Roof Truss in Middle of Bedroom

[RonnyRaygun]

If it's a 1700's cottage aren't there listing considerations?

No, it's not listed, and just outside the local conservation area.

 

[frutbunn]

How many storeys does the existing building have, if 2 or more storeys are the stairs enclosed and do they lead to a final exit.

Just re read the original post. D'oh!
Means of escape windows are no longer accepted at second floor for a loft conversion. You will ideally be looking at a protected means of escape leading to a final exit, or to alternative protected means of escape at ground level. Are you proposing an escape at first floor due to an open plan ground floor staircase? If so the first floor landing will need to be separated from the ground floor to protect the escape from the second floor to the escape window, sprinklers will be required to the open plan area. There may be some upgrading of existing ceilings for fire resistance depending on the construction of existing ceilings and the policy of the building control body.

 

[mrrusty]

In such a case it's nice to re-purpose original features, so that they at least form part of the new, if not exactly as they were before.

 

[wessex101]

I think it's rather sad to rip out those lovely old trusses. Would it be possible to remove the central post and install some new struts and top tie to convert it in to a Queen Post?

It would be a lot of work but potentially a far better more characterful solution. Failing that I'd leave the old trusses in-situ.

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Just re read the original post. D'oh!
Means of escape windows are no longer accepted at second floor for a loft conversion. You will ideally be looking at a protected means of escape leading to a final exit, or to alternative protected means of escape at ground level. Are you proposing an escape at first floor due to an open plan ground floor staircase? If so the first floor landing will need to be separated from the ground floor to protect the escape from the second floor to the escape window, sprinklers will be required to the open plan area. There may be some upgrading of existing ceilings for fire resistance depending on the construction of existing ceilings and the policy of the building control body.

To be honest, none of that is my problem; that's for the architect to decide. The ground to first floor stairs are enclosed, but do not lead to a hallway. They lead into the dining room (which is to become a play room), and then the ground floor exit is going to be either through the play room, to the boot room, into the "link" and out, or through the play room, into the snug, and out.

I just raised the issue of the truss, and the potential issues created in the event of needing to escape from the bedroom. The architect agreed it was a valid point, but didn't definitively know the answer.
I'm sure they themselves are looking into it, but I thought I'd ask the question here for the reasons mentioned above.

 

[RonnyRaygun]

I think it's rather sad to rip out those lovely old trusses. Would it be possible to remove the central post and install some new struts and top tie to convert it in to a Queen Post?

It would be a lot of work but potentially a far better more characterful solution. Failing that I'd leave the old trusses in-situ.

I did suggest something similar, but the client is steadfast in wanting to leave the truss untouched.

I agree that it's a shame to butcher the roof, but this is what happens with loft conversions, isn't it.

 

[^woody^]

What's happening down by the gable? Potentially, cut the timbers out and move them down to the gable for visual effect and then just design your roof supports.

 

[RonnyRaygun]

What's happening down by the gable? Potentially, cut the timbers out and move them down to the gable for visual effect and then just design your roof supports.

That’s a good idea. Could do the same at the other end too.

What the client will probably want to do though is use both of the trusses being removed and still keep this one where it is!

 

[clifford1]

When altering the construction of a roof be assured that gravity is NOT working in your favour.

It's gravity that holds the roof in place.