Sunspaces

 There are many possible configurations for a sunspace but all of them share certain basic characteristics. Sunlight enters the sunspace through south facing glazing that may be vertical or inclined or a combination of the two and is absorbed primarily on mass surfaces within the enclosure; the mass may be masonry or water in appropriate containers and is generally located along the north wall and in the floor. The massive elements provide thermal storage that moderates the temperature in the enclosure and the rate of heat delivery to the living space located behind the north wall. Operable windows and circulation vents in the north wall provide for heat transfer by thermal convection from the sunspace to the living space. The north wall may be an insulated stud wall placed behind containers of water or a masonry wall through which some of the heat in the sunspace is delivered to the building interior by thermal conduction as occurs in a Trombe wall. A sunspace may be semi-enclosed by the main structure such that only the south facing aperture is exposed to ambient air, or may be simply attached to the main structure along the north wall of the sunroom, leaving the end walls exposed.