Framing around a skylight

[branimal]

I’m framing around a skylight to allow natural light to pass in from the roof into the top floor (3rd) apartment. When the home was initially built (1920), the skylight was used to illuminate the hallways. It brought a bit of light to the 2nd floor but not much down to the first. I’m moving into the top floor so I’d prefer to give the top floor all the light.

This is my plan to bring the light into the apartment:

* Frame a wall right next to the staircase bannister. (The bannister’s are being replaced). The ceiling height is 12’ in this area. I’m going to build a wall that’s 8’ tall and then run an angled wall to the back edge of the skylight’s framing.
* I’m using metal stud framing for the walls.
* My plan to create the angles is to rip some 2x4 at the appropriate angle so the metal stud track has something to nail onto while making the appropriate angle. See diagrams.

The red lines represent the 8’ vertical wall. The yellow lines represent the angle wall.

Is this a good way of going about it, or is there an easier way?

I’m going to replace the skylight in the future.

 

[ford33]

That would work but working on the skylight with that angled stairway ceiling could represent difficulty to the workers. Think about future replacement or maintenance of the skylight.

You have the height, why not make the ceiling of the stairwell horizontal instead of at an angle. The flat ceiling could be used as decorative plant shelf or for light household storage and when it comes time to clean or replace the skylight you could sit on the top to do your work. Allow about 4 feet of clearance between the skylight and stairway ceiling. Build it strong so it doesn't collapse.

 

[branimal]

That would work but working on the skylight with that angled stairway ceiling could represent difficulty to the workers. Think about future replacement or maintenance of the skylight.

You have the height, why not make the ceiling of the stairwell horizontal instead of at an angle. The flat ceiling could be used as decorative plant shelf or for light household storage and when it comes time to clean or replace the skylight you could sit on the top to do your work. Allow about 4 feet of clearance between the skylight and stairway ceiling. Build it strong so it doesn't collapse.

I forgot to mention my roof is a low slope roof. So it's basically flat. 2 or 3% grade. So the glass workers would be replace the skylight from the roof. But I suppose they will need inside access as well. Good point.

The reason I didn't want to make the ceiling flat is I think some of the light will bounce off the flat ceiling and reflect right back up through the skylight. I want to maximize the light coming in from the skylight.

 

[Radix2]

I'm not sure I follow what you are trying to do as far as the final walls and ceilings - are you going to be on the floor you are showing? Trying to wall off the staiway?

Anyway, the best way to use metal framing is to build each of your walls as complete planes, then join them together as needed. So build the yellow section with tracks and studs to the size you need, build the red, then join with some scrap metal at your angle ( track to track)

You then have material to fasten your drywall to and you will find that complete sections like that are easy to work with and secure.