Creating a moat in front of a basement window - ideas for designing


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Creating a moat in front of a basement window - ideas for designing: moat

For a cellar to become really comfortable, one thing is needed first of all - daylight. Of course, only windows can be installed below the terrestrial terrain, which is usually the case, but you definitely can not avoid a so-called light trench. And that in turn requires a lot of space and should be designed as carefully as possible so that it can really fulfill its function.

Basement light shaft

Colloquially is like times from the moat the speech. A civil engineer or architect, however, would rather speak of a light shaft. Meant is the same thing. To be precise, one would even have to speak of a basement light shaft. It is a building construction in front of a cellar window, which serves to direct natural light and fresh air into the cellar. Such a shaft is always necessary when the basement windows of a building are below the earth level. This is usually the case when they have been retrofitted, because, for example, the basement rooms have been made more homely. Otherwise, since the new windows would lie to a part below the earth's surface, you can not get around a light shaft, it should not zappenduster in the basement and musty.

variants

Basically, two variants and forms of basement light shafts can be distinguished. Variant one consists of a prefabricated component made of concrete or glass fiber reinforced plastic. This component is then simply inserted into a previously dug hole in front of the window - and finished is the light shaft. In variant two, however, everything is handmade. The manhole or trough shape of the prefabricated part is created here itself. Although this makes compared to the prefabricated construction significantly more work, but makes it possible to customize the often manoeuvrable sessile basement shafts individually and in particular to adapt to the surrounding garden. In most cases, two forms are used, namely the rectangular and the semicircular. In the rectangular form of the house wall forms one of the two long sides. The house wall is in the round shape then exactly that line that halves a circle. Regardless of the variant and the shape of course, every cellar window gets its own light ditch.

materials

Light ditch in front of basement window

Anyone who wants to build a basement light shaft without resorting to a finished element can use various materials for it. For example, natural stones are highly recommended. But also L-stones, ashlars or even plant rings are suitable for the construction. In addition, you still need gravel and, of course, soil. Who does not want to use stones, can also work with wood. However, this has the disadvantage that it must be regularly made weatherproof again, that it would rot otherwise. Regardless of the material, all self-built light wells can be planted. In particular, ground cover are suitable for this purpose. However, it is important that the plants can not hinder the incidence of light. In addition, the brighter the inner surfaces of the shaft, the better. The reason: bright surfaces reflect the light and do not swallow it.

construction

A basement light shaft is in principle nothing more than a depression in front of a cellar window, through which light is directed into the interior. But the construction itself is a bit more complex. It consists of the following elements:
  • Mulde in the soil
  • Drainage to prevent water from collecting in the shaft
  • Cladding or attachment of the shaft walls
  • creative elements
Especially the so-called drainage you should pay great attention to self-construction. It is in the nature of such a depression that collects in her water. If this water is longer there, it can penetrate through the window into the basement rooms. Therefore, a derivative is absolutely necessary. Exactly this task fulfills the drainage. The simplest form of drainage is a layer of gravel that is applied to the bottom of the dug. On the pebbles then follows either a loose layer of earth or it will be placed, for example, natural stones.
Tip: Lay the stones so that they are not too close to each other or open joint space remains, so that the water can drain and does not jam.

brainstorming

Light ditch in front of basement window from the side

Creativity has no limits when it comes to designing a self-made moat. However, it is advisable to make it so that it fits both the garden and the house and does not seem like a foreign body. In addition, one should keep in mind when brainstorming that a moat is always a pitfall. So it's a good idea to avoid any additional risks in the design from the outset. Otherwise, but here you have the opportunity to let off steam to your heart's content.
Idea One: Theater
A basic idea for the design of a basement light shaft could be overwritten with theater. In the process, something like a small theater or even a tribune is being erected at a distance of about two meters around the basement window. The window itself is the stage on which everything is aligned. The walls of the hollow are terraced. The whole shaft widens so clearly upwards. To better understand this, it is best to recall an antique amphitheater. Ideal is therefore a semi-circular shape, which can be realized very easily, for example with plant rings. Of course, it is also possible to use natural stones. Important is only the gradual structure. The empty area at the foot of the small arena remains empty, but the ranks can be planted. In this way, definitely creates an eye-catcher that differs by light years of the sterile finished light wells.
Idea two: digging
Even a classical ditch can certainly have its charm as a light shaft and provide for special accents in the garden. The ditch is simply lined at an interval of about two meters on the sides with an inner wall made of natural stones. It can be both rectangular and round. In the round shape, he may even remind you of the part of a well. The stones are fixed with soil or even better with mortar. The wall then offers itself for example for planting with ivy plants or other climbing plants. The bottom of the ditch remains free.
Tip: Both variants, theaters and ditches should be secured with a small fence, in particular to avoid the rushing in of young children and the elderly.
Idea three: Hill
The third idea for a light chess, which will be briefly introduced here, is also the simplest. In this variant, the trench can be easily climbed from the window into the adjacent lawn area. Of course, this also means that the ditch must be excavated as widely as possible. The end of the trench then forms something like a small hill. Although the whole thing requires significantly more excavation, but then you have but also a completely natural-looking moat, which can be well integrated into the garden - especially if you then the grave interior then largely planted with grass. However, the prerequisite for this is of course that the necessary space is available.

details

Light ditch in front of basement window from above

However you design your light ditch, it depends not least on the details. Here as well as everything is possible. Decorative objects can be placed on top of it or on its terraces (at a theater construction) as well as vessels. And of course it can be planted. In principle, all plants are suitable for this, which do not overgrow and shoot in the herb. Ideal are ground cover. It is only important that the plants and all other decorative materials do not hinder the incidence of light towards the basement window.

Creating a moat in front of a basement window - ideas for designing

FAQ - 💬

❓ How can I make my basement window wells more attractive?

👉 Build Tiers. If you have plenty of outdoor space available, adding stepped tiers to your window well can turn it into an attractive feature that looks great from inside and outside. Adding bricks or stones around the edge of each tier can emphasize the window well shape as a deliberate design feature.

❓ How do you make window wells?

👉 How to Install Basement Window Wells

  1. Measure the Basement Window. ...
  2. Choose a Window Well That Fits Those Dimensions. ...
  3. Dig the Hole. ...
  4. Make the Drain. ...
  5. Place the Window Well Inside the Hole. ...
  6. Drill Pilot Holes. ...
  7. Secure the Well with Screws. ...
  8. Fill the Well with Gravel.

❓ Can you cover a basement window?

👉 The best choices are waterproof and humidity resistant window coverings made from durable materials like advanced thermoplastics, ABS materials, aluminum, or synthetic fabrics. In addition to these critical factors, don't forget to think about your desired look and feel for the space.

❓ How do you landscape around a window well?

👉 Adding some flat river rocks around and in your window well can add a natural look, without cluttering your window well and preventing it from being useable. Remember, that while landscaping around your window wells, you should be mindful to not block the window well fully.

❓ Should basement windows have wells?

👉 If your basement is mostly underground, with the exception of the uppermost few feet, you will definitely require a window well with any window installation.

❓ What is a basement window well called?

👉 egress wellAn egress well is a type of window well that is often larger and sturdier than standard wells. A window well is a hole in the ground outside of your basement window, which helps to protect the window itself from rocks, dirt, and excess rainwater that could otherwise leak into your home.

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