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If someone told me in the past that the conservatory would be my comfort zone, I would have laughed outright. Basically I thought that my stress-driven personality was not compatible with the zen atmosphere of the conservatory. Wrong! My prescription for managing stress turned out to be that very place where I could enjoy light and space; where I could tune out and be myself for a few precious moments.

The word conservatory brings to mind glass menagerie constructions that make stately homes look even more elegant. Modern technology has changed all that – it has practically made this construction a DIY dream project for the average Joe. This important addition to my living room sectioned off quite nicely a work-out station and a small library for non-work related light reading. I take pains not to bring “work” in here; otherwise it beats the purpose of having a private “getaway”.

Keeping the Comfort Zone Comfortable

To enjoy the conservatory, you can create a greenhouse effect and fill those spaces with specially chosen plants. However, to keep the experience pleasurable, you must ensure that the heat of summer and the cold of winter evenings are well-tolerated. If your plants appear parched and wilted, it’s too hot for them and for you. The glare and UV rays can also be bothersome and impact health.

One way to avoid skin (and furniture damage) is to use protective polycarbonate or glass roofing material. Unlike ordinary material, this cuts down heating loss by 80% in winter while paradoxically keeping glare down by 80% and eliminating UV rays transmission by 99%! Roof insulation is eco-friendly. It keeps fuel costs down and cuts carbon emissions significantly. In fact, a well-insulated conservatory acts like a passive solar energy collector. Beautiful and smart – what’s not to like?

Too Hot to Handle

Picture pretty can sometimes be too hot to handle. At the peak of summer, the glare and heat can be intolerable. Fret not. I used two options – conservatory blinds and laminates. The first which were hung internally didn’t do much to reduce the stifling heat. Based on experience the heat that has been absorbed through the glass has got to dissipate and except for blocking out glare, blinds are not too effective.

The better option was installing laminates for the following reasons:

• Stopped the heat before it could enter through the roof and windows
• Better protection against glare and fading (of furniture and fixtures)
• Kept the look of naturally diffused light
• Better cold weather insulation
• Easy maintenance
• Uncluttered look
• Simple installation
• Relatively inexpensive.

Enjoy your home a little bit more – addition of a small conservatory goes a long a way.