Balwyn, Melbourne VIC · Courtyard sunroom · 5.2m wide × 3.6m deep
This Balwyn project makes more use of a courtyard between two existing walls. White aluminium framing, a solid polycarbonate roof and sliding glazed openings turn the exposed seating area into a more sheltered room, while retaining the timber deck and daylight. The sunroom has a nominal footprint of approximately 18.7m² and a 2.4m eaves height.
Project Background
The courtyard already contained a timber deck and outdoor furniture, but the open frontage and uncovered section limited its use in changing weather. The homeowner wanted a comfortable place to sit with visitors, enjoy afternoon tea and spend time with family pets without taking over another large section of the backyard.
Keeping the space bright mattered because it sits between the house walls and beside existing windows. The new enclosure needed to fit this setting and complement the home’s light-coloured exterior.
Client Requirements
- Use the existing courtyard footprint and retain the timber decking.
- Keep daylight and a clear outlook through the front of the enclosure.
- Use durable white aluminium framing that suits the house.
- Provide sliding glazed openings and insect-screened ventilation.
- Create a more sheltered setting for everyday relaxation and entertaining.
Materials and Dimensions
| Location | Balwyn, Melbourne, Victoria |
|---|---|
| Width × depth | 5.2m × 3.6m |
| Nominal footprint | 18.72m², approximately 18.7m²; internal usable space depends on the framing |
| Eaves height | 2.4m |
| Frame | White aluminium framing |
| Roof | Solid polycarbonate (PC) roofing panels |
| Door and window glazing | 5+20A+5 double-glazed Low-E toughened glass: two 5mm panes with a 20mm sealed cavity |
| Openings and screens | Sliding glazed openings with heavy-duty metal mesh insect screens |
| Floor | Existing timber deck retained |
Our Solution: Enclose the Courtyard Without Losing Its Light
Fit the layout to the existing house
The enclosure follows the space between the existing walls and keeps the deck in place. White framing complements the cladding, while sliding openings maintain access without swinging doors taking up the seating area. The compact layout leaves the rest of the backyard available for other uses.
Solid PC roofing: overhead shelter and daylight
Solid polycarbonate admits daylight and provides overhead rain cover. It combines high impact resistance with lower weight than glass of the same thickness, making it a practical roofing material for an aluminium enclosure. Roof tint, shading and ventilation should be considered together when planning summer comfort.
Low-E double glazing: limiting heat transfer
The doors and windows use two 5mm toughened glass panes separated by a 20mm sealed cavity. The Low-E coating and insulated glazing help reduce heat transfer compared with ordinary uncoated single glazing, while preserving views through the frontage. Toughened glass provides greater strength than ordinary annealed glass.
Thermal comfort depends on the complete enclosure, including the roof, frame, seals, shading and ventilation. The glazing specification is one part of that design.
Metal mesh screens: ventilation with insect protection
The screened openings let fresh air pass through while helping keep flies and mosquitoes outside. Heavy-duty metal mesh forms a robust insect barrier for everyday use, and the sliding openings allow the household to adjust airflow to suit the weather.
Completed Result
The finished site photograph shows the new white-framed enclosure sitting neatly between the house walls. The original timber floor and seating arrangement remain, and the transparent frontage keeps the courtyard visually connected to the outdoors.
The practical result is a more sheltered place for visitors, afternoon tea and family relaxation within the existing footprint. The PC roof, glazed openings and insect screens each contribute to making the former open courtyard easier to use.
Project Timing, Budget and Approvals
- Construction timeframe
- The installation duration is not published for this project. Ask us for a schedule based on your site, final design, approvals and material availability.
- Budget range
- A project price has not been published. Prices vary with size, glazing, roof specification and site conditions. Contact us for a free site measure and tailored quote.
- Balwyn permits
- Project-specific approval records are not published here. Before starting a new enclosure, confirm the applicable planning and building requirements with the relevant council and your building surveyor.
- Customer feedback
- No direct customer quotation or verified rating has been supplied for publication.
Plan a Sunroom in Balwyn
Explore our custom sunrooms in Melbourne to compare roof, glazing and ventilation options. For other layouts, see the Mentone aluminium sunroom and Black Rock deck enclosure. Contact Furite Outdoor Living for a free site measure and a quote for your courtyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the roof glass or polycarbonate?
The roof uses solid PC polycarbonate panels. The doors and windows use Low-E double-glazed toughened glass; these are separate specifications.
What does 5+20A+5 glazing mean?
It describes two 5mm glass panes with a 20mm sealed cavity between them. This project specifies Low-E toughened glass for the doors and windows.
How large is this Balwyn courtyard sunroom?
The sunroom is 5.2m wide and 3.6m deep, with a 2.4m eaves height. Its nominal footprint is 18.72 square metres, approximately 18.7 square metres; internal usable space depends on the framing.