A solarium, also known as a glass room enclosure, is a living space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a roof made of glass. It will allow you to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors without actually being outside, so you can get some sun and relax with a great view while still having heating or AC.
In countries that experience both extremes of temperature, having a solarium can be an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors no matter the season. If you’re thinking of building one, here are the factors you need to consider:
1. Purpose
What are you going to use the solarium for? Is your main goal to provide a living space for the winter? Or do you want to enjoy the room during the summer? Depending on the purpose you want your solarium to serve, you have to consider things you need to add to your budget, such as insulated patio roof panels that are essential in Brisbane weather or tinted windows for sunnier climates.
2. Budget
How much are you willing to spend on the construction of your solarium? Approach at least three different contractors to get a quote and see if it fits your budget. Moreover, make sure to consider additional costs after the solarium is built, like furnishings, decor, and the additional utility expenses (an extra room will consume more energy for heating and cooling).
3. Location
Where are you going to put your solarium? Take a look at your property and determine how much space you can allocate for the extension. At the same time, find out when the sun hits that side of the house. If you want to enjoy the solarium in the afternoon, position the room on the side where the sun rises, so the space doesn’t get overheated in the afternoon. But if you’re a morning person, position the solarium on the side of your house where the sunsets.
4. Materials
What type of materials should you use for your solarium? For glass, which is what the majority of your solarium will be made out of, consider windows with a high UV rating. This will help prevent your glass room enclosure from getting overheated in the daytime, especially during summer. Consider the type of insulation you’re going to use as well. Make sure to choose the correct type so that your solarium stays comfortable and well-heated during winter. Otherwise, your utility bills might increase dramatically.
5. Permit
A solarium is considered a living space so it does require a building permit. If you don’t want to handle the permitting yourself, you can ask your contractor to do it for you. But if they charge you extra for this, you can consider getting the permit yourself, but you also have to think about the time off work and the effort you need to put into it.
A solarium is an excellent living space to enjoy the outdoors while still being in the comfort of the indoors. If you want to build a solarium on your property, think about these factors first.
