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Current page: ROT/EXT-WINDOW-HEAD-HEIGHT
Rule of thumbRecommended

Window head heights: align at 6'8" or 7'0" within a room

ROT/EXT-WINDOW-HEAD-HEIGHT

Description

All windows on the same wall (and ideally throughout a room) should align at a consistent head height — typically 6'8" (80 in, matching a standard door head) or 7'0" (84 in). Misaligned heads read as architecturally sloppy. Where the room has 9 ft+ ceilings, consider raising heads to 7'4" or 7'8" to leave a smaller header band above and a more proportional reveal.

Why this exists

Window head alignment is the single most important geometric rule for the exterior elevation. Architects who consistently miss it produce elevations that look 'home-builder' rather than designed.

Measurements

PropertyOperatorValueUnitNote
standardHeadexact80in (6'8")Standard window/door head height

Categories

AestheticDaylight

Source

Professional consensusno manifest entry
Architectural Graphic Standards (Ramsey/Sleeper) ()
Section: Residential design conventions
Published 2024-01-01 · last verified 2026-05-15

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

Last reviewed 2026-05-15.