Outdoor SunSpaces News

Whether you’re creating a sun-drenched veranda or garden room, or looking for a stylish way to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces, the SunSpace structure offers unmatched versatility and aesthetic appeal. But to ensure your SunSpace glass veranda fits perfectly and functions seamlessly, there are a few key options and techniques that we use to integrate it into your home, including packing-out the wall, managing gas flues, and offering freestanding and bungalow bracket solutions. In this post, we’ll break down each of these methods and explain how they contribute to a flawless installation.

Packing-Out the Wall for Seamless Integration

When installing a SunSpace glass sunroom, ensuring a smooth and cohesive integration with your home is critical. One of the methods we employ to achieve this is packing out the wall. This technique involves bringing the attachment point for the SunSpace back wall plate forward and aligning it neatly in front of any existing obstacles—like a soil pipe.

To ensure the wall plate blends with the SunSpace frame, we use aluminium profiles that are powder-coated to match the frame. This creates a unified look, with the profiles subtly attached to the structure. The packing-out process also involves the installation of timber beams across the entire width of the structure, providing a solid foundation for the wall plate’s attachment.

Once secured, the wall plate is clad in aluminium, offering a clean, polished finish that blends seamlessly with the rest of the SunSpace structure. The result is a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing installation that ensures your SunSpace glass garden room functions smoothly while maintaining its visual appeal.

Gas Flue Integration with a "Snorkel"

If the flue for your gas boiler is located where you intend to install a veranda or glass sunroom, you will need a snorkel to redirect the flow of gas. Gas safety is paramount, and in many cases, the flue requires a special adaptation to allow for a safe, efficient installation. To manage this, a gas safety engineer must install a "snorkel"—a ventilation device that enables the gas flue to pass through the SunSpace structure while maintaining its integrity.

We supply one glass panel slightly shorter than other panels, leaving a gap where the snorkel can pass through. This gap is then covered with a custom aluminium panel, and we carefully cut a hole in it to allow the snorkel to fit securely. Once the snorkel is in place, we seal the edges to ensure there are no gaps, allowing for both safety and aesthetic consistency. This solution makes it possible to enjoy your SunSpace without compromising on gas safety.

Freestanding Kit: A Versatile Solution for Any Garden

One of the standout features of the SunSpace design is its flexibility in placement. For those who want a detached glass veranda or sunroom in the garden or don’t have a suitable wall to attach a wall plate, the freestanding kit is the perfect solution.

This innovative kit allows you to install a SunSpace veranda or glass room in locations where fixing it to a wall simply isn’t possible. It provides the same shelter and protection from the elements, but without the need for a structural attachment to your home. Whether you’re looking for a garden retreat, a poolside shelter, or a shaded space in your backyard, the freestanding SunSpace kit ensures you can enjoy all the benefits of this versatile space, no matter where you place it.

Bungalow Brackets: Ideal for Single-Storey Extensions

When adding a SunSpace structure to a single-storey extension or bungalow, there may be instances where the wall is too low for a traditional wall plate attachment or simply cannot accommodate one. In these cases, bungalow brackets are the ideal solution.

These strong, steel brackets are designed specifically to provide rear support for your veranda or sunroom. Made from high-quality steel and treated with both zinc coating and powder coating (to match the finish of your SunSpace), these brackets offer robust support without compromising on style. By using bungalow brackets, we ensure your SunSpace remains secure and stable, even when a wall plate attachment isn’t feasible.

Conclusion

At SunSpace, we are committed to offering tailored solutions that ensure both the aesthetic and structural integrity of your outdoor living space. Whether you're integrating your SunSpace structure with your home, managing the installation of a gas flue, or opting for a freestanding or bungalow bracket solution, our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible.

With these flexible installation options, you can be confident that your SunSpace will not only enhance your outdoor space but will also be a secure, functional, and long-lasting addition to your home.

If you're ready to take the next step and transform your garden or home with a SunSpace, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for personalised advice and expert installation. Let’s create the perfect space for you to enjoy all year round!

When you think of extending your living space, your first instinct might be to look inward—knocking down walls or building an extra room inside your house. But what if the best extension is actually just a few steps outside your door? A SunSpace glass veranda or garden room could be exactly what you're looking for.

SunSpaces are modern garden rooms or verandas that let you enjoy your garden in any season, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. With their elegant design and adaptable features, SunSpaces offer an alternative to traditional home extensions that often require heavy insulation, structural changes, and ongoing maintenance. Let's explore why a SunSpace could be the best decision for expanding your outdoor living space without the hassle of a typical extension.

What Are SunSpaces?

Our stylish and contemporary verandas and  glass sunrooms provide an alternative to the traditional conservatory. Extend your garden and enjoy more time outdoors, no matter the weather. SunSpaces’ glass sunrooms are constructed using superior materials (primarily high-strength aluminium) and retain their stylish appearance for years after installation. 

Whether you're looking for a relaxing sunroom, veranda, or even an additional outdoor area, a SunSpace can enhance your garden’s functionality while adding a stylish touch to your property.

Why Choose a SunSpace Over a Traditional Home Extension?

1. Versatile Use All Year Round: SunSpaces can be used in a variety of ways throughout the year. In summer, you can bask in the sun while staying cool under the shaded roof. In colder months, you can use the space as a cozy retreat to enjoy the view of your garden without braving the elements. With the ability to close off the space with sliding doors or retractable glass walls, you have total control over the temperature and airflow. We also offer outdoor heater units, making it a truly year-round space.
2. Maximise Natural Light: One of the standout features of a SunSpace is its ability to flood the room with natural light, thanks to the large glass panels and transparent roofs. Traditional home extensions may not offer the same level of natural light, especially if they involve building over windows or altering the flow of sunlight in your existing rooms.
3. Seamless Connection to Your Garden: A SunSpace allows for a unique connection between your home and your garden. Unlike a traditional extension, which may feel like a separate room, a SunSpace opens up directly into your garden, offering panoramic views and easy access to the outdoors. You can transform your garden into an extended living space, where you can entertain guests, enjoy family meals, or simply relax surrounded by greenery—without the barrier of a wall or door.
4. No Planning Permission in Most Cases: Depending on your location and the size of your SunSpace, you may not need planning permission to install it, as it often qualifies as a "permitted development" under UK law. This makes it a much quicker and easier process compared to a traditional home extension.
5. A Sustainable Option: In today’s eco-conscious world, sustainability is a key factor in any home improvement decision. SunSpaces’ use of natural light means you may save on electricity costs. Our verandas and garden rooms also offer materials that are environmentally friendly and built to last, ensuring that your garden extension is not only beautiful but also sustainable.

Benefits of a SunSpace for Your Lifestyle

• Extra Living Space: Whether you're using it as an extra living room, office, or playroom for children, a SunSpace gives you flexible living options without the disruption of a full home extension.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Imagine hosting a summer BBQ with friends, or an intimate dinner party surrounded by your garden’s beauty. The open and airy feel of a SunSpace offers the ideal setting for entertaining.
• Connection with Nature: If you love being outdoors, a SunSpace is the perfect way to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature without having to brave the elements.
• Increased Property Value: A well-designed SunSpace can enhance the overall value of your property. It not only adds extra square footage but also increases the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy and stylish way to expand your outdoor space and enjoy your garden year-round, a SunSpace veranda or sunroom is an excellent choice. It provides a versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to traditional home extensions, offering benefits like natural light, a seamless connection to your garden, and year-round comfort.

Whether you’re seeking extra living space, a new dining area, or simply a quiet retreat to unwind, a SunSpace can give you the flexibility to make the most of your property—without the stress and expense of a traditional home extension. Ready to bring your garden into your home? A SunSpace might just be the perfect addition to your outdoor lifestyle.

We're quickly approaching October which can only mean one thing, autumn is coming! In our opinion, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons, and a great way to observe all of the autumnal transitions in your garden is to relax in your garden room.

All of our glass garden rooms are designed to obstruct very little of your view, so you can really take everything in while remaining warm and dry. If you're someone who likes to switch up your garden room decor at this time of year, then you're in the right place. We have some great autumnal decoration ideas for you to try!

Autumnal Foliage

(Photo from Envato Elements)

If you're someone who likes to decorate your garden room with natural textures and plants, now is a great time to start incorporating some autumnal foliage. This could include, pine cones, dried flowers, pampas grass and even sunflowers. Choosing flowers in an autumnal colour will really bring your garden room to life!

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It's national house plant week! A time to celebrate indoor gardening and the beauty of bringing nature inside. Adding house plants to your home has a lot of physical and mental health benefits, as well as creating cleaner air for you to breathe, having houseplants around will help to improve your mood.

Since most of us are stuck at home due to the latest COVID-19 restrictions, we thought it would be fun to share some different species of house plants that you can grow in your sunroom. Growing plants is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy, so we hope this inspires you to get out your gardening gloves and add a touch of greenery to your sunroom.

Why add plants to your sunroom?

With lots of natural light and insulation from the cold outside, sunrooms are ideal for growing a wide variety of house plant species. While you might grow fruits and vegetables outside, having a sunroom gives you space to grow more exotic or tropical species of house plants that you can admire while you drink your morning coffee. 

Of course, some house plants are easier to grow than others, but by having all of your house plants in an easy-to-access space, you'll be able to keep an eye on them and tend to their needs without having to trudge outside in the rain. Let's take a look at some of the most popular house plants you can grow in your sunroom.

What plants can you grow in a sunroom?

Most house plants will thrive in a sunroom but it's important you research each species to find out what conditions it needs before you plant it. Some house plants need to be kept out of direct sunlight, while others need high humidity, it really depends on the type of house plant you choose. Here are a few popular house plants that you could try growing in your sunroom during national house plant week.

Spider Plants

If you're looking for an easy house plant to grow in your sunroom, a spider plant is the way to go! They can adapt to all kinds of environments and are generally very durable, meaning they're ideal for house plant growing beginners. They thrive when they're in a pot with plenty of drainage and when they're kept out of direct sunlight. For this reason, most homeowners choose to hang them in planters in a shadier part of their sunroom. 

Over time, you might notice a new shoot developing on one of the plant's tendrils. In the spring months, these will flower (shown above) meaning a new baby plant (or spiderette) is developing. If you want to, you can remove this part of your spider plant, allow it to grow roots and plant it in a new pot - expanding your spider plant colony around the house!

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a tropical plant that homeowners favour for its colourful flowers. This is a great plant to grow inside your sunroom because it thrives in temperatures between 16 and 32°c. Since we're currently in one of our coldest seasons of the year, growing hibiscus in your sunroom is a great idea. It's guaranteed to brighten up your SunSpace, even on the grey winter days.

Some people will start their hibiscus off in a pot inside and then move it outside during the summer. In total, hibiscus plants need around 6 hours of daylight per day, so if your SunSpace catches the afternoon sun, this could be a great choice for you.

Orchids

Orchids are beautiful flowers that, compared to other flower species, are fairly easy to grow. They thrive in bright light, making them ideal candidates for your sunroom. They like to be watered regularly, but they'll happily be left to dry out completely between watering (so you don't need to panic if you forget for a day or two). 

Succulents

Finally, we couldn't recommend house plants for your sunroom without giving these guys an honourable mention. Succulents are adorable little plants that everybody loves - and they're perfect for your sunroom!

They require little to no maintenance, only the occasional water, and can cope with really warm temperatures. Even if your sunroom gets up to 35°c and over during the summer months, you won't have to worry about your succulents dying. Some popular types of succulents are jade plants, cacti, aloe vera and snake plant!

So there you have it, a few different house plant species that you can plant during house plant week 2021! Share a picture of the house plants in your sunroom on Facebook or Twitter by tagging us and using the hashtag #HouseplantWeekUK. For any other SunSpaces enquiries, give us a call on 01727 845 788

Like any form of design, what’s in vogue and fashionable can and will change from year to year as styles drift in and out with seasonal regularity.

Not to be left out in cold, exterior design also follows this blueprint of trends and what was hot last year might not be seen as quite so stylish and in just 12 months later.

To help you get ahead of the curve and prepare your garden for the year ahead, we’ve outlined some of the most likely garden trends for 2020.

Predicted Garden Design Trends for 2020

Depending on who you ask and who’s garden crystal ball you peer into, the answer to what lies ahead in garden design can vary wildly.

Swedish landscape and garden designer, Mia Witham, is confident that outdoor style is leaning towards a Belgian influence in 2020, with simplistic luxury becoming a prevalent theme.

Conversely, award-winning landscape design expert, Jane Brockbank, insists that cold minimalism is a thing of the past and champions pattern and texture instead.

Meanwhile, international consultant-designer for future-orientated garden design, Mark Laurence, foresees a more visual directional shift, as lineal design makes way for curvilinear free-flowing gardens.

Eco-Friendly Garden Trends 2020

While the predicted 2020 garden trends for general appearance can vary wildly (as seen above), one trend that looks to be virtually set in stone is the move towards a greener garden design.

Here are a few of the most notable green garden trends 2020 can expect to see over the next 12 months.

Making the Most

Making environmentally-friendly choices in life has become more and more prevalent over the last decade, as the world becomes increasingly aware of the detrimental impact we are having on the world around us.

Naturally, that focus has found its way into the world of garden design and eco-friendly garden choices are becoming progressively more popular.

Ranging from water butts that collect rainwater to garden composters that repurpose waste materials into nutrient-rich food for the lawn, expect to see more eco-friendly additions popping up in gardens across the land.

Recycling Old Goods

Speaking of making the most of what you’ve got, another related trend that’s likely to continue to grow in the next year is upcycling old items and repurposing them for garden use.

A myriad of items can easily become a garden planter, whether it’s a wheelbarrow, an old set of drawers or even a chandelier. Similarly, giving a kitchen chair a simple lick of paint and a new home in the garden can completely revitalise your furniture.

Meanwhile, even tin cans can quickly become light and versatile plant pots that can be effortlessly arranged in an upright fashion to create a vertical garden.

Grow Your Own

Another eco-friendly garden trend that is picking up steam and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down is the independent option of growing your own fruit and vegetables.

More and more people are dedicating an area of their garden to grow their own food, providing themselves with a source of food that contributes to a healthier environment, while also saving themselves a little money on the shopping bill in the process.

Outdoor Living

While these particular trends are likely to see a rise in popularity over the next 12 months, outdoor living products – such as our awnings, verandas and sunrooms – will never go out of fashion.

Providing shelter from the elements, these outdoor accessories for your home can help turn your garden into an external living space for you to enjoy your garden and the outside to its fullest.

From the retractable benefits of our awesome awnings to the insulated comfort of our glass sunrooms with the multi-faceted veranda option providing the best of both in between, SunSpaces has the product for you and your home.

With the new year just over the horizon, what better time to prep your garden for the summer season and maximise your garden enjoyment in 2020 than by investing in a SunSpace?

Call now to request a quote today and turn your new year’s resolution into a sun-kissed solution you can enjoy this coming spring/summer and beyond with SunSpaces.

To find out more about the variety of outdoor living options available at SunSpaces, why not drop us a line today> Call now on 01727 845 788 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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