Help me build a solarium

In My Humble Opinion
1

I have a restaurant that now needs some additional seating.

I want to build a solarium

It will sit in between two buildings in fact it will be shared between us both.

We figure we can fit 4 tables of four in there.

[ul]
[li]It is on a boardwalk on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska[/li][li]Funky and or simple is fine[/li][li]It does not have to have working doors, Just two openings for ease of entry and some circulation[/li][li]I want it to be mostly windows and a glass type top. Probably a paneled base the first 2-3 feet from the floor.[/li][li]I do not need a floor the boardwalk deck is fine[/li][li]The windows do not have to open glass/plaxyglass panes will be just fine. And a bit of molding to fancy it up a bit[/li][li]It’s use it to keep the wind and rain off and provide a bit of shelter [/li][li]10’x20’ is the size[/li][li]I would like to not spend more than about 5000.00 in supplies. Less it better. (materials here are probably 25% higher than were you live.)[/li][li]Me and about 4 smart able bodied people some with building experience should be able to do it. And we have plenty of tools. [/li][li]NO worries about codes.[/li][/ul]

I usually have some great google-fu but I cant seem to find what I am looking for. I just find kits (to expensive to ship up here) OR way to fancy.

I will gladly pay a doper at a premium rate or a suggested professional. for some help with plans.
If you ever make it to Homer all dopers get a discount. I have a question all dopers will no the answer to. So just saying I am from The Straight Dope wont work for random people.

2

Have you tried googling “pergola”? If you started with a pergola design, maybe with fewer rafters, it would be pretty simple to modify the design to have plexiglass panels.

If that doesn’t work, well, at least your thread got a bump.

3

WOW! great idea.

I could make my own plans for this I think.

Are there any places on then internet that sell simple building plans?

4

There are hydraulic arms to lift open vents avaiable from Charley’s greenhouse co. They are simple and require no wiring. A pergola might not be appropriate in your area due to the snow load. Rigid polycarbonate greenhouse panels are relatively inexpensive. I would be hesitant to install a glass roof regardless of the lack of building codes. Some codes are indeed written for your safety. Polycarbonate panels can be installed with a cordless drill and decking screws and will not eviscerate the clientele if a large rock hits 'em. Some are even double walled for insulation and look rather nice. Being Plantman, I would use pea gravel and concrete pavers for the floor for good drainage, but your needs might be different.

5

Perfect! This is really helping me out.

I am getting many really good ideas.