Hi,

Installing a permanent window often leads to removal of the internal doors and this can affect all sorts of things re compliance inc Fire, strata entitlement due to change of use, insurance etc.

That's why the DA is required as all of these things are reviewed in case other changes are required.

Alternatively, you could easily do a cafe blind as it is non permanent and still shields from weather.

cheers

Thank you for your advice. For my purpose I doubt that a cafe blind would be sufficient to protect from the weather, given the heavy rains and winds that we endure from time to time. However I will investigate the possibilities.

Hi Oskuee. I'll investigate this possibility. Thanks for your advice.

That's encouraging. I guess that means they're effective in keeping out the rain. Thank you for your comment.

if you have a ceiling and a external roof above that room ... have you considered a sky light or a solar tube solution.

Great idea, Bernadette

Hi Bernadette. Perhaps I have not made myself clear. It's not that the room needs more light but that the balcony needs a window in the existing open space. There is plenty of light coming into the room from the balcony and through the glass doors. I just want to keep the rain/wind/sun off the balcony, but still be able to open it up for aeration and view. A skylight would not help in this situation.

A window on the balcony would provide what I need but I'm fairly sure that Council will not approve it. Strata rules and all that. I think exterior shutters are my only hope so I'm currently pursuing that possibility.

I appreciate your interest. Thank you.

It's understandable that you wouldn't be allowed to close in a balcony in a block with rows of open balconies. And access to any open, semi-walled balcony area is essential for practical reasons (examples: cleaning up blown debris, getting rid of insect infestations). So I would not go for a replacement window: it'd impede access. Ideas above for more efficient protection against rain and wind sound better. You could go for both external shutters on your existing full-length windows (aka sliding doors) and internal insulating drapes, or some similar combination.

I have installed aluminium shutters on my semi outdoor bathroom and couldn't be happier that I did. Set right they keep the rain out but best of all simply by adjusting the angle I can soften or intensify the light and the breeze. That would be ideal in your situation with the light sometimes hitting the computer screen.

If you already have a door and simply want to be able to continue to use the deck but add shelter and water protection - have you considered then an awning or roof over the deck ... that way you can continue to open the door for ventilation, while at the same time having appropriate protection from the conditions.

Ooh, so many helping hands, thank you all.

Firstly I need to keep all rain out of the area, so an awning would not do this. It would be good as an addition to protect from western sun but this area is high above the ground so would need scaffolding to install (read expensive). Health and safety and all that.

The area is not inline with any other windows, as all apartments are configured differently. No one else in the complex will see the window/shutters so that is not an issue.

I'm still pursuing the exterior shutters idea, as suggested by Oskuee as I think that is the way to go.

Thank you to jdublya for your comment. Much appreciated.

To Australian Home Designer. Thank you for your advice but I'm not trying to replace the doors with a window. The double glass doors are on the study, and they open onto the very small balcony which measures approx 2M X 0.9M. The balcony has slate type tiles on the floor, there is a roof above and it is enclosed either side by concrete? walls. The balcony has an opening about 2 M wide by 1.5 high, which is what I'm trying to addres. The balcony is next to useless as it is and I could make more use of it if I could enclose it. I tried to add another photo to give a better idea, but for some reason I wasn't able to.

So, I'm not trying to replace a window but install something in an open space to act like a window. As this area is considered common property (even though no one else can have access to it unless they walk through the apartment), I have to advise the corporate body. Chances are they'll ask for me to arrange for a by-law to be drawn up. It never ends does it?

The other thing I should mention is that Council said (when I first approached them) that the developer would have used every available space to the enth degree. The developer has confirmed this with me. The block is almost 2 years old and all owners are the first occupants.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is much appreciated.

Good news! Another visit to the council and it seems like there is a chance I can install a window. I might be able to get a 'compliance certificate' after jumping over many hurdles.

I've now had someone come to measure up and to help me get the necessary plans done and now waiting for him to get back to me.

Meanwhile I need to decide on which window will best suit my needs. 2 possibilities - sliding windows or casement windows which would open vertically.

I'm leaning towards the sliding windows (cheaper) which are lockable in the open position but wonder about the cleaning. Apparently some can be lifted out for this purpose.

Question: Has anyone had experience of lifting out a sliding window for cleaning? Is it as difficult as I imagine?

Thanks....sydneymidge

Would you consider glass louvres? They would have to be the best option for air flow control. Individual glass louvres can be removed for cleaning.

Yes I had considered these and like the look of them. However in discussions with my window man we decided against them. Thanks for the comment.

I've just done these for my girl's room . They retrofitted it into the frame. You pull one down and one goes up

Thank you Vy. This looks very nice. Is this called a "sashless window"? Once again I figure this would not be easy to clean the outside from the inside. There is no way I can clean it from the outside.

Thanks for including a photo.

syneymidge