ATRIUM ENCLOSURES

Atrium Enclosures Phoenix | Arizona Atrium Enclosure | Atrium

What is an atrium? Basically, it’s an open, roof-less space inside a building that’s designed to illuminate interior areas and provide contact with the outdoors. In residential applications the atrium, usually separated from the rest of the house by large glass windows and doors, is frequently used to grow plants.

While most people enjoy the view out into these open spaces, maintenance can be a problem: every time it rains or the wind blows dust in, cleaning up becomes a major chore. Additionally, many homeowners want to capture the extra square footage represented by their atriums.

Enclosing an atrium means covering it at the roof line with some type of skylight system that keeps out the rain and dust while still allowing sunlight to enter. Sometimes the area is left “as is,” allowing plants to grow in a controlled environment without the hassle of continual maintenance. Another approach is to remove the atrium doors and windows, making this space part of the adjacent rooms.

Numerous types of skylights can function as atrium enclosures. One standard-size acrylic dome unit will cover a space up to 8 ft. by 8 ft. Alternatively, the roof opening can be framed in so that a smaller, less expensive skylight will work. To enclose really large areas, structural pyramid-shaped or “A-frame” glass skylights are sometimes used. It’s a good idea to consider using venting panels to help exhaust the heat. Skylight shading devices are also available.