How to Enjoy your Terrace in Winter?
Winter gardens were built as early as the 17th century in the palaces of wealthy lords and were called orangeries. They were mainly used for growing exotic orange trees, thus becoming a symbol of luxury. However, their construction doesn’t have to be that expensive.
How to Do it?
It depends on what space you have available and what you expect from a winter garden. You can completely entrust the construction of a winter garden to professionals or build it yourself. Sometimes it’s enough to just glaze a terrace or a larger balcony. This will be ideal for overwintering flowers and short sittings with hot tea. However, if you desire a place that will extend your living area, you’ll need to address more issues, such as insulation, heating, or ventilation.
A novelty in recent years is the so-called bioclimatic roofing. Such a bioclimatic pergola has adjustable slats on the roof that protect the terrace from heat, sunlight, as well as snow or rain. It can also be used for winter gardens, where it provides natural temperature regulation, making the room habitable year-round. Of course, this is already a more financially demanding option.
Blending with Nature
Regarding materials – the most practical and common are those we use for classic terraces. We’re not setting up a second living room. We want a winter garden, a place where we blend with nature (and if you don’t have a view, many ornamental and useful plants will thrive year-round in winter gardens). Of course, wood is the most popular material. Rattan furniture will also be an excellent choice. Large glass walls should not be without shading elements, especially if the winter garden is south-facing. Discreet, simple, practical, and fulfilling their function. After all, the summer sun can be very hot, and a glass room can quickly become an unbearable greenhouse.
Don’t Forget the Permit
If you’re planning to build a winter garden that won’t be heated, the floor area doesn’t exceed 25 m2, and the height is up to 5 meters, you don’t need a building permit. However, it’s always better to check everything in advance and inform your nearest neighbors about potential noise.
Do you long for your own “orangery”? A winter garden that will extend your summer and make winter a pleasant season? Get in touch with us, we’ll help you with the design and implementation.