There was a time when conservatories and orangeries were the go-to solutions for maximising space. But that changed when people finally realised the benefits of installing a garden room.
These buildings don’t attach to your home. Instead, they’re freestanding structures that require less construction work.
In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in customers requesting sunroom garden rooms. Find out what they are and how they’re different from traditional garden studios in this post.
A traditional garden room is a multi-functional structure that features windows, doors, and insulation to create a year-round space.
These rooms also have solid walls, which ensure that you can use the room during the colder months, too.
If you’re looking for a home office, gym, or entertainment space, opting for a traditional garden room is beneficial, as they combine natural light with the functionality of a room in your home.
Garden sun rooms are similar, because they’re freestanding structures that are more convenient than conservatories or orangeries.
However, they usually feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows on three sides and a glazed roof.
Because these rooms use more glass, they attract natural light from all directions. You’ll also get to enjoy panoramic views of your outdoor space and feel like you’re outside.
In most cases, a freestanding sun room uses steel or aluminium frames and double- or triple-glazing to prevent heat loss.
While you can use these rooms year-round in theory, opting for double glazing over triple glazing might mean they struggle to retain heat in the colder months.
When choosing between a traditional garden room and a garden sun room, it’s important to consider how you plan to use the room, the temperature, and its aesthetic appeal.
If you want a room to relax in during spring and summer, a sunroom is an excellent idea. These spaces effortlessly attract natural light and are ideal for yoga and meditation.
However, if you need a functional space for work or year-round entertainment, a standard garden room might be the best option. For example, a garden office should minimise distractions and have year-round functionality.
It’s the same with cinema rooms. Solid walls make it easier to watch movies in the summer, but a sunroom may restrict your view of the screen.
If you want to use the garden room year-round, it’s also important to consider temperature regulation.
Traditional garden rooms are easier to regulate because they have solid walls, which means they adapt well to artificial heating and cooling.
If you’re planning to use the space for work or leisure, a traditional garden room might be best. Sunrooms attract a lot of heat and natural sunlight in the summer, but they can struggle during the winter.
However, sunrooms without sufficient insulation can also overheat in the summer.
When incorporating a garden building into your outdoor space, you naturally want to ensure it aligns with your home’s style.
Traditional garden rooms have a natural aesthetic and warm look, while sun rooms look more like conservatories because of their floor-to-ceiling glass.
You can choose traditional styles or opt for something more modern. If you want to ensure a seamless aesthetic, opting for bespoke garden buildings instead of pre-fabricated kits gives you more control over the finish.
The cost of a standard garden room depends on whether you choose a bespoke option or a pre-fabricated kit.
Bespoke garden rooms generally cost between £10,000 and £30,000, depending on size, design, and fittings.
For example, if you want smart technology or a high-end architectural style, costs can be higher, but smaller, more basic rooms can cost £8,000.
The average cost of sunroom garden rooms ranges from £8,000 to £30,000. However, pre-fabricated kits can cost £5,000.
However, these buildings are an investment that can prevent the need to move home or disruptions associated with conservatories.
Both traditional garden rooms and sun garden rooms can elevate your lifestyle and offer year-round functionality. It’s not a case of one being better than the other, because both offer unique benefits.
If your main priority is a practical workspace or room that you can use year-round, a traditional garden room might be the best choice. These buildings are ideal for productivity and entertainment, and they offer consistent temperatures.
But, if you want to celebrate your garden and create a relaxing space that floods with natural light, sunrooms might be the better option. If you’re willing to spend extra on high-quality glazing and heating options, you can still use the room year-round.
Rockwood Garden Studios specialises in creating fully bespoke garden rooms for all budgets. With an expert team of designers, we can turn your vision for the perfect space into a lasting investment.
Whether you’re looking for a multi-functional room or have a distinct purpose in mind, our innovative rock-clad walls and premium insulation ensure that the room will last for years to come.
Please get in touch with us today to discuss your needs. Once we understand them, our experts will provide a no-obligation quote.