Round or square?

As part of the design phase in the development of flats at 18 St Mary's Place, Chippenham, I'm looking to brainstorm and get as much feedback as possible from both the local community as well as a wider circle. Whether you're into architecture or not, your views here are valued and will be considered. The proposed development is a conversion of an 18th Century barn into flats. Much of the building was modified in the 19th and 20th centuries for various commercial uses.

How much do you like or dislike the round windows in this picture?

this image is a Photoshop illustration - there are currently no windows in this part of the wall!

	1	2	3	4	5
Hate them						Love them

i should add that on this side of the street there is sometimes anti-social behaviour from passing youths, so also for this reason the windows are shown placed quite high and of smallish size. Additionally the glass would be laminated and toughened.


Further light would come from windows on two other sides of the building.



Explanation (optional)
if you want, say why you like or dislike the round windows

Any other comments, suggestions, or questions?

Name and contact email (optional)
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Concepts and draft plans

Here is the current plan, any feedback or thoughts welcome.

Existing ground and first floor
The building is currently a single apartment / huge family warehouse.



Proposed plans
Idea is to create 4 apartments as follows:






Flat 3 - entrance
Due to a 60cm difference in floor level on two halves of the building upstairs, idea here is to create a landing two steps below the main floor (with a 3rd step to reach the main door from the staircase landing outside). Within the extra room height created by this lower landing, an additional bathroom could be added with a small mezzanine above for a second bed. A Velux window could also be added.


Forgive the basic graphics, just starting to learn google sketchup, amazing app.



this probably only makes sense to me...


flat 3 lounge as it is now... (a mess)




Flat 2
This would be the smallest flat, a studio apartment open plan, with kitchen area by the entrance. The boiler would be to the right of the entrance door as you come in, and the flue would go through the roof, unless i can find a viable communal heating system.


animated...(with added camera-shake effect)


as it is now... (my bedroom)


Flats 1 & 4 (downstairs)
Work-in-progress. To be continued...


Would-be flats 1 & 4, as they are now...




Windows windows
Here is the east-side exterior wall as it is now. The window is recent (last century), the original opening was taller (note the red-brick in-fill), presumably a wooden barn door filled this space, hay bundles thrown up through it from passing delivery carts.

Photo 1 - existing


Idea below is to re-open the full length of the original opening, let more light in etc. Will probably need laminated toughened glazing on all windows to resist vandals throwing stones (sadly). Also open a new window downstairs for additional light into flat 4.

 

Photo 2 - new window on ground floor, and replacement on 1st floor


Below is one idea to add some crazy round windows onto the right-hand side of the building, to break up the large dull stone wall, and give additional lighting to the staircase and flat 1.

Photo 3 - add 2 round windows in unit 1 and one in staircase


Round windows not everyone's taste, how about some turret openings for taking aim onto the vandals...? Looks a bit prison-like though.
 
Photo 4 - add slit windows below existing vents


Or maybe arch the window for flat 4... ?

Photo 5 - arched ground floor window

I tried a conventional window on the right-hand side but it just looks lost in the large expanse of wall, no not bothering to show it.

Any other ideas welcome! Especially photos or addresses of properties with potentially suitable windows (i can check on google street-view)

Thanks for your attention.