Solarium and Conservatory Construction

Throughout history a solarium has been an area of a home or building that's focused on harnessing natural light, be it a rooftop terrace or a windowed castle tower. Conservatories were originally built into garden areas and were used as much as greenhouses as extensions of a home. Today, however, both terms are used interchangeably with "sunroom," and all three refer to glassed in home additions that provide an open, light, and relaxing living space for homeowners to enjoy. If you're interested in having a sunroom built onto your home, the first thing you need to do is get familiar with solarium and conservatory construction.

Where to Build: Solarium and Conservatory Construction is all about Location
For starters, you'll need to decide where to build your new sunroom addition. Three main considerations need to be taken into account when it comes to solarium location:

• Find an appropriate access point to the home. Sunrooms are best when added onto well used, open spaces, since they add light and spaciousness to any adjoining areas. Kitchens are a natural fit, as are living, family, and dining rooms.

• Choose landscaped and garden areas. Feeling like you're out in nature is one of the biggest assets of passing your day in a solarium. You can amplify that effect if you plan your addition with your landscaping and your garden spaces in mind. Along the same lines, if you have access to good views, be sure to orient your sunroom addition to take advantage of those as well.

• Make sure you have southern exposure in winter. Sunrooms aren't just for summer. They are year round rooms where you can sit on your love seat, recliner, or at your patio table, and watch both summer sunrises and winter snow storms. That being the case, it's important that your solarium get southern exposure in the winter months so that it will get maximum sunshine and heat even when the days grow shorter.

The Best Materials for Solarium and Conservatory Construction
Once you've decided on a location, you should begin to investigate which materials are going to be best for your new solarium. The three most popular building materials are vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Aluminum is the least popular because it conducts heat and cold so efficiently, reducing energy efficiency (which can be a significant factor with sunrooms). Vinyl is gaining in popularity because it's durable, relatively maintenance free, and is an excellent framing material from an energy efficiency standpoint. Wood steals the show when it comes to looks, but it is significantly more expensive than the other two options.

Solarium and Conservatory Design
Along with materials, you'll also want to choose a design before you begin your solarium and conservatory construction project. At the most basic level, you can choose between straight-eave and curved-eave designs. Straight-eave solariums are cheaper and less striking, though completely functional, while curved-eave designs tend to blend more into your home's architecture and landscaping. And if you're looking for something with a little more pizzazz, traditional conservatory designs bring Victorian, Georgian, and elaborate modern sensibilities to solarium and conservatory construction projects. Take into account your budget, your current home design, and what you hope to get out of your new sunroom to help you choose the best design for you and your home.

Tap into Your Resources
When you move forward with your new sunroom you'll have to make decisions about everything from window types and glazings to ventilation and window coverings. Since a properly designed sunroom is sure to be one of the most beautiful, relaxing, and comfortable rooms in your home, it's important that you are privy to all the design features available. Talk to a contractor who specializes in sunroom additions, or a company that sells sunroom kits and designs, to make sure you're not left in the dark when your solarium and conservatory construction project gets rolling.