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Hello everyone this is my first post
i would like to know if its possible and how much this might cost to build what i have in my poor design that i have marked in blue
its a space of 8'5 feet wide by 7.8 feet long its for a hanging bed out side
i would like the support beams between the house and the garage (house wall on the left garage wall on the right) to be metal with a clear see through material for the roof (daughter and i love watching the rain fall)
at the back is a space for a breeze to go in and out and hot air to raise up out the back the front will have curtains for privacy
the rear beam will be slightly elevated for the rain to run off the front
if my design needs anything that i might be missing do tell me please
thank you for looking at my post
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Kelly7916. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a hanging bed support.
From a construction point of view, the main challenge is that a hanging bed introduces a significant suspended load. Unlike a pergola or shade structure that only carries its own weight and some wind load, this structure would need to safely support the dynamic weight of people moving on the bed, which can be far greater than the static weight alone. Because of this, the beams, posts, fixings and their connections into the house and garage would all need to be structural and designed to Australian Standards.
Spanning between the house and garage with steel beams is theoretically possible, but it would almost certainly require engineering input to confirm span sizes, fixing details and whether the existing brickwork and framing can accept those loads. Brick veneer in particular is not structural, so loads usually need to be transferred back into structural framing or footings. Wind uplift on a clear roof sheeting also needs to be considered, especially with an elevated rear beam and open sides, as these forces can be surprisingly high.
Cost-wise, because this would be a custom-engineered structure rather than an off-the-shelf pergola kit, it would not be a low-cost build. By the time you factor in engineering drawings, council approval if required, steel fabrication, proper footings and compliant fixings, you would be looking at several thousands of dollars rather than hundreds. The exact figure would depend heavily on engineering requirements and local labour costs.
One thing that may help reduce complexity is reconsidering how the bed is supported. A freestanding frame that sits on the ground within a lighter pergola-style structure can dramatically reduce the loads transferred to the house and garage, thereby reducing engineering and costs. You would still be able to enjoy a clear roof and airflow, but the structural demands would be far more manageable.
It is a creative idea and not impossible, but because of the safety implications of a suspended load, your instinct to ask questions early is a good one. Speaking with a local builder or structural engineer would be the next sensible step to confirm what is achievable on your site and to ensure whatever is built is safe, durable and compliant.
Let me tag @Nailbag to see if he has any thoughts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi @Kelly7916
The most feasible location would be to essentially built a basic pergola just under the level of the eve of the lower level. Fixing whaler plates either side to the brick wall then cross beam to then hang ropes to your day bed.
There is quite a lot more to consider when taking in account all your requirements both in structural and engineering strength and functionality. All of which is too complex to provide accurate advice in the forum. I would recommend getting a local draftsperson to draw working plans that has these and other factors taken into consideration.
Nailbag
