I. Space Layout Design
Rational Planning of Functional Zones
Design of Leisure Area: Divide a specific leisure area within the sunroom and place comfortable sofas, lounge chairs, and small coffee tables. For example, arrange the sofas around a small coffee table to form a cozy chatting and relaxing space. This allows users to enjoy the sunshine in the sunroom while engaging in relaxing social activities, such as having tea and chatting with family and friends. The leisure area is a place that enhances people’s sense of happiness, so the design of this area is particularly important. Some green plants can be planted around the leisure area, and some trendy toys or dolls can be placed, all of which can enhance the happiness of the home.
Setting up of Planting Area: If users have a hobby of growing flowers and plants, a planting area can be designed. It can be a flower trough along the edge of the sunroom or an independent plant stand. Arrange various flowers and green plants according to their light and space requirements. This not only beautifies the sunroom but also creates a natural atmosphere, making people feel as if they are in a garden.
Consideration of Dining Area: For some sunrooms with a larger area, setting up a dining area is a good choice. Place a suitable dining table and dining chairs, so that users can enjoy breakfast or dinner in a sunny environment and have a unique dining experience. Meanwhile, the distance and interaction between the dining area and other functional areas should be considered to avoid mutual interference. For the dining area, more attention can be paid to the design of the table. For example, using a large round table can accommodate more people and create a harmonious and reunion atmosphere.
Maximizing Space Utilization
Utilizing Corner Space: Skillfully utilize the corners of the sunroom by installing customized corner cabinets or shelving units. These corner furniture pieces can be used to store books, magazines, small ornaments and other items, increasing the storage function while making the space more tidy and orderly. The space can be used to store sundries, such as small ornaments of artworks, antique vases, Buddha statues, etc., enhancing the artistic style and the interest of life.
Concept of Multi-layer Design: Adopt a multi-layered space layout, such as designing multi-layered flower stands or display racks. Make full use of the space in the vertical direction, which can display more items, such as potted plants, artworks, etc., without occupying too much floor area, making the sunroom appear more spacious.
II. Daylighting and Shading Design
Optimization of Daylighting
Selection and Layout of Glass: Select glass with high transparency and low reflectivity to ensure that sunlight can penetrate into the room to the greatest extent. For example, using ultra-white glass, whose light transmittance is higher than that of ordinary glass, can make the sunroom brighter. Meanwhile, according to the orientation and architectural structure of the sunroom, rationally layout the area and position of the glass. For a sunroom facing south, the area of the glass on the roof and the south wall can be appropriately increased to obtain more sunlight. For daylighting, it should be determined according to the specific orientation of the house. Of course, the higher the transparency of the glass, the better.
Coordination of Skylights and Side Windows: Design a combination of skylights and side windows to enhance the ventilation and daylighting effects. Skylights can allow sunlight to shine directly from above, increasing the uniformity of indoor lighting. Side windows are conducive to air circulation, and in different times and seasons, the opening degree of side windows can be adjusted according to the angle of the sun to control the amount of daylighting.
Improvement of Shading Facilities
Built-in Shading System: Install built-in sunshade curtains or blinds. These shading facilities can be installed between double-glazed windows, which can effectively block sunlight without affecting the appearance of the sunroom. Users can adjust the degree of shading according to their needs. For example, in the strong sunlight at noon, pull down the sunshade curtain completely to reduce the indoor temperature; in the morning or evening, partially retract the sunshade curtain to enjoy the soft sunlight.
Design of External Sunshades: Set up sunshades outside the sunroom, such as retractable sunshades or fixed sunshade boards. External sunshades can effectively block the direct sunlight when the sun’s altitude angle is large, reducing the heat entering the indoor. Moreover, different styles of sunshades can also add beauty to the sunroom. For example, a wooden sunshade in European style can create a romantic atmosphere.
III. Ventilation Design
Optimization of Natural Ventilation
Diversified Window Opening Modes: Design a combination of various window opening modes, such as casement windows, sliding windows, and top-hung windows. Casement windows have a good ventilation effect, allowing a large amount of air to enter the indoor; sliding windows save space and are easy to operate; top-hung windows can maintain ventilation in light rain weather while preventing rain from entering the indoor. By reasonably combining these opening modes, the ventilation volume can be adjusted according to different weather and usage scenarios.
Rational Arrangement of Ventilation Openings: Set up ventilation openings at the top and bottom of the sunroom to form air convection. Hot air rises and is discharged from the top ventilation openings, while fresh cold air enters the indoor from the bottom ventilation openings. This can effectively improve the indoor air quality and comfort. For example, set up some small ventilation louvers on the roof and air inlets at the corners of the walls to make the air circulate naturally.
Auxiliary Mechanical Ventilation
Installation of Exhaust Fans: Install exhaust fans in the sunroom. When natural ventilation cannot meet the requirements, such as in humid weather or when there is an odor in the indoor, turning on the exhaust fans can quickly expel the stale air in the indoor. The installation position of the exhaust fans should be reasonable. Generally, they are installed near the top so that they can better expel hot air and moisture.
Combination with Air Conditioning System: For some users with higher requirements for the indoor environment, it can be considered to combine the ventilation system of the sunroom with the air conditioning system. Through the fresh air function of the air conditioning, introduce fresh air that has been filtered and regulated in terms of temperature and humidity, further enhancing the air quality and comfort of the sunroom.
