Sunspace
Sunspace is a relatively recent term which describes something similar to a winter garden, but constructed for reasons relating more to passive or solar design principles and building performance than for entertainment or horticulture.
A sunspace is a south-facing glazed area, similar to a winter garden, but not part of the thermal line or fabric envelope of the building. The space acts as a thermal buffer-zone in the winter, improving the thermal performance of adjoining walls and preheating colder outside air during the day before it enters the main building.
On milder summer days it acts as a warmer sunroom, whilst during peak summer daytime heat temperatures may become much higher, with some potential for heat exchange (sun as pre heating hot water). The space itself should be balanced with suitable extracts (potentially via heat exchangers ) or high level opening vents.
One example where extensive use of south-facing fully height glazed sunspaces contributed to the efficient performance of a building was in the Eco-development Beddington Zero (fossil) Energy Development known as Bedzed, located in South London. The sunspaces provide buffer zones to the external wall space and contribute to the low heating requirements for the buildings. The spaces had high level vents which were regrettably value engineered and this led to over heating issues in 2022. In discussion of the benefits of sunspaces, the architect said they 'add about 7.5% to the build cost, increase the floor area by 15% and can be occupied for 80% of the year without needing any extra heating'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.