What mistakes in the design and choice of winter garden style should be avoided? How to build a winter garden in the country The best winter gardens in a cottage
Juicy greenery and pleasant aromas of summer can be extended for the whole year. This is what winter gardens are for. Just imagine how pleasant it will be to go into a real indoor garden in winter and be transported to a warm summer, breathe in the smell of greenery and flowers, sit, relax, for a couple of hours and have a great rest. Such a pleasure is worthy of being a little confused and organizing a winter garden in a private house. On the way to your own oasis, you will have to solve a lot of issues, from choosing a place to choosing plants. Let's deal with the main aspects.
No. 1. Winter garden, greenhouse and greenhouse - what's the difference?
The first winter gardens appeared in ancient Egypt. Then in the palaces the rich put stone vases with plants. Confirmed facts of the use of winter gardens in ancient Rome. Then the greens were placed on the windowsills, and the richest allocated a separate room in the house for the garden, decorating it with columns. Later, the idea of an indoor garden conquered Holland, France, England, and then the whole world. Today, winter gardens are at the peak of popularity. Of course, you can try and build a small likeness and in ordinary apartment, but the owner is much more fortunate - you can turn around in them and realize almost any idea.
No. 2. The main types of winter gardens
Depending on location, functionality and role winter gardens can be of the following types:
Number 3. Choosing the right place
As a rule, a winter garden is organized in an extension to the house, and in this case it is very important which side this extension will be located on:
Very often they are converted into a winter garden, equipping them with the necessary engineering systems.
Much less often, a winter garden is placed on the roof.. This is a technically more complex solution, it is necessary to calculate the load on the supporting structures, properly organize the roof, supply all communications. But in return, you will get a house that compares favorably with the rest. There will be no problems with finding the cardinal direction, and household members will be able to admire not only plants, but also the starry sky.
No. 4. Construction of the winter garden
Winter Garden can be implemented as a separate building, but this option is rare. It is usually adjacent to the house, and in this case the construction can have different shape:
No. 5. Optimal material for the winter garden
In order to provide plants with a sufficient amount of sunlight and heat, it is necessary to make the structure of the winter garden as accessible as possible to light. Both the walls and the roof are best made from transparent materials.The most popular are:
- glass have been used for many years to equip not only winter gardens, but also greenhouses and greenhouses. It is highly durable, withstands snow and wind loads, transmits 98% of the rays, and allows the space inside the garden to warm up quickly. However, with a strong impact, the glass can break, the material is expensive, and difficult to process. To save money, many go to reduce the thickness of the glass, but at the same time it will be necessary to strengthen the frame (part of the light is stealing), and thin glass will keep heat even worse than the standard one;
- lighter than glass, cheaper, easier to process. The material can be bent, it is completely moisture resistant, not afraid of corrosion and fungus. However, in terms of light transmission, it is inferior to glass - it transmits only about 88% of the rays. In addition, it cannot boast of high thermal efficiency, so a serious heating system will be needed;
- double-glazed windows they are not cheap and weigh decently, but they store heat well inside the garden, and in terms of light transmission they stand in the same place with glass. If you choose not ordinary glasses, but energy-saving ones, you will be able to decently save on heat, and that is why today they are used more and more often when arranging winter gardens;
- plexiglass usually used in combination with other material for arranging the side walls. The material is perfect for these purposes, but is very heavy.
No. 6. Foundation and frame
So that the winter garden does not sink, it is better to take care of the construction. This is a rather time-consuming and costly part of the entire project - about a fifth of the budget is spent on creating the foundation. Suitable shallow strip foundation
. You can use ready-made reinforced or reinforced concrete blocks 20 cm thick. Depth depends on soil type, climate and topography. Instead of ready-made blocks, you can use it, but you will have to work hard with the formwork and reinforcement frame.
The floor is made of concrete, then it can be revetted, or. The board is also used, but less frequently.
To equip the frame, you can use ready-made structures, for example, aluminum or steel profiles, wood. You can go the more complicated route and build the frame yourself. It is used, as well as all the same wood, aluminum and steel. After mounting the frame, proceed to the glazing with the selected material.
When equipping the roof, do not forget to provide a slope so that in winter the snow does not linger on the roof, does not increase the load and does not cover the sunlight.
No. 7. Choosing a heating system
Choosing the right place and glazing material is only half the battle. Of course, plants will receive a large number of heat from the sun, but in winter this may not be enough, therefore, even at the design stage, the most optimal heating system is selected. The choice depends on the area, type of plants grown and even from the regularity of visiting the garden. If frost-resistant plants are planted, and you are far from being in the garden every day, you can get by. If the garden is part of a permanently inhabited house, then a more serious one needs to be considered.
There are plenty to choose from today:
- electric heaters do not require complex installation, they can be moved from place to place, they allow you to quickly heat the room and quickly adjust the amount of heat. Such heaters are affordable, but they are expensive to operate, especially if you use them regularly and heat a large area. Another problem is air drying;
- water heating, i.e. connection of the garden to the heating system of the house with installation. As a result, it turns out to achieve stable temperatures, the costs will be minimal, and the microclimate in all rooms of the house will be the same. Minus - the complexity of the arrangement. It is better to plan such a heating system at the stage and sum up all communications. In order to make the insert correctly later, calculations and the help of specialists will be needed, and even then not always, it will be possible;
- warm floor( or ) allows you to optimally heat the room. The soil and water for irrigation will be heated first. If you lay the cable or pipes correctly, then the walls of the garden will also warm up, which will prevent them from icing. The only downside is the cost. this method. water system it will be difficult to repair, its arrangement is a complex process. Electric underfloor heating is easier to organize, but the cost of maintaining it will be higher;
- split systems do not dry out the air, allow you to quickly warm up the room, quickly adjust the temperature, but are not suitable for regions with low winter temperatures;
- UFO they do not dry the air, they heat the surfaces, not the air, i.e. I work on the principle of the sun. For a compact winter garden - that's it, but for a large room this is not an option;
- stove heating allows you to get cheap heat, but it will be distributed unevenly, which is not good for plants, and firewood / coal will have to be constantly thrown up - it is dangerous to leave without the presence of a person;
- air heating allows you to use warm air from living quarters. It is distilled into the garden by means of vents and fans. It turns out cheaply, but the whole system takes up a lot of space, and the appearance of the garden will be spoiled by the duct system.
Several systems can be combined.
No. 8. Choosing a ventilation system
Plants need an influx of fresh air - this is the key to their normal life. It is necessary to provide a way for air from the street to enter the garden, as well as for air to be removed from the garden. There are only two options here:
No. 9. Winter garden lighting system
A winter garden in a private house needs, because in winter the sun's rays may not be enough for the normal growth and development of greenery. You will have to take care of and study the light spectrum of different types of lamps in order to choose the right ones. To ensure photosynthesis, it is necessary that the lamp gives rays in the range of 400-500 nm (blue spectrum), 500-600 nm (green, for photosynthesis of the lower leaves), 600-700 nm (red). Light 1200-1600 nm accelerates many biochemical reactions.
No. 10. Protection from excess light
Keep in mind that in summer there can be too much light, especially if the garden is facing south, so you need to consider options for protection from excessive solar radiation. This includes the following activities:
No. 11. Irrigation system in the winter garden
If you are equipping a very, very compact garden, then you don’t even have to think about a special one. It will be enough ordinary watering cans and a good memory to add water in time.
For a more or less dimensional garden, manual watering will become hard labor, it will take too much time and effort, so you have to think about automation. Habitual for greenhouses, rain and aerosol types of irrigation are not appropriate here.
The best option for a winter garden -. From the water source through a system of perforated hoses and tapes, water flows to the root system of plants. There will be no puddles. If you connect a system of sensors that measure the level of humidity, then water will be supplied only when it is really needed, and this guarantees optimal soil moisture.
Some plant species draw some of their moisture from the air. For such greenery, additional humidify the air. You can use fog installations, humidifiers or fountains, which will also perform a decorative function.
Do not forget that in order to remove excess moisture, it is necessary to equip drainage.
No. 12. Selection of plants for the winter garden
When choosing plants for a winter garden in a private house, you must rely only on your own taste. But when combined different types already have to think about how to properly combine them. The requirements for lighting, temperature and humidity are different for all varieties, and it is almost impossible to create several microzones with radically different conditions in one garden. So choose better plants, which require approximately the same conditions, and then combine them with each other.
When choosing, consider the direction of the world, which overlooks the winter garden. If it is the south, then preference is given to heat-loving varieties.
Plants according to growing conditions can be divided into several types:
No. 13. Design and decoration of the winter garden
It is advisable to start work on creating a winter garden with design. In special applications, a sketch is created, on which the dimensions of the structure, windows, hatches and transoms are marked. Then a project is prepared, when creating it, lighting, ventilation, heating, irrigation systems, materials used, and a connection scheme to the house are thought out. The design stage involves the creation of drawings indicating all the details. Only with a serious thoughtful approach will it be possible to build a durable and reliable winter garden.
After the technical side of the issue has been thought out, you can move on to the pleasant and plan the interior arrangement of the winter garden in the house. Better foresee several functional areas:
It is difficult to clearly follow any particular one within a small winter garden, but common features can be used:
No. 14. What else?
Do not forget to find out in advance what kind of soil the selected plants will need, what fertilizers will need to be bought, how much money will be spent on providing all engineering systems. Also, do not forget to consider the location of the outlets.
In the conditions of the harsh Russian climate, I want to keep the summer as long as possible and not give free rein to the winter, protecting it from it in my home. Since mid-autumn, nature begins to fade, with the onset of the first frosts, it freezes in deep sleep until spring awakening. A depressing picture: snowdrifts, "bald patches" of dirt, black trees with bare branches. Such a landscape really sets you up for depression and causes a breakdown. But who said that you have to let winter into your house? It is easy to stop it, keeping a piece of greenery, flowering and life. Summer is simply “preserved” in a separate room where numerous plants are grown. This is not an ordinary corner of living flora, and not a group of flowers in pots, but a real winter garden, with its own atmosphere and special microclimate. Its appearance and development is closely connected with the emergence of primitive heating, irrigation systems and methods of isolating individual rooms in order to preserve heat. In closed structures, a strictly defined temperature is maintained around the clock; in expensive options, special equipment is used that imitates various natural phenomena (rain, wind). The design of the winter greenhouse, in fact, is a mixture of interior design and landscape on suburban area. We will talk further about how to equip a beautiful, impressive winter garden, in which there is a place for both exotic and ordinary “summer” plants.
Origin story
The winter garden is a complex engineering and technical system. The first mentions of growing plants in houses are found in the written sources of Ancient Egypt. These documents are over 4,000 years old. The Egyptians at that time had just begun to apply the practice of planting plants and trees in pots of earth and stone vases. Pictures with similar decor are found on the walls of tombs and temples, where scenes from Everyday life Egyptians. The Romans liked the method very much, and they went much further. They began to use specially designated places for pots - window sills. And then the first perestiliums appeared - "inner" courtyards, which were fenced on all sides by a colonnade. Gardens were laid out in them, additionally decorated with fountains and large sculpture depicting deities and heroes of the epic. Although they were located in the open air, the isolation of the plantations became the first prerequisite for the creation of winter structures. Since modern polycarbonate, of course, did not exist in those days, primitive greenhouses were covered with a layer of mica, which had a relative transparency, which allowed the surface to pass scattered sunlight. The Mediterranean climate was ideal for such experiments. In the Old World, the king of Holland, Wilhelm, was the first to test the method of preserving summer plants in the palace in winter. His servants insulated the room so well that gentle representatives of the flora were not afraid of even severe frosts. The guests who arrived for the celebration were amazed by what they saw.
At the same time, an active trade in exotic plants began and a new method of transportation was discovered - in Ward's boxes, which became the prototype of modern florariums. For orange trees popular in Europe, "orange houses" are constructed - a kind of greenhouses. For other citrus fruits, date trees and heat-loving palms, special greenhouses are created. But the nobles and their retinue liked not only occasionally visiting their “green corners”, but also spending holidays in them, so the greenhouse method of planting plants in partially isolated soil was replaced with “room”, that is, in pots and tubs. This made it possible to free up more space, and the winter gardens themselves were moved to the spacious pavilions of the palaces. And so they appeared in the form that is familiar to each of us. To create a full-fledged winter garden, designers, architects and professional gardeners were involved. Until now, one of the most beautiful greenhouses in the world remains the Versailles, which was built during the time of Louis XIV. The king had a weakness for citrus fruits, so most the garden is occupied by oranges. The greenhouse is still functioning, although it has gone through restorations and redevelopments that have changed its authentic appearance. For a long time, the winter garden was considered the lot of private property, and only to late XIX centuries they began to be placed in fashionable apartments. Churchmen were the first in Russia to adopt the idea of planting plants indoors. The monks thus cultivated vegetables and fruits all year round.
In the conditions of the Russian climate, there is simply no other reliable option, except for the winter garden, for the preservation of exotic, heat-loving plants. Orange, pomegranate, lemon and mango trees are sometimes planted in open ground, but surrounded by a solid structure with thermal insulation for wintering, which is associated with annual chores on the eve of winter.
Features of creation and location options
To create a winter garden at home, you need to take into account a few rules, non-observance of which will make the entire campaign a failure:
- The greenhouse should have good lighting, sufficient for the growth of various plants. For this reason, its walls and roof are often made of glass or other transparent material;
- think over the competent location of the communication lines of the heating and ventilation systems. The first will be required in the winter, and the second in the summer. There is no need for them if the winter garden is located in a buffer room;
- if the budget allows, then the greenhouse is also equipped with an automatic irrigation system. This will remove most of the worries about the garden from the owners. In economy options, you will have to independently water with a watering can and a spray bottle.
In addition, you will have to carry out all the usual procedures for gardeners and gardeners: loosen and replace the soil every couple of years, cut, remove diseased or weak branches, fertilize and treat plants from diseases, pests, plant overgrown bushes or transfer them to more spacious tubs where the entire root system will fit. Depending on the functional purpose, winter gardens are classified into three types:
- residential - they are comfortable not only for plants, but also for humans;
- greenhouses - this room is intended exclusively for flora;
- buffer garden - it is equipped in a "cold" building, which can only be used in certain seasons (summer).
Depending on the location of the winter garden relative to the main building ( country house, cottages, dachas) they are divided into three groups:
- Embedded. They are located inside the dwelling and are often used in city apartments, where it is not possible to equip a winter garden separately. As a "victim" they usually use a balcony or loggia. Separate rooms are converted into a winter garden only in rare cases, if the apartment is too spacious with an excess of useful space or the cottage has a second (third) floor. The solution with the placement of the greenhouse under the glass dome-roof looks great.
- Attached. They are an additional pavilion, which is usually built much later than the construction of the house. To get into such a garden, you do not need to leave the house. Buffer extensions, as a rule, separate the dwelling from the street, that is, in fact, these are converted verandas.
- Freestanding. If the size of the private plot allows, then you can equip a huge greenhouse, which will completely replace outdoor garden. Such a solution will be effective in conditions of too capricious climate, which "kills" most of the seedlings. Ennobled arbors also look beautiful, which are insulated and made with tubs and pots with plants.
Depending on the location relative to the cardinal points, winter gardens are classified into four types:
- Northern. Most of their windows "look" to the north. Although the room will quickly accumulate heat, it will not be able to keep it for a long time. In such gardens it is recommended to install heating system High Quality.
- Oriental. The best option of all. Plants will receive enough light, but they will not overheat.
- Western. They are characterized by the preservation of heat for long period. However, in hot, dry summers, this advantage is reclassified as a disadvantage, as the winter garden turns into a steam room.
- Southern. In such gardens, by analogy with Western ones, overheating occurs during the hot season. It will be necessary to equip ventilation for the circulation of air flows and an irrigation system for irrigation.
Types of structures
The designs of winter gardens differ in the shape of the buildings themselves, the types of roofs (single-slope, gable, four-five-beam, with a break, domes) and in the materials of execution. If the first two characteristics are completely dependent on the style landscape design plot and exterior design of the house to which they are adjacent, then in the latter case, strength and functionality play a role. For the construction of winter gardens use:
- Aluminum. Rugged, reliable and lightweight material which is not susceptible to corrosion. It is usually used to create mobile structures that are easily assembled and dismantled. Aluminum beams are not deformed, and due to the special strength of the material, the profile is made thin.
- Wooden. A classic material that was used back in the days of the first greenhouse structures. Wood is capricious and impractical, because it will have to be systematically treated with special compounds that protect against moisture, pest invasions, fungi and mold. Otherwise wooden structure will begin to rot, deform and eventually become unusable. For the construction of a winter garden, birch, oak, pine, larch are used. An indisputable advantage solid wood is considered its naturalness and special beauty.
- Polyvinyl chloride. PVC is relatively cheap, and custom-made designs will allow you to realize the most daring decorating ideas. However, plastic greenhouses do not withstand heavy loads, so the overall premises will have to be further strengthened.
- Metal-plastic. This material has collected the advantages of two main "components". From plastic, he adopted lightness, anti-corrosion and the ability to take any shape during manufacture, and took strength and relative flexibility from metal alloys.
- All-glass. For such structures, a special type of tempered, laminated glass is used. It perfectly transmits light, but at the same time it does not react even to strong blows, since the triplex has super strength. If the surface still manages to deal a crushing blow, then it will only be covered with a pattern of cracks, keeping the fragments in place.
Also, the designs differ in the types of doors and windows with which they are equipped.
Lighting
Proper lighting is the key to the well-being of the "inhabitants" of the winter garden. It would seem that it could be easier than installing a couple of lamps and spotlights to flood the plants with light. But in fact, everything is not so easy. Some plants like shade (for example, tropical ones), while others need plenty of light for comfort. The power of the lamps and the intensity of lighting should be selected in accordance with the rules for growing certain species. This is especially important in our climate, since the sun rarely peeks out in winter, which means that the lack of his attention will have to be compensated artificially. In principle, a winter garden can be equipped even with ordinary incandescent lamps, but they are more suitable for rooms where people live, not plants. Their light spectrum is devoid of blue and red rays, which are necessary for the full growth of the flora. In addition, they have a high heat dissipation, which can burn the leaves of plants and cause them to wilt. Experts recommend choosing fluorescent lamps. They give a powerful stream of light, have low heat output and excellent energy-saving characteristics.
Ventilation and heating system
In addition to central or autonomous heating placed around the perimeter of the room, it is necessary to install special infrared heaters. They are panels that are fixed on the walls or ceiling. This fallback option comes in handy during particularly harsh winters when the main system may not be up to the task. Such reinsurance is necessary in winter gardens, the design of which consists of more than 50% glass. Another option for additional heating is a modern "warm" floor, the temperature of which can be regulated. It will be comfortable not only for plants, but also for people walking around the greenhouse in slippers. Ventilation system may be artificial or natural. One way or another, well Fresh air plants are vital. If grown in the garden unpretentious species, which calmly tolerate average temperatures, then natural ventilation is suitable. An artificial or mechanical option is used for capricious plants that react sharply to any changes in environment. Such ventilation allows you to control and adjust the circulation of air flows.
The winter garden, like the house, has its own stylistic solutions. For its design, ethnic directions are mainly used, since the practice of decorating these premises in each country has gone its own way of development. A group of European styles is considered popular, which includes Dutch, French, English and Mediterranean. In these countries, the winter garden has become an integral part of country estates. For lovers of exotic flora, an African, Moorish or Mexican pavilion is suitable.
Classic style
In the classic winter garden there is a place for every member of the family. The floor is finished with stone, and the walls are plastered. window frames dyed in White color. Decorate the room with wood panels. To preserve the spirit of conservatism, a soft sofa with coffee-colored upholstery is chosen from the furniture, a couple of armchairs to match it, a large round table for dinner, covered with a tablecloth. It would be appropriate to place an antique cupboard for dishes. From plants choose palm trees, ferns, clematis and creepers. Stylish element in the decoration of the winter garden will be a fireplace.
English style
The British fell in love with winter gardens so much that they still spend most of their free time here. In the greenhouse they relax, drink tea, receive guests and even arrange modest family holidays. English style is divided into several areas that correspond to a certain era in the life of the country:
- Victorian. The style appeared during the reign of Queen Victoria. In the interior, they do not save on decorations, and the structure itself has a rectangular shape with a rounded end and a gable roof.
- Georgian. The structure is in the shape of a semicircle flat roof. Windows are decorated with frequent internal partitions.
- Edwardian. The winter garden has a strict rectangular shape, and its ridge is necessarily decorated with exterior decor. In interior design adhere to the principles of restraint.
In English winter gardens, windows are decorated with stained glass, and the floors are covered with large, soft carpets. Furniture is chosen antique, preferably antiques. You can also use wicker chairs and sofas. The coffee table is covered with a tablecloth with a floral pattern.
french style
In french style maintain order and rigor. Shrubs in the winter garden are always neatly trimmed. Furniture is used soft and voluminous, as in a full-fledged living room. The color palette is dominated by pink, blue, white and gold. The interior of the winter garden is ideal for personal meetings and relaxing holidays alone. Its furnishings are luxurious. Flowers and exotic fruits prevail in the living "filling", medicinal plants, vegetables and herbs. The tubs and pots with them are placed on special elevations so that the greenery is clearly visible from anywhere in the winter garden. Furniture is chosen massive with expensive upholstery. The decor includes mirrors in gilded vases, stucco molding, skillfully made porcelain vases, sculpture and floor lamps with a floral pattern.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean style is laconic. The floor of the winter garden is finished with ceramic tiles, and the walls are painted in such colors as to give the impression of a surface “burnt out” under the scorching sun. The structure, as a rule, has a rectangular shape and is adjacent to the house. A warm climate has settled in this part of Europe, which does not spare anyone in summer, so the room is used as a saving oasis from the heat. The plantations are dominated by fruit trees and herbs. Decorate the room with sculptures, fountains and romantic pergolas entwined with climbing roses. Furniture is used simple and concise with forging elements.
Japanese style
It is quite difficult to create a Japanese winter garden without deep knowledge of Eastern philosophy. A decisive role in its design will be played by the correct construction of the composition. Japanese using complex scheme“energy” points are revealed, that is, accent zones, of which there are four in traditional versions. The winter garden becomes a place where three elements collide: air, earth and water. In the room there are necessarily artificial reservoirs, rock gardens, compositions of dwarf trees, moss and toro stone lanterns. Rest on wide benches. Japanese winter garden - the best place for tea ceremonies and quiet relaxation alone.
The winter garden can be amazing and original place rest in a private house. Equipping this fragrant green corner is quite difficult from an engineering point of view. At the same time, the opinion about the high cost of a flowering island is a delusion. With a competent project and accurate calculations, a home-made winter garden will be inexpensive. It is only important to know some of the nuances and tricks.
What you need to know before building a winter green corner
To begin with, it is worth understanding the terms. The winter garden is a stationary insulated room that combines the features of a living space and the natural environment. In this it differs, for example, from a greenhouse, which provides suitable conditions only for plants. It is difficult for a person to stay under a greenhouse hood for a long time due to unusual temperature and humidity.
In such a garden you can walk, relax, do nice pictures, engage in other activities without discomfort for your body. Before you start planning, you should remember: even if you use all the rational solutions for the project, you cannot do without investing money, time and labor. It is customary to build a garden in the following options:
- as part of the house (in a separate room or part of the dwelling that is well lit);
- adjoining a residential building (veranda, extension);
- a separate building.
Advice. The building close to the residential building is more convenient for visiting. It will also help save on energy costs.
Where and how to arrange a winter garden on the site
In the early stages of planning and charting, look for garden appropriate place and select the orientation relative to the cardinal points:
- South. Paradoxically, this is the least suitable option. The main trouble in the winter maintenance of greenhouse plants is overheating. The excess sun on the south side will have to be compensated by an increase in irrigation rates and additional ventilation measures. Although it will be possible to partially save on heating.
- West. A garden with this orientation retains the heat accumulated during daylight hours for the longest time. But at high summer temperatures, this advantage becomes a disadvantage.
- North. The accumulation of heat in such a garden will be low. And many plants do not like the lack of sun even in winter. This minus can compensate for the high-quality heating of the room.
- East. Counts the best option. Heat accumulates normally, the greenery does not overheat, the sun is in moderation, so there is no need to spend extra money on water and heating.
Attention! All these qualities are relevant only if the garden is well lit. The building must be fully or largely glazed.
Preparing materials for building a garden
Saving on building materials is fraught with problems with the subsequent operation of the winter botanical garden. Moreover, many of the list is inexpensive:
- Glass. A classic solution that has stood the test of time. Transparency - 98%. It costs more than modern analogues and does not save heat, but it is durable.
- Acrylic glass. Convenient for the manufacture of side walls. Does not break, durable, but has a large mass.
- PVC. Cheap energy-saving material. Cons - heaviness.
- Polycarbonate. Lightweight, flexible and inexpensive material. Lets through 88% of the sun's rays. It would be a very profitable option, if not for poor thermal efficiency.
Today, the combination of polycarbonate and ordinary glass is very popular. Due to heat transfer, such structures need a high-quality and well-thought-out heating system. It must remain economical, efficient and inexpensive. Heating can be any of the options you use for your home. The size and number of heating elements depends on the area of the garden, the required temperature and the energy source being used.
Advice. Tropical crops are comfortable at a temperature of at least +22 ° C. Subtropical require +10 °C. mix plants different type in the same garden is not desirable.
Construction of a winter building for plants
To make your garden complete, it is important to decide in advance the following points:
- ventilation;
- cooling system;
- lighting;
- irrigation system.
Types of ventilation:
- Natural. It is equipped with the help of transoms or vents. The area of such holes should occupy at least 1/4 of the total surface of the walls. The vents can be opened manually or with the help of automation. Provide mosquito nets for them.
- Hood. Holes are made in the lower part of the wall for air inflow, in the upper part - for outflow. During installation plastic double-glazed windows as the first device, you can use the supply valve that comes with the kit. Natural air convection inside the room will only work if there is a temperature difference in the garden.
- Mechanical extract. It works like option 2, only the air outflow is provided by a fan system.
You can combine ventilation methods with your own hands for maximum convenience. Separately, it is worth considering a cooling system that will short-term reduce the temperature in the garden for the comfort of its visitors. If in glass room it becomes really hot, air conditioning, for example, will help to solve the situation.
Also take care of the additional lighting of the garden, because in winter it is often cloudy. Regular incandescent bulbs will not work. Instead, use fluorescent, sodium, gas discharge or special phytolamps.
Regular watering is inconvenient for winter construction. The best option — automated system, which has several modes and itself regulates the supply of moisture. A simplified method is drip irrigation under the root using a perforated hose. Doing this efficiently without drainage will not work. And for some crops, it is important to additionally maintain a high humidity of the surrounding air.
All the rest - decoration winter garden - entirely based on your taste and the possibilities of the room.
Do-it-yourself winter garden: video
Summer residents "pull themselves up" not immediately. It happens that many years pass from the beginning of the development of the site until the realization of the real need for a covered climatic space. For the most part, winter gardens are becoming continuation country house , functionally integrating into an existing building. Although it is impossible not to mention the existence of separate structures. But you will meet them infrequently, and therefore in this article we will discuss only about extension options. Such gardens are structurally divided into two-facade(an annex in inner corner buildings) and three-facade(attached by one wall).
What is the functional "load" of new heated areas, except for lush vegetation?
- From the northern facade of the cottage, it is advisable to place a study there, which along the way will become a "heat-insulating barrier";
- from the east - a dining room;
- from the western flank - the living room.
Letters from readers of our portal show that real life outside the city makes tough adjustments to the above "library" truths. For example, one of our most respected and experienced readers had a serious and completely unexpected problem: the owner of a neighboring dacha organized a dog kennel on his territory with the corresponding round-the-clock soundtrack. Agree, no matter how much you love nature, the endless barking of dozens (!) Wolfhounds can greatly poison the suburban idyll. In this case, the construction of a winter garden will help stop the negative acoustic background. on the facade of the cottage, which faces the neighboring plot.
The winter garden "ascended" to the second floor
Steel frames
Let's move from aluminum to another metal, or rather, to of stainless steel. Its corrosion resistance is enhanced by powder coating of exposed surfaces. As a lucky technological solution can be mentioned steel profiles. Moreover, the cavities in them are filled polyurethane playing the role thermally conductive damper. Thus, the high strength of 1.2 mm thick steel and polyurethane are combined in one design. Such technological synthesis allows the construction of significant unsupported spans, the use of large and weighty ones.Frames from other materials
For the construction of a winter garden are often used and combined bearing elements, for example, wood-aluminum frame. It is also made of an aluminum profile, the function of which is to protect against the negative effects of celestial abysses.It would be unfair not to mention plastic (PVC) profiles. However, their bearing capacity is incomparably lower than that of metal and even wooden counterparts. Therefore, they can be used only for small spaces attached to the base cottage, which at the same time serves as the main supporting structure for the winter garden.
The above materials are used for the "skeletons" of winter gardens. And the decisive role in these oases of flora and comfort is given to translucent structures.
Winter garden glazing
Main requirement to enclosing glazing - not transparency, as it might seem at first, but safety. Therefore, in the construction of winter gardens, safety glass or . The latter can be matte, transparent or bronze.One of the most competent Russian specialists in the field of complex construction of summer cottages for various purposes, the most acceptable coverage option for domestic winter gardens would be polycarbonate 8-10 mm thick, which the:
- 15 times lighter than glass
- crack resistant,
- has sufficient bearing capacity for the structures used.
- To remove the problem of sharp fragments arising from the sudden destruction of the roof, it is advisable to apply for its glazing impact-resistant triplex.
- Security issues for vertical railings not so sharp - in the literal and figurative sense of the word. Therefore, for them, you can use two- or single-chamber with energy-saving glasses.
- With the first appearance, condensation appears on the windows, and snowfall easily covers the roof with a dense crust. To prevent these minor problems, you can install double-glazed windows with electric heating. Manufacturers claim that it simultaneously prevents the formation of fungus and mold on glass. Since the author of the article did not personally experiment with this, I am reporting this information with some degree of doubt.
Winter garden flooring
in the winter garden it makes sense to veneer waterproof materials.- You can choose: it is durable, wear-resistant, durable, resistant to hydrothermal effects.
- Floors made of ceramic cladding: such a coating is durable and light in weight, moreover, it creates an environmentally friendly environment for summer residents and plants. Today, such a cladding (or its variety - porcelain stoneware) is combined with glass, metal and wood.
- If you plan to place housing in the winter garden - an office or a dining room - and not just a tropical one, then the floor can be finished natural wood: parquet, massive deck board or, at worst,. Moreover, the ends of the latter around the entire perimeter must be processed hydrophobic composition.
Creating a microclimate
Although the amount of space in the winter garden is significantly inferior to the size of a traditional cottage, the requirements for the microclimate in it are very "finicky". After all, the calculation is not only for the presence of owners in it, but also for various representatives of the flora, sometimes. The temperature should be maintained at +20°С...+25°С, relative humidity - from 40% to 60%.
Vanda - an orchid growing in the winter garden of the Moscow Aptekarsky garden
Here, the interests of various engineering systems collide at the same time, and it is by no means easy to find a consensus. Designers of a winter garden must take into account the problems of organization.
From the way of placing green spaces: trees, bushes and flowering plants, interior decoration various decorative elements, selection of furniture and textiles will depend on the interior of the winter garden in the house.
Designers, architects, engineers and biologists are professionally involved in creating the illusion of living in natural conditions.
Unlike a greenhouse, which is located far from home, a winter garden is an integral part of the house, which is why a beautiful and presentable look, made in the same style, is so important for it.
Popular winter garden styles
The main difference between classic gardens is a multi-cascade glazed roof with a protruding bay window. Windows decorated with stained-glass windows, decorative layouts or curtains will not be superfluous. Aged furniture against the background of pastel walls looks organic and restrained in English.
An excellent option for those people who, along with comfort, appreciate minimalism and Japanese philosophy. In accordance with which four important elements should be present in the winter garden - water, stone (or wood), earth and air. With the latter, everything is quite simple, but not everyone can afford a pond in the house. Mini waterfalls can be a great alternative. Selected flowers (for example, bonsai), natural materials and strict geometry - great for an oriental winter garden in a private house.
It may seem that the plants are surrounded by metal elements and shelving in the spirit of spaceship will not look organic. But practice shows that there is no more functional and practical style than Hi-tech for a winter garden. Laconic, geometric shapes, a lot of open space and light contribute to the growth of plants and like the owners of the house who are open to everything new.
Those amateur gardeners who prefer flowering plants will love this rustic style. The sea of greenery, rough plaster, wicker sofas and armchairs, ceramic tiles on the floor, high ceiling - all this distinguishes country from other styles.
Completely subordinated to a single concept, linked together by contrasting combinations, architectural vegetation, clear forms, lines and repetition in motifs. This winter garden project is quite expensive, and is suitable for those who do not like to save on luxurious interior items.
Armed with the desire to have a paradise at home, a rich imagination and professional advice from a specialist, you can safely begin to implement grandiose plans in life.
How to make a winter garden universal?
The winter garden plays an important role in increasing space. It can become a continuation of one of the rooms in the house, or it can conveniently function with other living areas: a fireplace, an office, a kitchen or a workshop.Winter garden in the living room
When they decide to attach a translucent structure to the main room of a house or apartment, many do not even realize how miraculously a corner of wildlife can change the living space for the better. Increasing the area, the winter garden creates a unique combination of home comfort and natural harmony. Tastefully selected furniture, interesting decor and original accessories make the living room with a garden the main architectural idea of the whole house.
Winter garden in the dining room, kitchen
Family tea parties, dinners and breakfasts surrounded by sun-drenched spaces or gradually fading colors of twilight can become a pleasant tradition if organized in a glass building attached to the kitchen or dining room. The organic continuation of the room is not just an addition to the utilitarian space, but an important attribute of a cozy life.
Planning the design appearance garden, remember that it should be divided into three optimal zones, providing a place for cultivating plants, a corner for relaxation and a fairly free passage.
The ideas for the winter garden presented in the photo below can inspire anyone, but before choosing plants, it is important to properly organize a place that fully meets all the conditions for the best growth of citrus, orchids, begonias, cacti, palm trees and other plants for the winter garden. Start decorating your oasis by placing large plants. It is they who most often become the pearl of the garden. shade plants hide deep into the composition, and place light-loving ones closer to the glass. A multi-storey garden will significantly expand the design options.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that any plant is a living organism that requires careful care. It has been proven in practice that flowers grow well where they are regularly taken care of, groomed and cherished. Beautiful