Need advice/input on possible replacement window/style

3 years ago

Hi,

So as part of a planned kitchen renovation, where my future sink area will be, there is a pair of double-hung windows. Connecting the two windows is a vertical post that is a full foot wide, obstructing the view into my back yard. The total width of the windows, including the vertical post, is just 61", so that post basically obtructs the middle 20% of the total window space. And it's 48" high.

I'd like to replace that pair of windows with something that doesn't impact the view so much. Ideally something that will be easy to open/close. (The current sink placement is under a single double-hung window, that is so difficult to open/close that we've probably opened it about a dozen times since we moved here - over ten years ago).

Talking to my contractor, he suggested a garden window - which he happens to have one available for free, would just charge me installation. I like the idea of a garden window, but I have a number of concerns, including that the one he has is not the size of my opening - his is 36"x36". So, how would a 36"x36" garden window go into a 61"w x 48"h window space? When I asked him how he would fill the remaining space - I got a vague response along the lines of he'll "figure it out".

I wouldn't want it off-centered, so I'm thinking that he's thinking that 61"-36" = 25", so maybe he's thinking of flanking garden window on each side with a 12.5"w window, like a casement window? And putting something across the upper section? 48"-36"h = 12".

Thoughts?

I was originally envisioning something like this if it would fit in a 61" wide space, but looking for advice.

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Comments (24)

PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
3 years ago
A garden window in that location is a nice choice and that size is pretty common. The surrounding areas would need to be framed in and become wall space, a projected window like that needs to be anchored and supported so other windows could not be placed immediately next to or over it. They could be separated by framing , but that would definitely be something that you would want to plan out in advance.

I'm not sure about the existing situation, but if the "vertical post" in the current setup is supporting the opening, the whole thing would need to be redone with a new header etc to get rid of that if desired.
PRO
toddinmn
3 years ago
The garden Window might be the greatest monstrosity ever attached to a house.
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Barrheadlass
3 years ago
Hey, I absolutely love my garden window! What do you have against them?
apple_pie_order
3 years ago
The garden window in your last "inspiration" photo is perfect for your view. Make sure the locks are within easy reach as well as the cranks to open the windows. Garden windows are sometimes covered by roof overhangs which make them a lot less likely to leak from the top glass. The extra space is wonderful for cooling pies and growing plants.
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
reduce your opening by 25”:to save the cost of a window, which would be offset by cost to close up the extra space anyway? No way, in my opinion. I replace a three-part window over my kitchen sink with a giant single awning window. It cranks from the bottom so is easy to open and the size is great.
helaurin93
Original Author
3 years ago
@nycbluedevil_gw do you have any photos? That would be helpful :)
Shannon_WI
3 years ago
Because @toddinmn did not provide any backup for his assertion, please see the linked article below that lists the potential problems with a garden window. I would add to that list that in order to open/close the windows or to clean them, you have to lean over the sink and over the additional counter.

Garden Windows - List of Potential Issues
helaurin93 thanked Shannon_WI
PRO
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Sounds like the view is the highest priority.

I know a "free window" sounds appealing, but I doubt you'll regret getting a window that spans the fullness of your opening, like your inspiration. However, you may regret a smaller garden window that is cobbled to work.

Also, have you considered a larger picture window flanked by two smaller operable windows? (It might require some header work like mentioned above, but might be worth it long-term)
helaurin93 thanked User
oberon476
3 years ago
The garden window in your last "inspiration" photo is perfect for your view.

I agree that the inspiration photo looks amazing and might be a great choice for the space, but technically that isn't a garden window, that's a casement bay.

Structurally and aesthetically a lot more substantial than a true garden window.
helaurin93 thanked oberon476
helaurin93
Original Author
3 years ago
@gio european windows & doors Yes, that was what I was originally hoping for, but the length is only 61" wide, and the contractor is thinking it's not wide enough for that. The 30" sink (33" sink base) will be centered on the 61" space. If I got a center window to match that the 30" sink width, that would leave me with approximately 15" wide side windows for ventilation and the center window for the view. It's just that 15" wide windows (including framing) seem really narrow.
helaurin93
Original Author
3 years ago
@oberon476 can you help me understand the difference between a garden window and a casement bay?
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
Here’s a photo. Pardon the mess.
helaurin93 thanked nycbluedevil_gw
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
Here is another image. It is a rendering of my soon-to-remodeled kitchen. The windows are new so they will remain untouched. Sink is 36. Window is about 78”.
helaurin93 thanked nycbluedevil_gw
helaurin93
Original Author
3 years ago
@nycbluedevil_gw Wow, beautiful. And the whole window opens up? Is there a screen? (can't see one in the photos, but I'd definitely want a screen to keep insects out and cats in).
helaurin93
Original Author
3 years ago
@nycbluedevil_gw And I don't see any "mess". It looks awesome!
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
Lol—that’s the old kitchen which is a week from getting ripped out!!!
helaurin93
Original Author
3 years ago
@nycbluedevil_gw do you mind if I ask, how wide is the kitchen from the wall with the window, to the wall behind the island? And how wide is your island? I'm also struggling with determining island width for my space - I do want seating on at least 2 sides of the island.
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
Look behind the faucet and you will see the crank. The window opens out from the top. The screen is in the inside. These windows are made by Loewen, a Canadian company. I’m sure that Marvin or Anderson make them too.
oberon476
3 years ago

Bay window and garden window.

Installed Bay window

Installed garden window

nycbluedevil_gw: Your window opens out at the top or the bottom?

An awning window opens out at the bottom and a hopper window opens in at the top, but I have never seen a window that opens out at the top (although the top can slide down on some awnings).

Awning window, opens to the outside

hopper window, opens to the interior
lucky998877
3 years ago
Kind of too convenient that he suggested a garden window, and he has one available...for free. He wants to get rid of it and is trying to find a way. Get what you want, exactly.
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
We have an awning, not a hopper. The space is 24 plus overhang for the base cabinets on the window wall, then a 42”:aisle then a 48”:island.
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
I meant from the top, as in that’s where it hinges from. Just like the awning picture above.
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago
Pic with window open.
nycbluedevil_gw
3 years ago

Need advice/input on possible replacement window/style

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