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Architecture/living room ceiling

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Expert: - 11/29/2008


Question

I dont know what to ca
I recently bought a ranch style home in a suburban neighborhood. Built in 1985, it has a great open, split plan. The living room is huge, central and right off the entry "foyer" (6'x12') that has a drop ceiling. The living room has an angled ceiling. the angle is approximately. 45 degrees on a 2' run. I love this detail, however it is not repeated on the opposite end of the room where there is another drop ceiling, not as low, which defines the dining room. I am wondering if there's a way to repeat the detail by framing with 2x4s and finishing with sheetrock. The distance the new construction extends below the dining room drop may be big enough to finish out the crown molding already on the other walls. How can I see this and WHAT IS THIS TYPE OF CEILING CALLED???

Answer
Hi Juli - thanks for your question!

What you've got is a "clipped" ceiling, a detail I see mostly on the upper floors of older homes - especially Cape Cod and similar designs.  There's no fancy architectural term for it; it's a result of how the roof framing was designed.

There's no reason why you can't repeat the detail with "false framing" on the opposite site - we do that frequently to create a balance in a room or space.  If the new clipped ceiling creates a false dropped header that you can place crown on to match, even better.

The toughest part of this little remodeling project, however, will be matching the textured ceiling pattern.  Make sure the drywaller you use knows what he's doing.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
<a href="www.rtastudio.com">Residential Architects</a>
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much for the information. It's not that way because of the roof line, however. There's a 4' porch outside the front door and a dormer above the porch. The attic floor mirrors the living room "clipped" ceiling. Thank you so much for the terminology. I've been sourcing local contractors all weekend. I feel like the more I know about my home the easier it will be to express my vision to a designer or contractor!


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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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