Set Design and Construction: Windows?

Windows?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Set Design and Construction
Forum Discription: Post your questions or suggestions about designing or building a set here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3197
Printed Date: 11/24/24 at 6:10am
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Topic: Windows?

Posted By: itsdelovely
Subject: Windows?
Date Posted: 5/24/08 at 3:00pm

Hey
I have to design a two story set that has windows on all three levels. The windows have to open and close. is there any way of putting windows like IN the flats. I mean the flats are going to be rigged as usual, but I have no idea how to put a window in.

Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: spikesgirl
Date Posted: 5/24/08 at 6:22pm

Put a 1 x4 stringer above and below where you want the window. Place your uprights to either side and attach at either end with keystones. You should probably also add small support pieces to help keep the uprights from flapping too much. That should give you the frame work to add windows. You can then frame off your window as usual. It would also be a lot easier if you make hard flats as opposed to soft.

Charlie

Posted By: itsdelovely
Date Posted: 5/24/08 at 6:57pm

What is stringer? sorry...

Posted By: sconjott
Date Posted: 5/25/08 at 2:11am

YES

You can put the windows "IN" the flats. But the "How-To" depends on a few different things.

I believe "stringer" as spikesgirl calls it refers to the upper and lower portions of the window "Frame" which is stationary and not a part of the window "Sash" (the part of the window that holds the glass and slides up and down or side to side).

What she is saying is attach a 1x4 horizontaly on both the upper and lower position of the window opening. I'd recommend running it from stud to stud ("stud" is the piece of the flat frame which stands vertically on either side of your flat). If using "hard" flats attach the "stringer" not only to the studs, but also the the "face" or "skin" of your flat.

Once you have the stringers in place, you can then install your "uprights" or window "jams" on either side of the window opening to complete your rough window frame.

Hope this isn't overload!

If you have any other questions, please answer a few for me in return. I used to build sets for Showcrafters out of Dallas, TX and learned try not to assume anything when it comes to a build.

1) Are these stock (pre-made) flats or new construction?

2) Are they hard or soft (Luan [plywood] or muslin)?

3) Do you have to fabricate the windows or do you have some that just need to be installed?

4) Do they or will they have to have paines of glass, Plexiglass, or cellophane or can you leave them open?

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There are NO small roles, only small actors...

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 5/25/08 at 3:18am

I remember in the dim past. Making a two level window set piece. Each level of windows was off set from the windows underneath. I used stock flats between each of the top row & bottom row of windows. Using the flat styles as the side window frames. Just making up base tail flats of framed plywood to support the Windows. Filling the header space with lighter flats. also I utilised flats on their side as a base filler to the first window level. It looked a bit like parquetry flooring, until dutchman'd & painted.

I applied 'gesso' to the hard filler flat pieces, of unbleached calico, to give an even texture.

From memory It would have been easier to set the windows, one above each other. Making construction far quicker.

-------------
[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: spikesgirl
Date Posted: 5/26/08 at 4:30pm

Originally posted by sconjott

YES

You can put the windows "IN" the flats. But the "How-To" depends on a few different things.

Once you have the stringers in place, you can then install your "uprights" or window "jams" on either side of the window opening to complete your rough window frame.

Hope this isn't overload!

If you have any other questions, please answer a few for me in return. I used to build sets for Showcrafters out of Dallas, TX and learned try not to assume anything when it comes to a build.

1) Are these stock (pre-made) flats or new construction?

2) Are they hard or soft (Luan [plywood] or muslin)?

3) Do you have to fabricate the windows or do you have some that just need to be installed?

4) Do they or will they have to have paines of glass, Plexiglass, or cellophane or can you leave them open?

You got it right in one, a stringer is a piece of wood that goes across the flat from side to side or top to bottom, depending upon how much wood you want to use. Side to side is more conservative.

If you have to have 'glass' in the windows, i would opt for plexi or sheets of plastic (we have used the plastic sheet made for overhead projectors with succes. Tape them in with gaff or even masking tape. Cellophane should only be used as a last resort as they puncture easily and are a pain to install or replace.

Charlie

Posted By: sconjott
Date Posted: 5/26/08 at 4:44pm

Good point spikesgirl. I've only done one window with cellophane and that was on a drop way back in high school. I'd only ever use cellophane if it was for a non-functioning window and even then only on a drop where I couldn't really build in support.

-------------
There are NO small roles, only small actors...

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 5/26/08 at 11:14pm

I agree Mylar works well, or if you require frosted glass, use lighting diffuser gel - like silk finish, but it is more costly.

with Stringers, as the term suggests, they string side frames together. To me they hold the frame tension in, where by spreaders hold the frame out - Noggin's on the other hand can do both - which is much the same with stringers & spreaders, dependant on construction! [Not that confusing really?] {It is whether or not - 'The bard is the bacon or Bacon is the Bard?} Much like the stringers &/or stetchers between chair legs.

-------------
[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: itsdelovely
Date Posted: 5/27/08 at 1:13pm

Eh
I am still confused.
I don't know what a jammer is or what any of this stuff looks like. Does anyone have a picture or something?
Also
There is a scene in the play where the window shatters. (meaning I need something that looks like glass). I was thinking candy glass is my only option, but I still have no idea how I am going to do this.

thanks

Posted By: sconjott
Date Posted: 5/27/08 at 4:56pm

Ah HAH!!!

Now we get to it...

WOO HOO rock candy glass effects!!!!!

But let's first draw you a picture. For simplicity sake I'll leave out the unnecessary peices.

Here's the frame for your flat (skin off). Maybe it has bracing or stringers in the center, maybe it has corner bracing, whatever.

___________________

|/ \|

| |

|-----------------------------|

| |

|-----------------------------|

| |

|\_________________/|

Here's the flat after adding your stringers (you can place them at the appropriate height).

___________________

|/ \|

| |

|__________________| Notice I've moved the old stringer up to make

| | room for the window.

| |

|__________________| Here's the new lower stringer with the old

| | stringer still in place below it.

|-----------------------------|

| |

|\_________________/|

You may have to move a Brace or Stringer to put your stringers where they need to go, don't worry about it 'cause the new stringer will do the job of the old stringer even if it's a few inches out of place.

Now let's add uprights

___________________

|/ \|

| |

|__________________|

| | | |

|__|_____________|__|

| |

|-----------------------------|

| |

|\_________________/|

This is just your rough opening. You still need to put in your window.

Now remember, your Stringers are going to attach to the original Uprights and your new uprights are going to attach to your new stringers. If you need to make a larger window, no problem. Simply adjust the placement of your stringers and uprights to accomodate the larger or smaller opening.

I'll see if I have some decent pictures I can scan and download if this still leaves you confused.

Almost forgot, I do have a rock candy recipe for clear glass, but it always turns out cloudy and I have no idea why. Perhaps someone else has a fail-safe recipe for making your own rock candy glass.

Hope this helps!!!

-------------
There are NO small roles, only small actors...

Posted By: itsdelovely
Date Posted: 5/27/08 at 7:08pm

Sweet!
Thanks so much this definitely helps