From solariums and greenhouses to the classic suburban sunroom, these home additions offer a surprising range of year-round benefits. Whether for Pittsburgh gardening enthusiasts or those wanting to bring the outdoors in, these elegant spaces are a timeless favorite.
Many mistakenly assume solariums, greenhouses, and sunrooms are interchangeable, but each serves a unique purpose. This guide breaks down the differences to help you choose the perfect indoor-outdoor space.
Let It Grow! Indoor Rooms with Outdoor Benefits
Whether you’re a gardening hobbyist or just looking for a peaceful retreat, the inspiration behind these spaces has remained the same since ancient times—the desire to bring more natural sunlight into the home.
No matter the specific uses, various solaria can be incorporated into your home as either hybrid interior/exterior or freestanding spaces, providing an outdoor atmosphere with the luxury and comforts of an enclosed indoor setting.
Fortunately, unlike the Victorian greenhouses or cookie-cutter patio slab sunrooms of the 1950’s, advances in glass and metal technologies have improved the look, strength, and efficiency of these remodels and home additions.
The Home Solarium: Let There Be Light
Often confused with other glass-style rooms, the solarium is fundamentally a room constructed almost entirely of glass–including the roof. The solarium is designed to collect the maximum amount of sunlight and heat, making it a perfect space for plants that require lots of both without much variation in climate.
HVAC and other climate controls are generally omitted from home solariums, due to the high heat and associated difficulties in temperature regulation. Solarium glass is typically insulated and fixed, with little to no ability to deviate from heat and sunlight.
Types of plants that thrive in this environment may include hibiscus, lilies, ferns, as well as tropical varieties, cacti, and succulents. Additionally, a home solarium is perfect for various types of container gardening.
As an integrated add-on feature to the primary house, the solarium is often positioned to maximize 360° views, excellent for nature watching, stargazing, or panoramic city views. Beyond relaxation, solariums can be designed for active lifestyles, whether incorporated around an indoor swimming pool or adapted for fitness-focused hobbies like hot yoga. When freestanding, a solarium is most often mistaken for the traditional greenhouse, a classically inspired gardener’s paradise.
Benefits of A Greenhouse: Classic Plant-spiration
While a greenhouse may need no introduction, this classically inspired structure was once considered the height of luxury, modernity, and taste. Elegant in design, Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory is an excellent historical example, inspiring generations of green-thumbed individuals both young and old.
The good news is that for plant lovers and gardeners of every variety, a greenhouse has never gone out of fashion. Among the many benefits of a greenhouse are its ability to create a controlled environment for plants, extend the growing season, and provide a beautiful, light-filled retreat. While the greenhouse shares the same glass-enclosed benefits of a solarium, it has distinct differences.
Unlike the Solarium, greenhouse glass has added venting controls, ranging from hand cranks to ceiling fans, or modern amenities such as smart controls. Humidifiers may also be added for specialized plants that require this additional element.
Plants & People: Multifunctional Custom Sunrooms
While sometimes not thought of as a Gardening space per se, a custom sunroom is also an excellent option to provide adequate lighting needs for plants, although on a more casual level.
Versatile in design but not specialized, the sunroom differs from the solarium or greenhouse primarily in that it does not incorporate a glass ceiling. A Sunroom is typically constructed of large pane glass walls and/or mounted atop of a knee wall. Passive design elements also position the sunroom for optimal light.
While a solarium is primarily designed to capture heat and light, the custom sunroom often includes additional features such as HVAC elements or radiant flooring to enhance comfort during the winter months. Both spaces can also serve a variety of hobby and recreational purposes.
A sunroom offers great versatility and can be comfortably used as an office, art studio, home library, or dining area. In addition to maximizing views of surrounding landscapes, the sunroom’s incorporation of HVAC systems makes it more adaptable and easier to maintain compared to the solarium.
Soar to the Stratosphere: Second Floor Sunrooms And Beyond
Engineering and modern design and build techniques have transformed the integration of glass rooms to new heights. In their early advent, sunrooms were built atop a slab and extended into the yard, as opposed to the foundation.
This inexpensive approach has greatly evolved since the 1950’s, with modern luxury homes showcasing the style, vision, and creativity of the homeowner. Today, a second-floor custom sunroom offers an elevated retreat, maximizing views while seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor beauty.”
You don’t need a sprawling yard to enjoy the beauty and benefits of glass-enclosed spaces. Instead of gazing at natural landscapes, take in the cinematic romance of a nighttime cityscape. A home solarium on your rooftop can serve as a stylish lounge or bar for entertaining guests, with retractable glass for year-round comfort. For those with a green thumb, a rooftop greenhouse offers the perfect space for urban gardening, providing fresh herbs, vegetables, and greenery in the heart of the city.
Catching The Rays
Bringing more light and space into your home is always a win. Whether you’re enjoying a hobby, entertaining, or looking to simply unwind and connect with the outdoors, a stylish glass room enhances the experience. Sit back, relax, and take it all in! A thoughtfully designed specialty room can transform your home, enhancing both style and functionality. Whether it’s a custom sunroom, luxury car garage, or any other space for your unique hobby, we’ve got you covered. Partner with us to bring your vision to life—contact us today!
