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The only real drawback to green building is that it’s more expensive up front, with per-square-foot prices sitting 33% higher than what you’d pay to build a traditional home. The higher cost is due to more expensive building materials and more labor to ensure every aspect of the home is as efficient as possible. However, green buildings often save money in the long run, so this is just a temporary downside.

When designing an attached greenhouse, several factors should be considered. These include the orientation and positioning of the greenhouse to maximize sunlight exposure, the structural integrity of the connection to the house, sufficient insulation to regulate temperature, proper ventilation for airflow, and adequate space for plants and pathways. If you’re restricted because of your budget, go with a simpler design to maximize the use of your money.

A solarium is built almost entirely out of glass, whereas a sunroom is built using other materials for the walls and ceiling, with some windows added to the walls and possibly a skylight in the ceiling. However, the sunroom uses significantly less glass compared to the solarium. The solarium may not hold heat as well as a sunroom when built in colder climates. A sunroom can use different materials for insulation, and heating and cooling systems can more easily supplement the energy gained from sunlight.

Don’t forget to factor in the climate where you live during the planning stage. If your area is prone to bitter cold and heavy snow, you might want to invest in stronger greenhouse materials like a concrete slab, steel frame, and glass walls or plan to take your greenhouse down for the winter.