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Conservatory versus Solarium
If you’ve started to research sunrooms you
have likely come across a room called a conservatory or a
solarium. Like most people, you are probably left wondering
about how the two rooms are different. Homeowners are commonly
confused about the differences between the two and that’s
partially because many sunroom manufacturers have somewhat
blurred the definitions. To help you have a better
understanding, we have compiled a guide to conservatories and
solariums below.
The easiest way to identify both of these
rooms is by their construction. Both are constructed primarily
of glass which makes them the ‘sunniest’ of all sunrooms. They
are both ideal for housing plants due to heavy amounts of
sunlight Both rooms are typically attached to the existing walls
of a home and come in various architectural styles.
Common Ways to Refer to a Solarium or Conservatory
You may have already noticed that people refer to the same type of room in multiple ways.
Of course this make the whole process even more confusing but
we've listed some of the common terms used below to help you out.
Conservatory
Green House
Solarium
Orangerie
Atrium
Patio Room
Garden Room
History
The term ‘Solarium’ is derived from the
Latin word ‘sol’ which means sun. Solariums were popular in
Rome and even in medieval times where they could be found on
castle towers as a circular room surrounded by glass.
Conservatories have their roots in European tradition.
Commonly, wealthy homeowners used them is a modernized version
of a green house to grow plants. In the 18th and 19th
centuries, those wealthy enough could grow many species of
plants and fruits in these rooms year round. Some even heated
them through underground floor air ducts with burning wood or
coal. Certainly technology has come a long way since those days
but the overall use of the rooms remains the same—they are an
ideal place that lets in a lot of light and is great for
relaxing, having a cup of coffee and a good book, or
entertaining guests.
Glass Considerations
The reason Conservatories and Solariums let
so much light in is because their walls and even roofs are made
primarily of glass. Traditionally, glass is not the best
thermal insulator which makes the problem of having a room that
is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. This is especially
true if the room has only single paned glass without any type of
glazing or insulation. Modern advances in window technology
have made the insulating properties of the windows in these
rooms far superior to the original solariums and
conservatories. Manufacturers have introduced Low-E glass, dual
paned glass, argon filled glass, heat reflective glass, and
other types of windows with various laminates that increase
energy efficiency. Oftentimes you will pay extra for more
advanced glass but it’s worth it if you want a room that doesn’t
exaggerate the current outside temperature. Further, many
sunrooms feature sliding, venting, or tilting windows. If it
gets too hot or too cold you can simply open or shut the window
to achieve the proper ventilation. If design is a concern, you
can also find rooms that featured curved glass, frosted glass or
etched glass for added character and beauty.
Architectural Styles
When it comes to the different styles of
conservatories and solariums, there is much confusion in the
industry about which is which. As these rooms have become
modernized and mass produced, some of the styles have blended
together making it difficult to give each a proper
classification. Our best advice is to understand the basic and
most common styles available and then just to be specific in
what you are looking for when working with a sunroom
professional. Don’t be afraid to point to
pictures
as a frame of reference or to ask specific questions. To help
you get started, we have laid out the three most common styles
for you below.
Victorian Style
More elaborate decoration and ornamentation with specific detailing on the rooftop finials and spires
Make sure the style will fit with your current home as it’s not something
Edwardian Style
More of a squared looks as opposed to a rounded look
Simpler architecture
High pitched roof which is typically the focal point
Georgian Style
18th century style during the reign of King George which followed the Victorian era
Best to use in conjunction with a house built in a similar style
Features an element of grandeur yet is typically less ornate than a Victorian room
Traditionally does not have rain gutters
Roof Options
As mentioned previously, the typical
construction of a conservatory or solarium is defined by its use
of glass. This also applies to the roof. Typically,
manufactures will use a form of tough safety glass to ensure
stability and durability. Also, since the roof is difficult to
clean, many have introduced various forms of self cleaning
glass. Another common option for the roof tops is polycarbonate
which is not exactly glass and is known to deflect more of the
light. It is less clear and also does not insulate against
noise as well as glass. The shape of the roof can be domed,
pitched or even flat.
Common Materials
The most common materials used to construct
the frame and structure of a conservatory or solarium is vinyl,
wood or aluminum. While aluminum is perhaps the strongest,
vinyl has in advantage as being a maintenance free material as
well as a good thermal performer. Wood also has good insulating
properties and unique visual appeal depending on the wood
species used. To know which materials is best for you, you’ll
also need to keep in mind what your home looks like. You’ll
want the material to compliment your existing home so that your
new room simply looks like a natural extension of your home.
Planning and Location
Since these rooms are made primarily of
glass, you’ll want to keep in mind the location of the sun when
building your new conservatory or solarium. To this end, it’s a
good idea to have your room facing south so that you’ll be able
to capture the most sunlight possible throughout the day and
throughout the year. This is especially the case in the winter
months if you’re looking to extend the time you’ll be able to be
in the room in the year.
These rooms are also idea when surrounded
by greenery. If you have an existing garden, try to plan on
having your room surrounded by the garden. By doing this,
you’ll have more of the feeling of ‘bringing the outdoors in’
when you go into your new room to relax. If you’re relaxed
enough, you might find yourself feeling like you’re actually
relaxing outside even though your enjoying the comforts of
indoor living.
Manufacturers of Conservatories and Solariums
Admiral Sunrooms, Inc: Offers Solariums and Edwardian/Victorian style conservatories
C-Thru Industries, Inc: Offers English style conservatories
Four Seasons Sunrooms, Inc: Offers aluminum, wood and vinyl clad conservatories in Victorian or Georgian styles
Patio Enclosures, Inc: Offers straight eve and curved eave solariums as well as Victorian and Edwardian style conservatories
Solar Innovations Inc: Offers wood and aluminum conservatories with many styles including double pitched, nose styled, and hip end. Features a wide range of decorative aluminum elements
Still Need More Information About
Conservatories and Solariums?
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