Photos of gutted out gazebo...ideas?

[Cadillactaste]

Overall plan...to use this as an outbuilding for wintering native bonsai that need to go dormant. As well as storing fungicides and other gardening items.

12' gazebo...but since it was built for a hot tub. We raised the original floor so there was no step into the room. So thus the joists you see along the floor. I don't think I want a step. My husband was going to take down to original flooring. I had thought it insulated...but, apparently it wasn't. Took down our curtains...but left the PVC rods that I may add grommet curtains...and pull a color from it to cover the windows in maybe sheers? Or do they need covered with something thicker? Though...curtains can wait. I am more confused as to how to get the most of this room and keep it looking nice for visitors glancing in. (As it is seen as you walk up the stairs to the deck) Since it's a raised gazebo. I am thinking we need to insulate the floor and walls. Wishing to keep the beaded soffit...change out the blue trim for something in a shade of green most likely. But overall structure any pointers?

Basically all the walls in the gazebo are the same other than the one with the door access.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Basically...I think I am stuck just building around the shape of the gazebo. Since it is so deep...maybe making the top of a shelf just under the window...and coming out so far...then actually doing a step down (not much) and building more under cabinets for storage. Coming out further into the room.

Also thought maybe shelving over windows...either normal shelves or build them like the top of a pergola.

 

[Rose Mary]

Nice gazebo, looks like whatever you do will help the trees that are more tender.. in your winters. Almanac predicting more misery and cold there this winter!
We're pretty mild here in the winter so am able to just dig trees into beds, colanders and all.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Thanks Rose...I am really leaning toward putting a pergola top over the three windows you face when walking into the room...running the main front board diagonal. And making one upper shelf. Painting all the trim brown and all the cabinets built brown...using these curtains...as panel sheers across the main windows. And using grommet style red panels on the PVC rods.

If I didn't need to block the windows...then I would leave them plain and put these where the PVC rods are. Leaving it more open and airy.

 

[Cadillactaste]

A couple images of shelving...since we need to add a floor...maybe a couple stands too. Though...I considered having a few stands raise up off the built in shelving...that may limit work space and look weird. :/ incorporating a few stands from floor up might be better. If I can work them in.

Ideal heights for stands?

 

[GrimLore]

That is a nice space to play with! First thing to do is plan it for Wintering AND Summer use. Wintering will require it to be dark and is why I suggested blinds or drapes which could be opened when the plants go out. I would suggest a low r value insulation under the floor and sides because I don't think you want it for tropicals. If you do put shelf in remember the plants will be on the floor and give yourself enough room for them to fit under. The point of the exercise is to keep them dormant and the space functional during the Summer. Looks like a good place to store a lot of Bonsai materials as well

Grimmy

 

[GrimLore]

That is a nice space to play with! First thing to do is plan it for Wintering AND Summer use. Wintering will require it to be dark and is why I suggested blinds or drapes which could be opened when the plants go out. I would suggest a low r value insulation under the floor and sides because I don't think you want it for tropicals. If you do put shelf in remember the plants will be on the floor and give yourself enough room for them to fit under. The point of the exercise is to keep them dormant and the space functional during the Summer. Looks like a good place to store a lot of Bonsai materials as well

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

See the dark space puzzles me. When trees outdoors get sunlight yet go dormant. (Not trying to disagree...but more of an explanation as to why that is.)

 

[Cadillactaste]

So...unless I can keep a few bonsai on the stands come summer...then, the stands would be useless in the gazebo...since plants need stored on the ground...right?

 

[Cadillactaste]

not thinking this will keep much light out. Really wanted to get these.
http://www.sears.com/collections-et...-SPM8004395808?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[GrimLore]

See the dark space puzzles me. When trees outdoors get sunlight yet go dormant. (Not trying to disagree...but more of an explanation as to why that is.)

One of the reasons I lost quite a few last Spring is that we had a two week sunny period while the plants were buried in snow(I should have covered or moved them but was in the middle of renovations). They "pushed" because the light tricked them into "Spring mode". The plants do not care about how cold it is they do however respond to light very quickly and is why they do best in darkness with little to no changes. They can freeze and defrost during that time and it is ok if it happens slowly. Many larger outdoor plants here also took a hit and several Maples here had to be cut down a few weeks ago. They were weak going in and that period put the final nail in the coffin. We can control that behavior far easier with potted trees and enjoy beating nature once in awhile.

Grimmy

Add - The room closed would also have a tendency to heat up a lot on even Sunny Cold days.

 

[Cadillactaste]

One of the reasons I lost quite a few last Spring is that we had a two week sunny period while the plants were buried in snow(I should have covered or moved them but was in the middle of renovations). They "pushed" because the light tricked them into "Spring mode". The plants do not care about how cold it is they do however respond to light very quickly and is why they do best in darkness with little to no changes. They can freeze and defrost during that time and it is ok if it happens slowly. Many larger outdoor plants here also took a hit and several Maples here had to be cut down a few weeks ago. They were weak going in and that period put the final nail in the coffin. We can control that behavior far easier with potted trees and enjoy beating nature once in awhile.

Grimmy

Add - The room closed would also have a tendency to heat up a lot on even Sunny Cold days.

Would this be enough to keep the glare of the sun out of the room? Or to light...

http://www.sears.com/collections-et...-SPM8004395808?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[coppice]

My old cold frame in NH was bermed into the side of a hill. I did have to vent it open on sunny days. I also had to keep and read a min-max thermometer when ever the space was not snowed in.

Covering the glazing didn't cool off the space, only opening windows did. For me anyways.

If you opt to replace insulation in sub-floor, use something that can (because it will be) wet. Foam sheets maybe. deck also should be wettable. PT decking boards?

 

[Cadillactaste]

August 24th, 2014, 09:16 AMcoppice
My old cold frame in NH was bermed into the side of a hill. I did have to vent it open on sunny days. I also had to keep and read a min-max thermometer when ever the space was not snowed in.

Covering the glazing didn't cool off the space, only opening windows did. For me anyways.

So I need a thermometer that for maybe outdoors that has a base for the house. So I can be watchful of the temps?

 

[fore]

Darlene, first I must admit to a good chuckle...and not to sound sexist, but I don't think too many of us guys would be thinking about curtains already!

Nevertheless, you could use those curtains in the summer though, and just buy cheap roller shades that come in 100% light block during the winter. Tons of space and ideas.
I would consider building open faced cabinets to fit under the windows for pots and supplies. I would create a solid wall front to store my wire and hanging tools.
Buy a comfy chair and adj. ht. working table and see how that works out.

You're at a fun stage now, enjoy the process
Chris

 

[Cadillactaste]

Darlene, first I must admit to a good chuckle...and not to sound sexist, but I don't think too many of us guys would be thinking about curtains already!

Nevertheless, yAdjustable use those curtains in the summer though, and just buy cheap roller shades that come in 100% light block during the winter. Tons of space and ideas.
I would consider building open faced cabinets to fit under the windows for pots and supplies. I would create a solid wall front to store my wire and hanging tools.
Buy a comfy chair and adj. ht. working table and see how that works out.

You're at a fun stage now, enjoy the process
Chris

Lol I need to know curtains to know trim color. Lol its blue as we had a nautical theme prior. As long as I block the large windows can I leave the small upper top be? No way to reach those. Adjustable work table...there an idea!

Thanks!

 

[sorce]

Hey Darlene.

Have you considered tile? Porcelain, Slate, quartzite, and granite can do freeze thaw. Just be sure the mortar does too! I just did a stint at The TILE Shop, feel free to ask any questions. Waterproof, floor heat, and it lasts!

Also. Have you considered a cabinet in the middle? With the same amount of sides, 8? You could make it a nice work table. Granite top. Lots of storage under.
You could even have a " pitcher spout " cut into one or all sides to wipe old soil etc right into your bin. Or a hole in the middle, trash inside cabinet!

12 ft wide?

It could be four ft. Leaving you four feet to the walls. Which means you can still get one ft shelves around the outside, and still have 3ft to maneuver, and be ADA complaint.

Maybe do a seasons theme. You could dedicate 2 walls to each season. And paint the walls as a continuation of outside the window. Pick summer for the view walking up the deck, most traffic then. And the rest for the best views of what is outside. Spring looks toward spring flowers. Winter your nicest winter silhouette in the yard, fall to your leaf piles...etc.

Also keep ergonomics in mind. The last thing you want is to be in there working next spring and say, "I wish this was right here". Put it there now!
Wire holders. Tool drawer. Turntable. Soil bin. Trash bin. Tripod. Or a whole photo rig complete with multi backgrounds. Power outlets for grinders. An indoor spigot, you can connect your hose to outside the building, hell you could make it a sink, just don't forget to winterize it! (Blow the water out) then you have running water w/o dragging a hose inside.

Oh also, A friend of mine just painted some pvc inside the filter of a saltwater tank with Krylon Fusion spraypaint for plastics. Excellent for your rods. Many colors

To me overwintering should be just enough space, but not as important as your spring work.

When are you beginning construction? I will keep brainstorming.

Sorce

 

[Cadillactaste]

Source...you give many good points. Though, I am not really a fan of granite. (To commonly used) as for flooring I looked at a rubber tile that has a bit of grit to it that won't cause slips if it gets wet. And is stain resistant. As well as 18x18" square.

I had thought about a faucet...I contemplated an old antique flower cabinet to hold substrate. But...passed on that with the windows. The rods...once the fabric is on...become hidden. Since I now decided not to use grommets. My husband is a general contractor...so yes, I am aware of certain aspects. But hadn't thought of some of the things you mentioned...so keep brain storming.

Looking at the adjustable tables that was mentioned earlier. I wouldn't want an island that was free standing. Just because I would prefer something mobile to move off to the side if I chose. Which would be the adjustable table I was thinking. Been researching potting tables also for ideas.

 

[GrimLore]

See the dark space puzzles me. When trees outdoors get sunlight yet go dormant. (Not trying to disagree...but more of an explanation as to why that is.)

The plants stay dormant depending more on lack of light then cold. When we had two sunny weeks late winter here and I could not move or cover them they pushed while in 2 foot of snow. When Spring came the plants that pushed early died. Many people here also lost larger landscape trees because of that weather as well as shrubs. The plants have space indoors and outdoors this year that can be managed better now that we are settling in a bit. When they are kept dark and slowly freeze and thaw they stay dormant and somehow push when the days start to get longer and it is really Spring. I am not sure of the Scientific explanation it is just how it works. You could put up inexpensive room darkening blinds and the drapes over them for "looks" and be functional(just a thought). They will also help the room to stay cold when it is a sunny winter day - I sometimes have to crack open shed doors to keep things cold but it looks like you have double hung windows. A remote temperature monitor could tell you when to go out and open them a bit.

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

The plants stay dormant depending more on lack of light then cold. When we had two sunny weeks late winter here and I could not move or cover them they pushed while in 2 foot of snow. When Spring came the plants that pushed early died. Many people here also lost larger landscape trees because of that weather as well as shrubs. The plants have space indoors and outdoors this year that can be managed better now that we are settling in a bit. When they are kept dark and slowly freeze and thaw they stay dormant and somehow push when the days start to get longer and it is really Spring. I am not sure of the Scientific explanation it is just how it works. You could put up inexpensive room darkening blinds and the drapes over them for "looks" and be functional(just a thought). They will also help the room to stay cold when it is a sunny winter day - I sometimes have to crack open shed doors to keep things cold but it looks like you have double hung windows. A remote temperature monitor could tell you when to go out and open them a bit.

Grimmy

Since I need blinds...I will hang the chosen curtains up high...never closing to the side of the windows. White roller blinds...would do the trick right?

Only I really want this for my door having the art facing out. The sun doesn't hit directly on that side of the house...think having the rest of the windows covered I could get away with not putting a blind on the glass door to the room,but use this Japanese door cloth?