Conservatories in Switzerland: types and costs

Per square metre of glass envelope, you should expect to pay at least 1,100 francs, including installation. The costs also depend on the material used. Plastic is the cheapest option. Conservatories made of wood and aluminium are more expensive.

Wood makes up for this with its good insulation properties, while aluminium boasts longevity. A wood-aluminium hybrid that combines the advantages of both materials is ideal, but also the most expensive option.

3. Do I need a permit for my conservatory?

Building a conservatory requires a building permit. You should therefore enquire at an early stage with the competent building authority whether, in what size and in what form you can build a conservatory on your property.

The regulations differ depending on the canton or municipality. And don't forget your neighbours! If you want to build on the boundary between your properties, or if you don't comply with the minimum distance of four metres, you will need their consent before building.

4. May I heat the conservatory?

You may heat the conservatory. However, a conservatory with a fully-fledged heating system is considered an additional living space and must comply with thermal insulation regulations .

A so-called temperature-controlled conservatory, however, is not subject to thermal insulation regulations. It is only used to a limited extent throughout the year. And you may set the temperature to a maximum of ten degrees.

How can I best heat the conservatory?

For heated conservatories, a floor heating system or the installation of a heat pump that can be programmed to a certain temperature is recommended. It provides a comfortable warmth during the colder months of the year and cool air during the summer.

The pump also removes moisture from the air. This prevents condensation on the glass and thus the formation of mould.

5. Do I need a ventilation system?

Effective sun shades and a good ventilation system are necessary, especially with a south-facing conservatory, so that a greenhouse effect does not occur in the summer. Since sunlight and cloud cover can change frequently, you should choose an electronically controlled ventilation system that reacts automatically to changes in the weather.

The best option is thermal ventilation via windows, casement or sliding doors and, in particular, ventilation flaps in the ceiling area that can be adjusted manually. A general rule of thumb is that the area of the openings should correspond to about a quarter of the conservatory floor area.

6. What type of sun protection is suitable for my conservatory?

Ventilation and sun protection complement each other. However, one cannot replace the other. Without sun protection, the temperature can rise to up to 80 degrees Celsius in a south-facing conservatory. The heat also radiates into the adjoining living space.

Shading systems for indoor use

To prevent this, you can use various shading systems for indoors and outdoors. Roller or pleated blinds, or curtains provide shade inside. They are cheap and not exposed to outside elements. However, the heat can accumulate between the glass and the shade.

Shading systems for outdoor use

Externally mounted sun protection systems such as awnings or slatted blinds are significantly more effective. They are a smart investment. For a pleasant indoor climate, the air in the conservatory must be exchanged about ten times per hour with outdoor shading. This is required twice as often with an interior sun protection system.

Solar control glass for an unobstructed view

All previously mentioned varieties of sun protection have one thing in common: they obstruct your view. The alternative is solar control glass. It reduces indoor heat, but at the same time allows daylight to pass through. However, this type of conservatory glazing does not protect against glare.

For solar control glass, you should expect around 20 to 50 percent higher costs compared to conventional glazing. If you use the conservatory all year round, you should equip it with energy-efficient triple glazing for optimal thermal protection.

For an ideal conservatory climate, thermal insulation, ventilation and heating should be precisely coordinated. Get expert help to plan a winter garden.