News & Blog

All About Garden Home Extensions in the Clusters

By Alice Cherbonnier

When strolling through Broadmead’s campus, you'll notice that the Garden Homes in the Clusters look very similar at first glance, but then realize that each is different. Part of that difference is due to how the Garden Homes’ backyards address the nature surrounding them. Some have just a concrete patio, perhaps with a roll-out awning. Others have added square footage that makes a greater connection to the outdoors. These “patio enclosures,” with nearly-flat insulated roofs and double-pane sliding doors are sometimes called “three-season rooms.” In more recent times, residents have opted for expansion: “four-season rooms”—vaulted sunroom additions.

The wood-framed four-season rooms are not pre-fabricated, but built from scratch by Broadmead’s contractor, who follows prescribed construction requirements to assure uniform quality and appearance.

Gina Mathias, VP of Sustainability, has reviewed the materials used in the construction and renovation process to assure that the materials, drywall, insulation, paint, lighting and other finishes meet Broadmead’s sustainability standards.

Adding a four-season room “basically takes a home down to the studs,” says Kristy Krueger, VP of Sales and Marketing. The entire home is opened up, relocating mechanicals and creating an open kitchen in the process.

Little clear domes are also present on the roofs of some of the Garden Homes. These are caps for solar tubes that bring more daylight into Garden Home interiors, especially useful if an addition faces north. Residents can choose to have solar tubes installed in the roof, at their expense. “They are very efficient at providing additional lighting,” reports Joyce Malone, VP of Facility Services. If a resident is interested in adding solar tubes, she adds, “They can simply contact the Maintenance Office and make a request for a price quote.”

Also noticeable is that some of the patio enclosures have what seems to be blue glass, while others don’t. “The blue-tinted windows are from original patio enclosures that were installed years ago,” says Kristy. These tinted windows, intended to keep the sun out, are no longer being used. Glass technology has improved so that it’s possible to get sun protection with invisible coatings instead.

Not every Garden Home is suitable for adding an extension. Factors determining feasibility include nearby trees and drainage considerations.