the day, consider how to cover the transoms.