Stepping out into the garden with an ocean view sounds so lovely!!

Clau2000 our manufacturer was in Melbourne, supplier in Canberra. Despite being happy with the product we really struggled with the level of service from the supplier. Quite frankly the business owner was rude, uncommunicative and very difficult to deal with and I would hesitate to recommend her business to anyone. At one point we contacted the manufacturer but he insisted we had to go through his ACT supplier and could not order directly from him (either us or our builder). Our first set of windows were installed on a westerly facing wall & get direct sunlight for the hottest part of the summer afternoon, they have been installed for 4 years and are showing no sign of deterioration. We went with E10 glass, double glazed and they do an amazing job of blocking the summer heat.

Hi Nicole Palmer I agree- it is a dilemma to best cover these windows. I suggest a custom plantation timber shutter made to fit the window shape. It will look good from the outside view as well. Here are some examples where the top has been shaped to fit the window profile. Best wishes.

There are so many variables and ways to build things. Building succesfully is very much working well in three dimensions and understanding the structure, and the waterproofing required in three dimensions. Your question suggest that you are only thinking in terms of heights and brick courses, but there are lots of other things happening that would suggest that you get a section of the house and post it with dimensions. Most building professionals work in millimetrres rather than brick coursing. So converting your dimensions to millimetres - 28 courses is 2400mm, which is the minimum height for a habitable room ceiling. Six courses of brickwork is 514mm for the window opening, however your glazed area will be less than this due to the width of the window frame. Your 3 courses of brickwork which is 257mm should be enough for most steel lintels, unless you have a really wide opening for a window? You also need to allow for flashing if the clerestorey is above another roof running into the same wall - if this is the case you may need the full 47 courses. I would be asking your designers why they need 47 courses, as it is a lot higher, and there may be problems with setback issues? Is it a flashing issue? Is it a window opening width and lintel issue. I am afraid you haven't really supplied enough information or images to explain about the clerestorey window so it is impossible to answer precisely. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visist