Beat the Heat: A Summer Solarium
On the heels of summer solstice, it’s time to think about how to stay cool this summer!
As summer temperatures soar, our homes can quickly turn into sweltering saunas. But before you crank up the AC, consider the power of passive cooling – a design approach that utilizes natural elements to keep your living space comfortable. Our favorite strategy to keep cool in the summer and get plenty of natural light during the rainy Oregon winters is to add a multi-functional solarium, aka a sunroom!
The Sunroom: A Strategic Buffer Zone
A well-designed sunroom can be more than just an extension of your living space; it can act as a strategic buffer zone between your main living area and the scorching outdoors, all while providing a unique and inviting room. Here's how you can leverage a sunroom for cool comfort:
Heat Trap: By strategically placing a vented sunroom on the south side of your home, it acts as a heat trap. The sunroom absorbs heat throughout the day, keeping it out of your main living areas. Insulation is key here! A well-insulated sunroom prevents heat transfer, maximizing its effectiveness as a buffer zone.
Nighttime Ventilation: During cooler nights, open the sunroom's windows and doors to create a chimney effect. This draws warm air out of the house, replacing it with cooler night air.
Beyond Temperature Control:
Light-filled Sanctuary: Sunrooms bathed in natural light are perfect for reading nooks, art studios, or indoor gardening spaces. Bring the outdoors in and cultivate a lush indoor oasis.
Connecting with Nature: Enjoy the sights and sounds of your backyard from the comfort of a protected space. Sunrooms offer an opportunity to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, creating a serene atmosphere.
Room with a View: Stunning vistas can be even more captivating from the vantage point of a sunroom. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views.
Optimum Sunroom Design for Summer:
Shading Matters: Don't forget about shade for the sunroom itself! Exterior awnings or retractable shades on the sunroom's roof and south-facing windows significantly reduce heat gain. Consider awnings with remote control functionality for added convenience.
Ventilation Strategies: Employ a combination of roof vents, strategically placed windows (clerestory windows are high windows near the ceiling), and ceiling fans to ensure proper airflow and prevent heat stagnation. Ceiling fans circulate cool air, remember to switch your ceiling fan to push air down. Increasing the fan speed helps to create a "wind-chill" effect increasing perceived comfort. This is a good alternative to turning on an air conditioner as it requires much less energy.
Controlled Access: Closing off the sunroom during the hottest parts of the day prevents heat from radiating back into your home. Consider French doors or sliding glass doors to easily control access. Look for doors with built-in blinds for added heat control.
Material Matters: Opt for light-colored reflective materials for the sunroom's roof and flooring. Light reflects heat, whereas dark colors absorb it. Consider tile or stone flooring for its thermal mass properties, which will help regulate temperature.
By incorporating these passive cooling techniques and strategically designed sunrooms, you can create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home – all summer long! Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air from the comfort of your cool, inviting sunroom. Sunrooms can be a year-round retreat, offering a cozy spot to enjoy the winter rains with a cup of hot cocoa, or a refreshing haven to soak up the summer sun with a good book.
Are you ready to add a sunroom to your home?
Contact us today to get started!
