Bunk above kitchen table?

[NM_Shooter]

Well, Here it is June, and I am still snowed out from my property.  My chances of getting the cabin dried in by elk season are diminishing. 

In order to get shelter in by snowfall, I think I will be building the "guest" bunkhouse first.  This will give me a warm and dry (albeit small) place to get out of the weather.  With any luck I'll be able to get the footings in for the larger cabin this year and be ready to roll when the access is open next year.

In trying to get as much space as possible out of a small structure (probably 10X16 or 10X20) I am thinking about lofting the beds in order to use the space below them.  I'm thinking about putting one of the double beds square in the center of the cabin, and building a dining table underneath.  One other bed against a side wall, probably putting a sink under.  Thought about a cooktop under there too, but that may be too dangerous. 

I'm considering a shed style roof, with 2X10 or 2X12 on 16" for a roof.  8' high wall on low side, 10' on high side. I'm guessing that would hold the snow.

So... what about top bunks only for all beds (probably 5' high), with a table or sink or couch underneath?  Would this create more problems than it would solve?

Has anyone done this? 

Thanks,

-f-

[Willy]

I would go 12 ft on the high side. My cabin living room wall is that way and you could put all the bunks on the high side and still have some head room. I don't see a problem with snow load with rafters that size and a metal roof. My shed roof rafters are 2x10s on 16" centers for a 75 lb snow load. I span 12 ft with 8 ft on low wall and 12 ft on the high wall and it was inspected and OKed. The print called for 2x8s but for insulation reasons I went with 2x10s. Mark

[Jackson Landers]

I think that if you put those elevated beds along a wall or in a corner it would create a cozy little space beneath that would feel like a whole separate room. And I think that anyone sleeping in those beds would feel a lot more comfortable with a wall on at least one side rather than being up in the air with nothing but space all around them.

How about a diner-style booth underneath the double bed against a wall?  A booth design would get you maximum comfortable dining space in the minimum possible space. There's a reason why restaurants use that type of seating.

[Redoverfarm]

NM_Shooter I would go for the lower bunks.  To go one better I would use 3/4" ply with a 2"X2" frame all set on a Piano hinge against the wall.  Then use eye bolts on the outside corners and two corresponding on the wall. Heavy dog chain would easily hold someone up.  Then when it's dinnertime or time to wash the dishes just fold them up against the wall and use a barrel latch or gate hook to hold them in place. 

[NM_Shooter]

Jackson / Red, very good ideas!

[JRR]

You might elevate the table instead.  Lightweight but rigid, fold up legs ... simple, but easy to remove, drawstring-elevator system.

[glenn kangiser]

I had an old welder working for me years ago -- a good friend and he drank quite a few beers daily.

He used to sing a little tune...."Lazy Mary, You gotta git up, we need the sheet for the table."

Useful idea to save linen space?