Karachi catches up on trend of sunrooms

Karachi catches up on trend of incorporating sunrooms in residential architecture

KARACHI: Sunrooms, also known as solariums, are common in houses in the West for obvious reasons: they allow family members to gather in one place, and cozy-up in the soothing sunlight.

While our part of the world already receives plenty of attention from the blazing star, the trend has still made its way to Pakistan.

Here’s why it is important to dedicate a space in the house, ideally the balcony, allowing the sun to pour in, for reasons other than simply keeping warm in winter.



According to interior designer Sam Abbas of Sam Abbas Design Studio, a sunroom is largely an enclosed space with partial or full glass around it. “It allows one to admire and enjoy the surroundings while being sheltered and protected from weather conditions.”

She adds that such parlours or porches can either be built as a separate part of the house, or integrated within the design of the main building. “The concept originated in colder regions; however, in our part of the world, we can use sunrooms all year round,” she maintains.



Beena Asim of Beena Asim Furniture concurs. “One of the best ways to bring generous amounts of natural light into your home and to enjoy that sunshine all year round is with a sunroom. Sunrooms are an ideal way to expand living space and create the perfect transition between indoors and outdoors,” she explained.

One has to wonder, are sunrooms really practical for a perpetually hot and humid city like Karachi? “Karachi is quite windy so one can opt for sunroom with ventilation; it would be ideal during power breakdowns, and control utility bills as well,” shares Asim. “Our city receives maximum sun rays, so residents can go for the partial glass coverings; tinted glass can obstruct the entry of harmful ultraviolet rays.”

Because it is, in essence, just a space meant to allow natural light and ventilation in, Abbas feels it can be shaped up in any way the home owners prefer. “The possibilities are endless because the sunroom is literally yours to use in any way you like. It can be used as a family lounge, a formal sitting area, or even a dining room.”

Asim, on the other hand, feels sunrooms should solely serve the purpose that they are built for. “In times when electricity was still uncommon, houses were designed with plenty of windows for proper ventilation and utilising sunlight,” she says.



“People in Pakistan are once again slowly realising the importance of natural light. New projects are being built with this particular aspect in focus. More awareness on this matter could guide people towards electricity conservation.”

She further adds that home owners can include sliding doors, wooden French doors and other features to give solariums a touch of class. “You can also install vents and fans for drawing in or out, as per your preferences.”

The furniture designer, however, did not seem to agree that the concept originally arose from Western culture. “I disagree that this is Western culture being purged in Eastern houses. If you study history, particularly the period around 1970s, you will find that most of the houses had rooms dedicated specifically to natural ventilation and lighting,” maintains Asim. “Since it’s making a comeback now, we are basically just reviving our own architectural culture.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2016.

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