Building a bulkhead to accommodate a bed

[mishmash85]

the bulkhead area was originally partitioned off with bricks (very loose) so I removed them.

I want to frame it properly and structurally so I can put a bed over the bulkhead. As well as space for a built in cupboard.
The remaining brick wall is a central structural wall.
Ceilings are 10ft.
I was hoping to have the bed raised about 5ft with a desk underneath.

It's more a case of where to start.
A vertical timber on the brick wall, the diagonal timbers for adequate head clearance?

Would 2 vertical timbers screwed into that brick wall along with one angled in line with the stairs steepness be enough structurally? (Red and green lines on the last picture)
Where the tape measure is, would be where the bed would come to (but higher up obviously)

 

[Doitproper]

3 x 2 fixed to wall with No 10 or 12 screws say 2’ centres (or frame fixings) will be more than sufficient and be form part of a stud wall above the stairs. You can add insulation to improve sound transmission. A minimum 2m clearance should be provided to the (sloping) ceiling above the stairs.

No need for timber on the right if you don’t want to box it in. The bed would be in the area above the stairs and gives you a bigger room.

Just ensure non of ceiling joist have been left unsupported.

 

[big-all]

you could have the bed around 1m from the ceiling 4ft for a bit more head hight as you only ever sit up in a bunk bed

 

[mishmash85]

Great ideas.
This was originally what I was thinking.
Having a wardrobe on the left most area

Not sure if you meant the same @Doitproper or if you meant having the bed further left so it's against the other wall?
And then using the space on the right for something else.

Excuse the poor drawings

 

[Doitproper]

First thoughts were the bed would go as you’ve shown but extend over the sloped area above the stairs but also thought it may be the other way because it will be wider than the stairs and stick out into the room. However, I don’t think you need to be concerned as I assumed the framing for the bed will be fixed to the wall so any loads on your framing over the stairs will be small whichever way the bed goes.

Its difficult to know your exact circumstances but I would have framed out the area above the stairs with a 3” stud wall(s) as indicated

(with doors & landing etc) and then your rooms / landing would be defined and its easier to visualise what your room will be like and how to organise it. From your recent pic you seem to be building the bedroom walls, wardrobe and bed as one which adds risk if somebody makes alterations in the future.

I know its conventional to enclose the area above the stairs but there is no reason not to incorporate it into the room if you can make use of it - triangular cubby hole or extend the desk over it. Also, potential for high level bedroom (storage / cupboards) which could fly out over the hallway and stairs but you would loose the high feature of the hallway. All depends on your aspirations, needs and what u are trying to create.

 

[mishmash85]

I don't have any image editing on my phone so can't draw straight lines
Admittedly it isn't the best drawing/design.
And I'm rubbish at explaining what I'm visualising.
I do plan on doing a stud wall to separate the landing and bedroom exactly as you indicated (great sectioning BTW!)
And then frame the door opening.

Yeah, I'll only have one corner of the bed over the stairs. (Yellow dots on the floorplan, which I've attached along with the door opening)

This picture probably shows a little more.
The loft opening is over the top of the stairs.
I've removed plaster and propped up/clamped the timbers to see more how it would look.

I like the idea of the desk coming more over the bulkhead!
Initially I was thinking of using the slope for the wardrobe (similar to the last picture) but now you've thrown a spanner in the works with the desk idea! Hehe.

I would definitely use the landing space for a cupboard or something. Have no problem getting rid of the height.
I saw a great video on YouTube of a guy who turned his into a useable space and I loved the idea of it. I'd just have to think about the layout

 

[mishmash85]

So this was what I intended to do first, if it makes it any easier to understand
I do apologise about my drawing skills as well as my descriptions. I'm not good at explaining.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Who will this be be for? A child, a spare bedroom or what? Who will use the desk/wardrobe?

 

[mishmash85]

Who will this be be for? A child, a spare bedroom or what? Who will use the desk/wardrobe?

Child's bedroom.

 

[Doitproper]

I see now what you are doing and assume the bed will be above the door so it can open fully.

Sorry to put the “spanner in the works” but just trying to give some ideas you may not have considered. Its a reasonable sized room so your not cramped for space where you are trying to make every inch count. Its a trade off between aesthetics and space and everybody has their own views and opinions but the concept of the desk and bed (and wardrobe) at one end leaving the main area as a play area seems good.

Being able to think and visualise in 3D (not all people can) and optimise the space efficiently is a great benefit. That ceiling height would allow a mezzanine type structure which is what you have done with the elevated bed. There will also be plenty of headroom when sitting at the desk - unlike many of the bed and desk units available on the market.

The example below was to use the area above the entrance to a bedroom / access to an ensuite which can be used as either open storage or made into a cupboard whilst trying to avoid a small landing. Extending the walls from the floor to the roof would have made chimney type areas and (visually) further reduced the size of the landing.

The main thing is you are happy with what you end up with and avoid the “I wish I’d have done that” when its all finished. Think it through at the outset and dont be afraid to think outside the box.