With the creation of the first winter gardens, it was associated with the care of flowers during the cold months, and at the beginning of the 18th century they were an indispensable part of the botanical gardens. The modern conservatory originated in England during the Victorian era, when wealthy citizens grew exotic plants (most often palm trees) in luxurious annexes to their homes and turned this part of the home into a place for socializing.
The metal and glass constructions were richly decorated and complemented the architectural appearance of the residential buildings. The lavish ornamentation of a winter garden was a measure of the material well-being of the inhabitants of the home.
Unlike greenhouses, conservatories join the living space. Amidst the charm of plants, suitable furniture creates an exotic corner for work, rest or meeting with friends, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. The multifunctional purpose of this green oasis can only be ensured with proper design and quality execution. In practice, in this zone, people coexist with many plants, and the main goal is to ensure optimal conditions for all.
Creating a suitable microclimate is a complex technical problem that must be solved already at the design stage. Retaining heat in the facility creates a greenhouse effect. In the summer, the temperatures can reach 70-80º C, which are destructive for plants. This requires, through shading, during this period, the access of the sun's rays to be reduced to 40%. For air circulation, at least 20% of all glazed parts must be opened. The ratio of vertical and horizontal (located along the roof structure) opening panels should be 1:2 respectively. A proper step towards ensuring good air circulation is building a ventilation system. The temperature regime and humidity can be monitored and regulated by automated performance control systems. This would provide optimal conditions for plant development and a more comfortable atmosphere for the residents of the home.
The exposition of the winter garden is determined according to the region, the characteristics of the climate in it and the function of the zones that will be organized in it. Here is a summary of facility positioning information:
East exposure with work area or breakfast area. The light is sufficiently intense, and the plants are protected from the hot afternoon rays.
Western exposure - very suitable for the spring and autumn months. Due to the more intense sunshine in the afternoons, it is reasonable to provide air exchange and shading systems to protect the plants. Otherwise, in the summer the room will overheat and will not be able to fulfill its purpose. West-facing conservatories can be used as a place to socialize between the residents of the home or to meet friends.
North exposure - with it, the winter garden serves as a buffer zone between the living space and the outside environment. Light is more limited, which necessitates the use of additional heat sources, and this also leads to an increase in operating costs. The functional area is designated as a work studio or office.
South exposure - it ensures the maximum duration of sunshine. Air exchange and shading systems are a must, as high summer temperatures will adversely affect plants. This orientation is perfectly combined with the construction of a pool.
With the highest thermal effect in Bulgaria is the southwest exposure for the regions in the northern half of the country. To the south of Stara Planina, it is recommended that winter gardens be oriented to the southeast. The winter garden should be a natural extension of the home and harmonize stylistically with the architecture of the main building.
The slope of the roof is very important. Designers define a slope of 45º as optimal. The steeper roof structure lets in more light and protects against snow accumulations, which further burden it and lower the temperature in the facility. During the summer months, the glazing must reflect the sun's rays. The high glass roof visually increases the volume of the room and creates the feeling of more space.
To heat the conservatory, the ability of the glass to transmit short-wave solar rays and reflected light in cloudy weather, which heat objects, and to retain the infrared waves emitted by them, is used. The efficiency of the use of light, as an alternative source of heat energy, is increased in the constructions whose glasses are located perpendicular to the sun's rays during the winter months.
When choosing a material for the supporting structure, it is based not only on the aesthetic effect that is aimed at, but also on the climatic features of the area, what temperature conditions should be provided in the winter garden, with a view to the proper development of the cultivated plants and what additional areas will be specified in it. The choice is made between PVC, aluminum, steel and wood profiles. The materials used for glazing are selected based on their technical characteristics: to pass short-wave light rays, to have no optical defects, to serve as a filter against harmful sun rays, to be sufficiently resistant and safe. Depending on the purpose and budget, glass units and polymer materials are used.
During the construction process, the quality of the installation operations is monitored, which ensures stability, thermal and waterproofing. The winter garden is a complex technical facility, the multi-functionality of which requires that its design and construction be entrusted to specialists with proven experience.
