How to Achieve Sustainable Garden Room Designs

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Sustainable living is one of the top trends in home architecture today. A recent study shows that the market value of green buildings in the United States has increased by 10.8%, a testament to the growing public interest in sustainability.

One such remarkable aspect of sustainable architecture is the design and construction of garden rooms. These versatile spaces add beauty and functionality to our outdoor areas and can also be built in an eco-friendly and energy-efficient manner. 

This blog will explore the wonders of sustainable designs for a garden room, providing you with insightful information and inspiration for your project.

The Importance of Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is the practice of designing and constructing environmentally friendly and resource-efficient buildings. This can be done through various methods, such as using sustainable materials, incorporating energy-efficient features, and designing the building as energy-efficient as possible.

Adopting sustainable practices is essential with buildings accounting for a significant portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By designing structures that maximize energy efficiency, utilize renewable resources, and reduce waste, we can minimize the negative impact on the environment while creating spaces that harmonize with nature.

How to Build a Sustainable Garden Room

How to Build a Sustainable Garden Room

Let’s explore how to build a garden room that aligns with these principles. Here are some aspects you may want to consider:

Material Selection

Choose eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, or recycled metal to construct your garden room. These materials have a low environmental impact and can add a unique charm to your space.

Energy-Efficient Insulation

Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your garden room while reducing energy consumption. Consider using high-quality insulation materials and double-glazed windows to prevent heat loss during winter and keep the space cool during summer.

Renewable Energy Integration

Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, are a sustainable and affordable way to meet your garden room’s energy needs. These technologies have become more efficient over time, making them a wise investment for the long term.

Water Conservation

Adding water-saving features, such as rainwater harvesting systems and low-flow fixtures, can help you reduce water consumption in your garden room. This sustainable approach benefits the environment and saves you money on utility bills.

Why Consult a Conservatory or Garden Room Expert

Consulting a conservatory or garden room expert is the best way to ensure a successful outcome when designing and building a sustainable garden room. Here’s why their expertise is invaluable:

Knowledge and Experience

Conservatory and garden room experts possess extensive knowledge and experience in designing and building sustainable structures. They can guide you through the entire process, from planning to completion, while considering your specific needs and preferences.

Tailored Design Solutions

These experts understand the intricate details involved in creating a sustainable garden room. They can create a custom design that maximizes energy efficiency, natural lighting, ventilation, and aesthetics, resulting in a space that seamlessly blends into your home and garden.

Building Regulations Compliance

Navigating local building regulations and obtaining necessary permits can be complex and time-consuming. By consulting an expert, you can ensure that your garden room is built to code and meets all safety standards, avoiding potential problems and delays.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Hiring professional architects and builders may seem like an additional expense, but it can save you time and money in the long run. Experts can help you streamline the construction process, source sustainable materials, and manage the project efficiently, delivering exceptional results that align with your vision.

Let Us Help You Build a Sustainable Garden Room

Integrating sustainability into your garden room design goes beyond being environmentally responsible; it allows you to create a breathtaking, energy-efficient, and harmonious space. Let’s embrace the possibilities and contribute to a greener future while enjoying the beauty of our outdoor spaces.

Conservatory Craftsmen is a trusted builder based in Minnesota. We specialize in building luxury garden rooms, conservatories, and commercial structures. With extensive experience in delivering quality craftsmanship, we can make your ideal garden room a reality.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and ideas.

5 Creative Ideas for Your Conservatory Home Office

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As the lines between work and home continue to blur, creating a functional and inspiring workspace in the comfort of your own home has become more important than ever. And what better way to achieve this than by converting your conservatory into a home office? With abundant natural light and tranquil ambiance, a conservatory can provide the perfect setting for a productive work environment. But where do you begin?

 In this blog, we’ll explore some creative and practical renovation ideas for your conservatory home office that will transform it into a stylish and functional workspace you’ll love to spend time in. Before calling a conservatory installation company to work on the renovation, read on for some top tips and inspiration.

What Makes a Conservatory an Ideal Home Office

Here are some of the reasons why a conservatory is ideal for a home office:

 

Natural Light

Conservatories allow a good amount of sunlight while being considered indoor spaces. This means that when we use natural light for our home office, we save on electricity consumption. With the sunlight passing through a conservatory, you may only need to turn on the lights for about 1-2 hours daily.

Beautiful View of Your Garden

Beautiful View of Your Garden

Most people specifically request conservatory installation companies to place their conservatories close to the garden. Thus, using your conservatory as a home office gives you a calming view of your garden. What better way to take a short break from your screen, but to look out on the beauty of a garden.

Large Space

The best thing about a conservatory home office is that all the space is yours. You can shift from sitting to standing and walking while working. Studies have shown that this practice is good for employees’ overall health. Throw in the greenery a conservatory usually contains and this is adds to the health benefits.

 Now, let’s talk about transforming this space into an ideal workspace.

Top Conservatory Home Office Ideas

Now that you’ve learned how a conservatory can be an ideal home office, you might be tempted to search for conservatory installation companies to work on the renovation right away. However, you have to contain that excitement first and check out these ideas you can adopt for your conservatory workspace. After all, it saves time and money to plan a renovation properly.

Temperature Control is the Key

It can be warm inside a conservatory, especially during the day, so invest in a temperature control system for your conservatory workspace. Think of a ceiling fan or an air conditioner, for starters. There are several automated additions that can help regulate temperature.

Opt for Outdoor Furniture

Exposure to sunlight can age your furniture pieces in a short time. For this reason, we advise you to select mostly outdoor furniture for your conservatory home office. 

Add Remote-Controlled Blinds

Blinds are excellent and cost-effective temperature control tools. They can be drawn out when the environment is too bright for deep work and concentration. With remote-controlled blinds, you can change the brightness in your workspace without leaving your desk.

Prepare Your Wi-Fi Connection

A good Wi-Fi connection is a necessity for most jobs. Set up your internet connection in advance and see if your workspace has a good reception.

Ensure Adequate Electricity Outlets

Some conservatories do not have electrical outlets, while some have very few. If you wish to transform your conservatory into a home office, you’ll have to check if the number of outlets is sufficient for all your devices.

Build Your Dream Home Office With Conservatory Craftsmen

Transforming your conservatory into your very own workspace can inspire motivation and good health while working from home. Just be sure to consider having a temperature control system, adequate electricity outlets, good internet connectivity, and appropriate furniture pieces when talking to a conservatory installation company about your renovation plan. 

 At Conservatory Craftsmen, we don’t just build conservatories – we are skilled artisans who take pride in creating the conservatory of your dreams. You can count on our cutting-edge technology to make it the most desirable room in your home.

Are you ready to have your dream workspace? Is it time to build a conservatory? Contact us today.

Tips to Avoid Common Conservatory Mishaps

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Conservatories are an excellent addition to any home, providing an ideal place to relax, entertain guests or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. We want you to adore your conservatory, but making the wrong choice can be costly. To avoid problems later on, thorough planning is essential if you’re considering adding a conservatory or an orangery to your home.

In this article, we will share some essential tips to avoid common conservatory problems and ensure your conservatory remains in top condition for years to come.

Common Problems You May Encounter

If a conservatory is not adequately maintained, you may encounter issues such as:

  • Roof leaks – Poor-quality roofs are prone to leaking due to broken roof vents, worn-out seals, improper installation, damaged guttering, and improper maintenance.
  • Problematic doors – Sliding doors are more likely to jam than bi-fold options, so it is important to ensure correct installation.
  • Temperature issues – Improper insulation and ventilation can lead to too cold or too hot a conservatory.
  • Issues with building codes – Conservatories need planning clearance to ensure safety and legal construction and must follow building rules.

Plan the Conservatory’s Size

Picking the right conservatory size is essential for success, considering the space’s intended use, people, and future changes. You may want to leave space for your family to expand when investing in a high-quality conservatory because you want it to fit your life for the duration you live in your house.

Consider the Style of your Conservatory

The conservatories and orangeries must complement the homes they are a part of. You should think about choosing a conservatory that blends in with its surroundings. It’s all too simple to pick a gorgeous conservatory that just doesn’t go with the neighboring structure. Making the wrong decision could ultimately result in an eyesore.

Avoid Leaks Through Professional Installation

With expert installation, you can avoid leaks and doors that aren’t fitted properly. The best thing you can do to reduce the chance of leaks is to get a high-quality conservatory. No matter how fantastic your conservatory materials are, they could still fail if they are not installed properly.

Purchase the Desired Roof

Choosing the size of a conservatory can be challenging, so it is crucial to ensure the initial roof is perfect for preventing roof replacements. Spending extra money on a conservatory roof is worth it, considering the materials and materials used.

The most popular type of roofing material is polycarbonate, mainly because of its strength and reliability. Glass is also a good option, since it offers a greater perspective and is less noisy when it rains.

Choose the Right Flooring

The conservatory flooring should be practical, aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and durable. Wood flooring is a popular option, but it requires more upkeep than other types of flooring. In south-facing conservatories, avoid woods prone to warping due to the sun and heat.

It’s Time to Get Your Ideal Conservatory

At Conservatory Craftsmen, we are professionals in the field who can guide you in all aspects of conservatory building.

We also provide hands-on service, so from renderings to installation, you will receive high-quality, individualized assistance throughout the process. No matter the distance, we can offer remote assistance thanks to our cutting-edge automated control systems.

Contact us right now if you’re ready to find your ideal conservatory. Our team will be happy to answer your queries!

A Guide to Choosing Conservatory Plants

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So you have a conservatory or garden room. This amazing space is not only a wonderful place to spend time, it is obviously the ideal environment to grow and nurture plants. Wondering where to start? Looking for suggestions? We have put together a guide to help you choose plants that will thrive in this space and then a few tips on how to keep them healthy and happy.

For Starters

You have this incredible space for greenery, but in order to have the best plant success, it is important you know the seasonal light changes, what direction your building is facing, and then how much exposure your plants will have. These factors will determine the amounts of light, heat, and cold experienced inside by your plants inside the conservatory.

The goal of any conservatory is modulating temperature so that plants don’t overheat in summer or freeze in winter. So for example, a south-facing structure will require ample ventilation and blinds installed that can regulate temperatures inside during the sunny months from April until September. Where a north-facing conservatory will contend with the challenge of low levels of light in winter but are great in the summer months. So knowing the orientation of your structure is important.

Choosing Plants

Choosing Plants

Conservatory Craftsmen’s Owner and Master Gardener Jim Hewitt has a few favorite plants he recommends to conservatory owners.

Jim’s Recommendations for Easy to Care for Plants

Most frequently, a conservatory has an entry palm. This is a traditional plant used in large and small conservatories.

Jim’s Recommendations for Hardy Plants

If you are seldom home and don’t have anyone to care for plants, succulents can be a life saver.

However, if you are actively enjoying your growing space, then consider the following:

  • Bromeliads: easy to care for and there are many varieties to choose from with visual interest.
  • Calathea is an attractive plant. There are about 200 varieties to choose from. Keep moist, not wet. Light levels are easy
  • Monstera or split leaf philodendron is also a very responsive plant and will achieve some size.
  • The majority of conservatory owners like to dabble with citrus. Most are easy to grow.
  • Anthuriums are showy and also fun to grow. Jasmin are easy to grow and can add a lot of fragrance to a room

Jim’s Recommendations for care

Most plant growers fail from invasive insects then from light or water. An infestation of thrips can take over before you even know you have them. Be deligent with regular care. Keep leaves clean and dusted top and bottom. Spray with a mixture of neem oil, isopropyl alcohol (I add a touch of Dawn) and water. Totally safe, no poison.

Tips on How to Keep Your Conservatory Plants Thriving

Education. These days Google and YouTube are great places to discover what to do (and what you are doing wrong) with plants. Join a Facebook group about conservatories or indoor plants. Being knowledgeable about the varieties you have chosen will help your plants thrive all year round.

Certain plants will need more attention than others. All plants will need watering, but that schedule will be different for each variety. All plants will need extra nourishment by means of plant food or fertilizer and then just regular inspection for pests or diseases. If they are growing well, repotting will be on the agenda. Don’t forget to attend to the glass of your conservatory, making sure it is clean for the plants to get the best sunlight while remembering that although the sunlight is good, summer can place plants in heat stress if not regularly monitored or provided shade.

During winter months because the hours of light are less, make sure not to overwater plants. One big factor in conservatory plant success in winter is providing them with stable temperatures. Keep plants from sources of heat or cold, moderating the temperature they live in.

Whatever the time of year, adding plants (or more plants) to your conservatory or garden room will keep your space tranquil, calm and peaceful. And if you don’t have a conservatory or garden room and are interested, get in touch with Conservatory Craftsmen to discover the kind of space we can create for you!

What to Consider When Building an Event Venue

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Regardless of the type of real estate you possess, turning that space into an event venue takes preparation, a reliable workforce, and out-of-the-box thinking.

The US is big on holding and attending extravagant events, be it corporate events, family gatherings, or spontaneous celebrations. In fact, the event industry was valued at $1,135.4 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $1,552.9 billion in 2028.

If you’re part of the event industry and are looking for a way to transform your space into an event venue, stick with us. We’ll reveal everything it takes to build a fabulous event venue from the ground up and point you in the direction of professional help.

Put on Your Creative Cap

Transforming your space into a beautiful event venue might require you to put on your thinking cap and start thinking about the demographic you want to attract. An effective event venue will appeal to your target clients’ needs and preferences.

Should you need professional help determining the purpose and the look of your future venue, rely on our contractors for event venues that will significantly ease the planning process and take the burden off you.

Consider Seasonal Options

Is your venue designed to accommodate seasonal events? If this is your initial idea, you may want to slow down.

Having a season-specific venue can pose a challenge. For instance, if you have an open space perfect for summer wedding events, you might be busy during the summer period but have little to no clients off-season. This will reflect on your budget, and you may be unable to turn a considerable profit.

There’s a solution to this – you can still market your venue as a versatile space at a special, discounted price and attract clients during the rest of the year.

You can emphasize your venue’s natural light ambience to attract many clients.

Make Smart Investments

Even though you may feel tempted to put all your monetary assets into your project, you might want to consider holding off on the splurge.

Start small and invest only in the essential equipment needed for the event venue. Dinnerware and linens are supplies that most venues don’t own, so they rent them from restaurants and similar establishments.

Instead of investing in china and furniture, shift your focus onto hiring competent staff like servers and chefs. Depending on the purpose of the venue, you may have to put cash aside for top-quality audio and lighting.

Of course, don’t forget to adopt an efficient marketing strategy – even if you only put money towards necessities, you’ll still find yourself spending a lot.

Let Conservatory Craftsmen Handle Your Event Venue With Knowledge and Care

Our team of professionals at Conservatory Craftsmen will be happy to help you create a spectacular event venue from the ground up!

We’ll create a detailed survey, handle the manufacturing, and envision the installation of the venue. Browse through our gallery of completed projects to inspire you and see why thousands of satisfied clients choose us to deliver a breathtaking event venue.

Get in touch with us, and let’s create a top-notch event venue like no other, together.

Two Automation Ideas that Enhance Luxury Garden Rooms

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We are now in an age where technology blends seamlessly within our day-to-day activities. Case in point: 54 percent of households in the country now have at least one smart home device. Smart technology has simplified life so much that we’re automating even the simple task of opening and closing our blinds.

While some do prefer the traditional and manual way of doing things, one would probably think differently in an all-glass conservatory that’s been converted into a luxury, indoor garden room. This room is a perfect example of how smart technology can make home life a lot more satisfying.

Two Ways Garden Rooms Are Made Better with Automation

  1. Blocking excessive heat and sunlight.

Imagine what a garden room looks like: a gorgeous room surrounded on at least three sides with massive Edwardian or Victorian glass windows that frame the view of the outdoors. When you look up, the sloped ceiling is also reinforced glass through which warm sunshine streams inside the garden room.

If it’s past 10:00 in the morning in the middle of summer, this room will no doubt be sweltering. More so when the sun rises to its peak at noon and continues to shine until 4:00 in the afternoon. Anyone who stays in this room would need to have the air conditioning on full blast.

If the brightness of the sun becomes a problem, there’d be no choice but to leave the room and come back when the day turns overcast or the sun has started to set.

Our Recommendation: motorized anti-UV blinds and shades

Get the most out of your conservatory by installing automated blinds that will provide much-needed shade anytime you need it. The beauty of automated blinds is that you can control (remotely, and through voice control) which panels to unroll and by how much.

So if you want an unimpeded view of the indigo sky during sunset but the glare from the sun sinking is hurting your eyes, you can lower the section of wall blinds that faces the sunset and leave the rest — ceiling and windows facing away from the sun — open.

greenhouse concept

  1. Keeping the indoor temperature cool and comfortable.

As months pass by and the weather changes from summer to winter, another concern you might have about your luxury garden room is the indoor temperature. Glass can only do so much to insulate and prevent heat transfer. To keep the temperature stable and comfortable, supplementary air cooling and ventilation are necessary.

Our Recommendation: smart, temperature-detecting heating and cooling.

Enjoy your garden room all day and all year by installing the automatic heating and cooling systems we offer at Conservatory Craftsmen. These can detect the changes in the indoor temperature and prompt the HVAC system to start cooling or heating the air, depending on what’s necessary.

Choose Garden Room Automations by Conservatory Craftsmen

Conservatory Craftsmen believes that a home is vastly improved when it has a garden room. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an outdoor sitting area in your garden, a greenhouse, or a converted conservatory room in one of the corners of your home; with a luxury garden room, you can appreciate the time you spend at home even more.

Experience the best things about luxury garden rooms with Conservatory Craftsmen. Check out the rest of garden room automation that we offer.

5 Reasons Every Home Should Have a Garden Room

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A garden room is a beautiful and practical addition to your home. Just like the main house, it can be used all year long and for a variety of purposes.

Below are the benefits of investing in a garden room instead of the traditional home extension:

1. A multi-purpose retreat

Garden rooms are interesting, versatile spaces. They can work well as a functional home office, a playroom, or an outdoor entertaining area. They can also be split into smaller multi rooms to accommodate guests. Other uses of a garden room include a music room, home gym, or crafts room where you can be free to explore your hobbies without causing disruption or disturbing anyone at home.

2. Cost-effective

A garden room offers a much more affordable way to expand your living space, providing permanent living solutions without compromising and altering the layout of your home. With a garden room, you can have elderly relatives live close by without the need for costly home extensions.

3. Relieve stress and improve your health

One of the best parts of having a garden room is that you can enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather. Research reveals that being around nature can reduce stress, fear, and anger.

Furthermore, exposure to nature is beneficial to one’s physical health as it can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension. Some scientists even suggest that living around nature could make you live longer.

Garden rooms also let you enjoy brighter and more relaxing surroundings. They’re designed to maximize natural night and ventilation. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces Vitamin D which helps prevent osteoporosis and certain types of cancers.

Natural light is also instrumental in regulating your circadian rhythm or body clock which, in turn, promotes healthy sleep patterns and your immune system.

4. Fast and easy installation

Unlike home renovations, the installation process for garden rooms is much quicker and simpler. Installation can typically be completed in a few weeks depending on the size and style of the building. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about disruption inside your home as installation will take place outdoors. You and your family can easily go on with your regular routine while construction takes place.

5. Endless design options

Garden rooms come in a range of styles to suit your unique needs. You can paint the walls and add decor to match the rest of your house. A garden room can be customized according to your specific requirements, such as soundproofing, heating, and insulation.

Premier garden room builder in Minneapolis

If you’re thinking of installing a garden room for your home, Conservatory Craftsmen will be happy to help. As leading greenhouse architects, we specialize in luxury garden rooms and greenhouses that reflect your needs and personality. Our residential structures are designed to maximize outdoor living space and add visual appeal to your home. Using smart technology, artisan building techniques, and durable materials, we aim to provide high-quality garden rooms that exceed your expectations.

Contact us today to discuss your project.

Garden Room Design Ideas for Converted Conservatories

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Garden rooms are a dream to design. They can be anything you want them to be: a functional greenhouse, a receiving area, lounge room, meditation room, private office, home spa, gym, art studio — take your pick. Garden rooms can be in different forms, though, so whatever you have in mind, it has to be compatible with your garden room’s design and construction.

If you had yours built by Conservatory Craftsmen, you should have a conservatory-style garden room that can be a full-fledged room or an enclosed patio. After all, our specialty is building attached and stand-alone conservatories that you can transform into indoor or outdoor garden rooms.

What Is a Conservatory Room?

A conservatory room is a fully-enclosed room with walls, ceilings, doors, and windows. The structure can be concrete or brick and mortar. Its primary features are its windows: massive glass panels that may or may not open. Attached conservatory gardens typically have glass doors that lead to the front porch or backyard, depending on its location.

With these structural features as a guide, here are some tips on how you can design the interiors of your conservatory garden room.

woman inside garden

Outdoor and Indoor Garden Room Decorating Ideas

Plants

Garden rooms are incomplete without flowering blooms! But in case someone in your household is allergic to pollen, you can populate the room with lush, potted plants instead. Mix up indoor plants that grow upright with sprawling varieties (pitcher plant, peperomia), large leaves (monstera, fiddle-leaf fig) with ferns or palms, and deep greens with variegated leaves (snake plant, spider plant). Assemble the large plants on the floor, the smaller pots on tables, and hanging plants (Boston fern, chenille, trailing jade) on the shelves or corners, where they can be seen without being in everyone’s way.

Seating

Whether you have a detached, outdoor garden house or a room extension converted into an indoor luxury garden, comfortable seating is a must. It makes the room look inviting and whimsical. It’s also a practical design move: you and your guests will be able to stay in the garden room for as long as you like.

We recommend a classic park bench (preferably with an ergonomic seat and backrest) if the floor space is limited. If it’s a spacious garden room, you can put a chaise lounge or loveseat. Add accent pillows and quilts, and you’ll have the perfect spot for reading books or taking a nap. For extra seating, you can add beanbags on the floor or stackable stools that you can put away in a corner when not in use.

Lighting

Most people like to keep their garden rooms warm and cozy in the evenings because they get plenty of bright, natural light during the day. We recommend recessed mood lighting on the walls and ceiling for a dramatic effect. Stand and desk lamps with options for white and warm lighting are also excellent garden room lighting ideas because then you can adjust the settings to set the room’s mood.

Functional Furniture and Decorations

The key to successfully designing and decorating a garden room is its use. Is it merely a personal lounge area, or is it an extension of your living room? Is it connected to the dining room? Do you often bring your laptop there to work? Once you’ve pinned down the conservatory’s purpose, designing it becomes easier and a lot more fun.

For a garden home office, you’ll need a desk, comfortable chair, and a desk lamp. For a garden living room, you can have a wide sofa facing the glass walls. If there’s a solid wall that separates the garden room from the rest of the house, you can add a gas, electric, or wood stove next to it for a cozy touch. Meanwhile, a dining room extension would look charming with a bay window seat with a round breakfast table and two or three more chairs.

Use these garden room design ideas to transform your conservatory into the indoor garden you’ve always dreamed of having.

Don’t have an enclosed garden in your home yet? Minneapolis based Conservatory Craftsmen builds classic and modern-looking conservatories. Get in touch, and we’ll give you a cost estimate. Contact us today.

Garden Room Location: 4 Tips for Energy Efficiency and Plant Health

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The pandemic has caused a global increase in home gardening activities due to food security concerns. People have been buying more seeds, studying home food production, and dedicating spaces for gardening in their houses. 

Some people have invested in garden rooms. By making this home addition, it allows you to grow your own food, as well as increase your property value. 

Interested in building a luxury garden room? There are many factors to consider to help assure the health of the plants and crops grown inside the structure. Below are some things to account for when planning the location of your garden room.

 1. Lighting 

Lighting is the most important factor to consider in your garden room. You want a south-facing garden so plants receive as much sunlight as possible. The sun rises in the east, so the south side of any house will see the most hours of sunlight in the day, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Having plenty of sunlight streaming into the room allows you to grow a bigger range of plants and flowers. Even if you’re not planning to use the room for gardening, the abundance of natural light allows you to use the room during the daytime without the need for artificial lighting. This helps reduce your energy consumption and expenses. 

Make sure to position your windows and doors strategically to let in the sunlight. You can install window treatments to control the amount of light and heat that the garden room receives. Blinds and shades are helpful if you’re planning to grow plants that don’t like a lot of sunlight.

 2. Size 

The size of your garden room depends on your budget, required internal space, available space, and building control constraints. First, check with your city’s building code ordinances if you need a building permit for a detached accessory structure. Find out if there is a size limit or any other restriction you should know about before proceeding with the construction. 

Second, measure the amount of space you have. You can build a garden room anywhere on your property, as long as the land is flat and dry. Most homeowners prefer to have their garden room in the backyard to give it some privacy. But there are also garden room designs that would work for your front yard if your house is set far back. 

Third, you want to consider your budget, not just for the construction, but for maintenance costs as well. The larger the garden room, the more expensive it will be to operate since you’ll need more water and resources. Explore various garden room designs to configure a solution that suits your available space, internal usage needs, and estimated budget. 

plants

3. Privacy 

You don’t want neighbors peeking into your garden room, especially if you’re planning to convert it into a home office or gym. 

There are multiple ways to increase the privacy of your garden room. You can install blinds or shutters, plant trees outside the room, or position the windows away from the neighbors’ property. Find a spot on your property that provides the most privacy. 

4. Proximity to Facilities 

You want your garden room to be near your garden shed, especially if it’s small and doesn’t have enough storage room. The proximity makes it easier and more convenient for you to do your gardening tasks. 

If you want to convert your garden room into a sitting room or meeting area, you also want it to be near facilities like the lavatory. It’s also a good idea to have the garden room close to the kitchen, so you can easily serve refreshments to your guests and clients. 

Planning the location and position of your garden room can be complicated, especially when you consider the plumbing and electrical work. It’s best to get the guidance of a professional greenhouse builder to ensure maximum plant health and energy efficiency. 

Luxury Garden Room Builder in Minneapolis 

As expert greenhouse architects, Conservatory Craftsmen brings functional and comfortable garden rooms and greenhouses that capture your vision. We build residential structures that allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you want. Combining high-quality materials with advanced technology, our designs balance function, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. 

Get in touch with us today to discuss your garden room vision.

Work-At-Home Idea: Set Up Your Office in Your Garden Room

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The uncertainties and difficulties brought on by the pandemic continue to bring stress to so many people. A lot has changed since COVID-19 spread around the world, from the way we dress (wearing masks is now considered part of dressing etiquette) to the way we socialize (face-timing instead of meeting up with friends in bars after work).

One of the biggest changes we’ve had to do is to shift from working at the office to working from home. This has become the new norm for people working in corporate setups, BPOs, and other industries that are mostly Internet-based. Rather than put workers’ health at risk by requiring them to come to the office, employers allow their employees to work from the comfort and safety of their homes.

The Problem with Working from Home

Working from home is convenient and necessary, but it also has some disadvantages. Some of them, ironically, are health-related.

Staying cooped up in your bedroom or indoor office — tucked in the deepest, quietest part of the house — all day, all week can be detrimental to your health.

  • There are days when you don’t get direct sunlight at all.
  • You breathe in stale, recycled, indoor air all the time.
  • The isolation is making you sad, depressed, worried, and anxious.
  • Your eyes are strained from spending many consecutive hours staring at the computer screen.
  • Work and relaxation hours merge, leading to mental, emotional, and physical fatigue.

These are varied issues that cannot all be solved with one solution. However, we can offer a way to alleviate some problems while giving a solid answer for specific issues, and that is to use a garden room as an office.

Got a Garden Room? Turn It into Your Office.

The purpose of garden rooms is to bring you closer to nature or to bring nature into your home. This is why when we design garden rooms, we develop an enclosed structure that matches the architecture of the property. Our garden rooms have glass walls and roofs and special features (e.g., heating and cooling, automatic watering systems) that create an environment conducive to plant growth. You can, therefore, have a conventional greenhouse or a fully-functional sitting room filled with flowering shrubs and potted greenery — the perfect garden room office. 

Working Amidst Nature: A Healthy Way to Cope with Remote Work Stress

A widely cited study was conducted about the impact of indoor plants on the health of office workers. The two-year experiment involved 60 office workers, who were later observed to have symptoms like headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, cough, eye irritation, stuffy nose, and skin problems.

The researchers placed plants all over the workspaces of half the subjects: small plants on window sills and large plants on the floors near desks. They then switched the arrangements after a year, removing the plants from the first group’s area and transferring them to the second group’s workspaces.

The researchers then compared the symptoms the two groups manifested when the plants were present and when the plants were removed from their workspaces.

The results showed that office workers experienced less of all the symptoms above when they were surrounded by plants. Cough symptoms had the highest reduction (by 37%), followed by fatigue (30%) and dry throat (25%).

This study provided evidence that working amidst nature, or at least having plants near your workplace, can vastly improve your working conditions health-wise. Many recent studies also reinforced these findings:

An Investment for Your Health and Well-Being

If you’ve been contemplating adding a garden room to your home, whether attached or a standalone in your property, now is the best time to make it happen. The COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely to die down soon, so you can look forward to more months (or years) of working from home. It will benefit you to have the option to work surrounded by nature and still enjoy the comforts of a formal office.

Talk to our designers at Conservative Craftsmen, and let’s make your ideas for a garden room come to life.