Advice on patio designs that doesn't make the inside of the house dark

5 år siden

Looking for advice, experiences etc on patio designs that doesn't make the inside of a house dark.

We are looking at building a patio to provide outdoor entertaining and shelter from the heat/rain for us and our dogs. We are based in Brisbane so having a plain clear roof isn't really an option due to the heat in summer. Our house is low set brick and we already struggle with natural light.

We quite like the design in the first photo but obviously that's not waterproof, so adding a glass sheet or Polycarbonate Roof sheeting on top could be an option (similar to image 2). Has anyone done something like this and is it functional? We are trying to avoid something like the last photo, even with sky lights or clear strips we feel it will still be too dark.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance

Fremhævet svar

Ruth BT

5 år siden

I had exactly the same dilemma a few years ago. We went with solid insulated panels and pitched the roof at about 5 degrees with the lower end being harnessed to the roof and rising up and away from the house. We face almost due north. At this pitch the sun tracks high in summer, keeping the back half of the house shaded and cool but not dark. In winter the sun tracks below the pitch and we get all the light and warmth. I am sight impaired and need my house as light as possible (it’s like a stadium inside at night) and this was by far the best solution.

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(8) kommentarer

kirby_glass
5 år siden
We had a similar issue and are in Perth. We did polycarbonate sheets in opal. So they are light coloured but cut 50% of heat but let lots of light in. They come in 3 different profiles.
cassiemaher01 thanked kirby_glass
cmnaustralia
5 år siden
Have you thought about electric louvres which can completely open vertically to let light in or similarly close for rain heat etc.
julie herbert
5 år siden
A Vergola would be a perfect solution for your area, you can have it open or closed at the touch of a button controlling light and shade or a pergola with battens or screens these would give some shade and attach a clear roof for rain protection
cassiemaher01 thanked julie herbert
oklouise
5 år siden
as always depends on budget but i'm wondering if a steep gable roof at right angles to the main roof with a raked ceiling and solar roof vents would allow better ventilation with enough headroom for a ceiling fan and adding some panels of transluscent insulated polycarbonate closer to the house would help avoid the overshading ...we've used a diy double layered polycarbonate and there are insulating products available eg Arcpanel and, to improve light inside the house (or under a dark alfresco roof) consider Solar Skylights (not hole in the roof) like Arcol or illume brand that we use with excellent results for a modest investment, DIY installation and no risk of roof leaks
PRO
Emanate & Co
5 år siden
Cassie, we talk about this a lot. Hopefully the blog link below will shed some light (no pun intended) onto the subject for you.

Balancing light & heat in your outdoor living area
siriuskey
5 år siden
I love the Vergola pergolas, look great and suit any weather situations, keep it simple
lynnarmington
5 år siden
Sidst ændret: {last_modified_time}5 år siden
Adjustable louvres are good but expensive and still decrease the amount of light coming through, even when set at maximum. Two other options that allow you to maximise light when you want are either a shade sale set up to easily be removed, or a better option is a retractable roof which can automatically slide back to permit full sunlight, or to go part way to still give some shade. I think the retractable design is the best option and should be cheaper than the vergola type option. I'm in the west and a retailer here doing these are Bozzy, and I think there are others.