Window arch dilemma

[Robs931]

Hi everyone,

 

So my timber frame build at the moment has been designed with an arched soldier course above every opening. This currently is to be formed with a straight steel lintel and a preformed uPVC arch former sat on top, but I am now unsure how this will look once the windows are installed. This is due to the fact that I believe the windows will be set back in the brickwork around 50mm and as far as I can see in pictures online the uPVC arch former is only set back maybe 20-25mm from the face of the brickwork. I'm unsure how this possible 25-30mm step will look between the window frame and the lintel/arch former. Does anyone have any pictures of their windows with uPVC arch formers which might give me a better idea?

 

My other option would be to use timber arch formers and remove them after the brickwork has cured leaving a self supporting arch and then fit a filler piece above the window to fill the arch. This would at least mean that the arch filler is recessed in to the brickwork the same 50mm as the window frame and in my head look better/neater. But my building regs drawings state the use of a steel lintel with uPVC arch former, if I then changed to timber formers would this be an issue with building regs? Would I need to resubmit updated drawings or anything or is the BCO not likely to even notice the change?

 

Edited February 14 by Robs931

[nod]

Arches can look quite dated 

In the 80s it seemed like every newbuild had a handful of them 

A bit like the trend to brick up a first floor window Been and gone 

[Russell griffiths]

The upvc arch formers look a bit naff in my opinion. I would also worry about getting them sealed to the windows well. 
 

im also not liking the window placement and would want to see it set further back into the warm part of the construction. 
 

all depends on what sort of house you are trying to build, one that just passes building regs or something better. 

[JohnMo]

11 hours ago, Robs931 said:

arched soldier course above every opening.

Sorry looks a bit naff

 

11 hours ago, Robs931 said:

fact that I believe the windows will be set back in the brickwork around 50mm

The window should straddle the insulation otherwise you get a big cold bridge. So sitting on the brickwork and a ventilated cavity is not good.

 

Without careful design of you chimney it will leak heat.