A townhome on a Memorial-area ravine takes advantage of the ample shade with this fully furnished screened porch. Photo by Sarah Gandy.
Bring the Outdoors In SUNROOMS AND SCREENED PORCHES CAN HELP YOU ENJOY Y O U R YA R D I N C O M F O R T BY HOLLY BERETTO
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As Houston’s steamy summer slides on, you might find yourself looking out the windows of your air conditioned house or office, thinking, “It’s such a pretty day. I’d love to be outside, but it’s so hot.” One of the great things about living in the Bayou City is that we have close to 300 days of sunshine every year. But even the hardiest Houston supporter will admit, August and September might best be enjoyed inside. Hanging out housebound doesn’t mean you have to give up on your love of the outdoors, however. The solution to experiencing Houston’s glorious sunny summers without the sticky heat: the sunroom. Whether you’re looking to build a sunroom or screen room or renovate the one you have, a sunroom is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in. “Sunrooms and screen rooms are two different things,” says Ed Gosline, of Sun Fun Enclosures, a Stafford company that’s been in business since 1982. Specializing in patio, pool and porch enclosures, Gosline and his team have helped clients find all sorts of innovative ways to enjoy the sun. He explains that screen rooms are built around a frame that is designed for natural ventilation, provided by the screens. Sunrooms are usually permanent structures, with double-pane glass, and are often built right onto a house.
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