Bulkhead ideas?
I am looking for ideas to build a bulkhead and use it both to access to the roof and also to bring light to the stairs. I would substitute the zenithal light that comes from the skylight and just heats the top floor in summer for the south facing windows or glass to get light…
I am looking for ideas to build a bulkhead and use it both to access to the roof and also to bring light to the stairs. I would substitute the zenithal light that comes from the skylight and just heats the top floor in summer for the south facing windows or glass to get light and heat in winter and light in summer. Anybody has done something similar or has any opinion about that?
Thanks everybody for all the valuable information. Yes, I will hire an architect and yes, I will follow the NYC code.
In my posting I wasn’t asking for an architect or the process involved on building a bulkhead, I just was modestly asking for ideas from people who have already built one. I was just explaining what was the purpose of this bulkhead: access to the roof and also to bring light to the stairs. I do not want to build an extra room, simply I would like to substitute the zenithal light that comes from the skylight and, as I said before, just heats the top floor in summer, for the south facing windows or glass to get light and heat in winter and light in summer. If anybody has any idea, I am sure many of us would be happy to read them.
Adding a bulkhead will require tearing apart some of the roof and structure. They need to widen in both directions what is now your skylight.
I ditto what Ed Kopel said. You will need to hire a licensed Architect to draw documents and file the plans with the DOB and get a permit. If your house in a Landmarked district, you will also be required to submit drawings to Landmarks.
You will then hire a contractor to do the work. They will rip apart your roof and ceiling, making the opening bigger to accommodate the new stair bulkhead. They’ll re-frame some of the joists that they needed to cut for the opening. Sheetrock the walls of bulkhead and underside of ceiling they demolished. Build Stairs up to roof, fix your roofing material, paint, etc.
It’s like adding a tiny little room with a door on your roof. So whatever you can think goes into building a room is what’s going to happen + the structural stuff.
You will also need (NYC Code) a window or skylight in the bulkhead. Also there are height and size restrictions for it be be considered a bulkhead and not a ‘Room’.
FYI – a bulkhead doesn’t add square footage to your house where an added ‘room’ does.
The architect you hire will know all this.
And I’m not self-promoting myself.
“Selfpromotion” – wow. Rude much? There are a number of professionals (gateway plumbing stands out) who share their expertise regularly on this forum. That they identify themselves by their credentials helps the rest of judge the value of their opinion and information. And if they get some business out of it – more power to them. Please do not discourage them – those of us interested in renovation as opposed to pointless and endless speculation on housing prices really appreciate them being part of this forum.
That said, I too would like to hear from those who have done such a project.
Dear edkopel, please read JamesProspect and you will see that he is looking for ideas not for an architect. I don’t really understand why there is all this self promotion on the forum. I believe the question was clear: “Anybody has done something similar or has any opinion about that?”.
Do not worry, I will help you with your promotion and hopefully JamesProspect hires you:
Web: http://www.edkopel.com/
Ed Kopel, AIA, LEED AP
Ed Kopel Architects is a full-service architectural firm specializing in design-intensive projects that demand imaginative solutions.
Ed Kopel Architects was founded in 2001 by Columbia College classmates Ed Kopel and Bjorn Slate. After Bjorn’s departure in 2003, the firm continued to operate using the original name, SK Architecture, P.C., until it was legally changed to Ed Kopel Architects, P.C. in 2005.
At Ed Kopel Architects, each project is treated as a unique opportunity for architectural expression. Solving the functional problems is the first step toward producing rich and enduring architecture. Timeless designs are guided by ideas that blossom or burnish over time.
Most of our clients present significant constraints on schedule, budget, or both – but all demand sound design concepts and quality execution. We relish the challenge of delivering functionality and beauty under such constraints, for example: creating a destination bar/restaurant for a fast-paced, bottom-line oriented hotel client; or transforming a 700 square foot, cobbled together apartment into a gracious family home.
The firm does not believe in the primacy of one particular style. We accept all projects have a style, whether considered or not. All styles deal with the same fundamental building blocks — space, light, form, materiality, structure, usability and craft. Style must be understood within the continuum of architectural history.
Ed Kopel Architects is committed to creating environmentally responsible buildings. Ed is a LEED Accredited Professional, meaning that he has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of green building practices. All projects incorporate the most sensible and up-to-date approaches to green building. We do not believe that green building is an architectural movement, or that it should be treated as such, but rather that it is a critical component of sustainability to be deployed wherever possible. Green is not an architectural theme. It is a fact always considered.
Often architectural details play a strong part in our projects. In any project, details reinforce a project’s basic ideas. But more interestingly, sometimes that process works in reverse — with details becoming the inspiration for larger elements. Every edge and corner, every time two materials meet, is an opportunity for invention.
Adding a bulkhead, to what I assume was previoiusly just a roof hatch, will require contract documents from a licensed architect or engineer and filing with the building department.
Ed Kopel ARchitects, PC
We did the following roof deck and bulkhead as part of a townhouse renovation on Dean St. (Bklyn). I’m linking the pictures here, hope it gives you some ideas.
http://picasaweb.google.com/allrenovationconstructionllc/130DeanStRoofDeckALLPICTURES?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/allrenovationconstructionllc/130DeanStCompleted?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/allrenovationconstructionllc/130DeanStreetDecksPhase1Completed?feat=directlink
Before pics are here:
http://www.allrenovationllc.com/deanst_before.html
You can see the original space where there was only a metal ladder to the roof and skylight.
Best of Luck,
Pietro Calabretta
All Renovation Construction LLC
http://www.allrenovationllc.com