From the survey to a 3D model
The Survey
The Survey of the loft has taken into account all the irregularities of the old timber components.
Because of the method and the epoch of construction, levels, dimensions, distances, angles, slopes, vary at any point of the loft space.
The only standard is the size of the components themselves: 2"x5" or 2" x 7" for the main standard components and 1" x 2" for the battens supporting the roof tiles.
The structure
The structure is a traditional King Post roof Truss with struts, which are the diagonal components. Less typically, the king post is missing.
The typical section
The section shown here is typical as number and type of components and their size.
In terms of dimensions, span, height, angles, the section varies.
The "Idealised" sections
For design purposes, all the different sections in the real roof, have been reduced to 3 "ideal" sections: the main roof, the main dormer (above the current bedroom), the rear dormer (above Lukasz room).
The 3D "Ideal" model
Working with the "ideal" sections, it has been possible to create the 3D "ideal" model. The model is "ideal" in the sense that it represents a simplified model where main dimensions, slopes, angles, and relationships are kept as existing.
The starting point for design
Besides the footprint of each floor, the most important information in the model regards the relationship between floors to calculate the new access stair(s), and the headspace in the loft.
The existing headspace
The first important outcome is a map showing the headspace (see set of drawings below), as this will lead the design process understanding where to have access and connections, how to exploit the existing headspace, how to increase the headspace (with dormers, dropping down locally the floor, etc).