Conservatory Sun Room UK A conservatory is designed to use solar energy to heat the house. It also acts to reduce heat loss. During the summer it can provide cooling though natural ventilation. What is a sun room? A sun room / conservatory is a greenhouse which is integrated into the building structure; a glass enclosed room. It's a habitable solar collector, and is common in temperate climates, such as we have in the UK. The sun's radiation heats the air in the onservatory sun room, before it circulates into the main building. Heat energy is also stored in the wall between the conservatory and the rest of the house. North, South, East and West facing conservatories. Buy yourself a compass. You may think you already know the orientation of your house, based on local landmarks or names. You may be wrong! Also, understand that that where the sun rises and sets changes throughout the year; it does not rise exactly compass East and set in compass West. Try to remember where it sets in Summer and Winter in your locality. If you're an early riser, where is rises also. Recalling my boyhood in the Irish countryside, it sets along a 40 degree(?) radian during the course of a year. This may not make a lot of difference if your back-garden is very open, but if you're hemmed in by your neighbours.... North Facing This is the coldest, as it gets the least sun. Less likely to need blinds in roof. We would recommend you use Pilkington K Glass (or other form of Low E glass) in the frames for extra insulation. Will need heating in the winter and evenings. Therefore avoid tinted glass; this is used to cut down excessive glare and heat; a problem you're not likely to have(!) South Facing The opposite problem; can be very hot. Necessary to have adequate ventilation. Get plenty of roof vents and opening windows. Also needs blinds in the roof. You might also consider a tinted roof. Other options include air conditioning. East Facing Similar to north facing. You get the morning sun. Conservatory sun rooms with this orientation make great breakfast rooms. West Facing Similar to south facing. You have the benefit of the evening sun to relax in at the end of the day. Generally we recommend Pilkington "K" glass or Low E glass in all conservatories - no matter the location. It's just more important in north facing ones. Additionally if you use Polycarbonate, use 25mm instead of 16 mm.