Window Dressing
I love the idea of a functional window nook - a place to sit, a shelf for plants or books. It takes an otherwise single-serving architectural component and turns it into a multi-duty spot.
Not only is a deep sill useful - it’s an indicator of the way homes were built in the older days with thickened walls. What a happy outcome from plain old construction techniques! The depth gives the structure a sense of sturdiness and permanence.
New homes are often built with dimensional lumber - 2x6 walls are common in my area. This shift from mass walls built with masonry, stone, earth or log accompanied with advanced building insulation has thinned out the walls of our homes today.
The good news is, I might have found the right niche opportunities to create deep window wells that also serve a purpose for building codes. Depending on the scope of renovations and remodels, some projects will be required to meet the new energy standards including thermal insulation.
Turns out… new energy codes plus older buildings with scant insulation could be my ticket! One strategy to provide the home with some warmth is to fur out (build an additional wall inside the existing wall) the existing exterior walls with extra framing and fill it in with insulation. This beefs up the thermal barrier of the home but it also makes the exterior walls thicker giving you deeper window wells and a cheerful shelf for trinkets and curiosities.
