Weird window extension - anyone know about?

[Onthemoveee]

Know what it’s called / why it’s been done or if it can be removed?
No history or info available but doesn’t seem original.
UK Victorian terrace
will ofc get a structural engineer to review before buying if we decide to
thanks!

A bit like a dormer, it's to create more space, surely? Also the bay windows will let in more light than a single flat window. Looks as though the metal frame supports it rather than it's cantilevered from the joists inside. Has the building ever been flats? It's pretty ugly and probably makes the room below it quite dark at least part of the time.

It's kind of an oriel window, but very unusual. Have you seen inside? Presumably added to give more space in the only way they could.

@Needtosoundoffandbreathe yes the metal poles supporting.

Thank you I didn’t think it would be considered a dormer because it’s so bizarre. That room doesn’t need it and does have the “view” side of this house either. Such an odd decision?
It hasn’t been flats in anyone’s living memory.

Yes we would want to have it removed and make the outside area more usable too. Annoying to add structural engineer to the list of money to spend before even buying!

@RollerSkateLikePeggy I thought oriel window too but I can’t find a single picture or example that looks like it!? Yes seen inside, the room is fine without it - double bed fits across the room, massive built ins..
I don’t think we’ll buy the house if it can’t be removed.

It looks like an oriel window with supports. Very odd fashioned and I would probably also want to get rid. Shouldn’t be a problem removing it but there will be some cost involved depending what you want to put in its place.

It depends what you want to do, brick it up, replace for a flush window. Also how the roof is being supported and what direction any joists are going to support the structure as it’s changed.

You could also put a more modern but still in keeping self supporting oriel window in

I don't see why it couldn't be removed (pretty much anything is possible, it's usually budget that is the limiter). It won't be holding the house up at that height. The fact the support structure appears to be external would make it easier. Depending on the extent of the work you want to carry out, the wall will need reinstating and a window put in. It'll need some rendering to match the rest of the wall. The removal of the metal support structure could entail brickwork repairs to the house wall and patching the render. Removal of the foundations for the metal supports would be another job - they could be cut off, but probably better to dig out the foundations and level the paving properly. It'll need scaffolding.

I think it's very quirky - not old fashioned, just characterful. I'd definitely want to keep it if I was buying, but if you don't like it perhaps it's not the house for you @Onthemoveee.