A sunroom, also frequently called a solarium (and sometimes a "Florida room", "garden conservatory", "garden room", "patio room", "sun parlor", "sun porch", "three season room" or "winter garden"
In Great Britain, which has a long history of formal conservatories, a small conservatory is sometimes denominated a "sunroom". In gardening, a garden room is a secluded and partly enclosed outside space within a garden that creates a room-like effect.
Design
Attached sunrooms typically are constructed of transparent
tempered glass glazing atop a brick or wood "knee wall" or framed entirely of wood, aluminum, or PVC, and glazed on all sides.
Frosted glass or
glass block may be used to add privacy. Screens are a fundamental aspect of a "Florida room", and
jalousie windows are often featured. An integrated sunroom is specifically designed with many windows and climate controls.
A solarium is typically distinguished from a sunroom by the former being specifically and primarily designed to collect sunlight for warmth and light as opposed to being primarily designed to feature scenic views, and by being composed of walls, save one, and a roof that are entirely of framed glass. These typically are erected in higher latitude (low angle of sunlight) or cold (higher altitude) locations. In contrast, a sunroom
sensu stricto has an opaque roof.
Technologies
During the 1960s, professional re-modelling companies developed affordable systems to enclose a patio or deck, offering design, installation, and full service
warranty. Patio rooms featured lightweight, engineered roof panels, single pane glass, and
aluminium construction.
As technology advanced, insulated glass, vinyl, and vinyl-wood composite framework appeared. More recently, specialized blinds and curtains have been developed, many electrically operated by remote control.
See also
Notes
External links
