I can't imagine a 7 ft ceiling being to Code in most places. I would not like that at all, and I live in a house with 8 ft ceilings that, in fact, are actually 7 1/2 ft. They're too low.

Redo design to get at least 8’ preferably 9’. For an entry 10’ or a tray ceiling that pops up. Need more info, drawings to help effectively.

Why are you building a house with seven foot ceilings? What is so compelling about the roof deck that requires a seven foot high ceiling in the space below it? Is the foyer on the second floor?

"Will this hurt the re-sale value of the home? "

Absolutely yes. Anyone 6' tall or over will be ducking in that house. Considering the average height of people is increasing , you will be hard pressed to find people that would be able to ignore a 7' ceiling height.

Nonsense. The cost of going one foot adds $1,000 to $2000 to the average building. No way I would allow 7' ceilings anywhere.

There may be code building height restrictions rather than money limiting things.

But either way - no to 7 ft ceilings.

Instead of putting the deck on the roof (resulting in a 7’ ceiling), put the deck off the second story. It would make for a beautiful “foyer” looking from the inside out.

What is a second floor foyer? Post the plans.

What is a second floor foyer?

Practically, a 7 foot ceiling may make furniture moving difficult.

But I actually like having varying ceiling heights; adds interest. It’s one of Frank L Wright’s tricks.

Post the whole design. I’m quite sure that the ceiling isn’t the only thing to have concerns about.

But I actually like having varying ceiling heights; adds interest. It’s one of Frank L Wright’s tricks.

While that's true, it has to be scaled to the occupants. I've toured the Meyer May house with my husband. It was built for short people. My husband, who stands 6' tall, was instinctively ducking in some of the lower areas of the house. He was just uncomfortable with HOW low the ceilings were. (7', I think, in some areas)

A roof deck over an enclosed interior space is a leak waiting to happen

I remember touring the FLW Oak Park house and thinking “this was a man with a deep hostility toward tall people.” And I’m just 6’ tall. I’ve read that his wife was taller than him and it bothered him to the point that he would exaggerate his own height on forms.

Anyway. No to 7’ ceilings. Something doesn’t add up in this story.

By second floor foyer do you mean second floor landing? By roof deck do you mean like a widows walk? I for one am having a hard time interpreting what you are trying to describe. Can you post the plans please?

I agree, you need at least 8' ceilings in a modern house.

However, Frank Lloyd Wright had a much different idea. He designed entries and other transition areas with lower ceilings because they were not the primary part of the house. His idea was that you passed through them to the main house and as the ceiling opened up and got higher this emphasized the main living areas. He also believed in very small bedrooms by modern standards, since they were just a place to sleep. He would have never designed today's master suites.

Bruce

that was one of the main themes of renowned architect Ernest Flagg. he used walls as low as 4'6" and created the height by utilising the cathedral ceiling and added light using ridge dormers (he believed that light from above was the best and most natural)

I have to agree with BT on this one though

OP, your description of the space is unclear.

But one thing is clear: NO to 7' space.

We still do not know why a seven foot high ceiling is desired or required.

I was in the Howard Anthony residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the other day. The foyer has an approximately seven foot high ceiling but all the other spaces are higher and some are vaulted. It is a great example of Wright's 'compression and expansion' experience one gets as they travel through spaces. It is a technique when done right has a good effect, and Wright was good at it.

A deliberate informed design choice that fits a program is far different that a sad compromise due to poor design and misplaced priorities.

Mr. Wright frequently created his entries with a deliberately low ceiling in order to dramatize the effect of a raised ceiling in the living room.

He he also frequently organized the entry so that visitors were required to turn a ninety-degree angle before they could arrive at the living room.

The change in ceiling height and in direction combined together strengthened the effect of moving from one space to the other.

He he also frequently organized the entry so that visitors were required to turn a ninety-degree angle before they could arrive at the living room.

The change in ceiling height and in direction combined together strengthened the effect of moving from one space to the other.

Ok I just impressed myself. LOL. I had done the height difference because I knew how it changed perception but didn't know he also did the 90 degree thing which I did in my house. (Of course I'm not about to admit that might not have been deliberate)

I'm impressed...!

I think until we hear from the op the question is not answerable beyond no 7’ ceiling. Why on earth cathederal ceiings in bedrooms off a 7’ entry this is nonsense in the extreme. Post a plan or forget any help.

I'm going to guess that the OP is asking about a second floor "hall" instead of a "foyer". That would put the deck at the third floor or attic level. The simple solution is to raise the top plate of the second floor walls 6" or more.