Zoning: Alfresco that is enclosable

The NatHERS technical note states: 5.1.2 Conditioned outdoor living areas (i.e. mechanically heated or cooled) must be considered within the dwelling envelope and assigned a zone when capable of being fully enclosed by solid construction elements (e.g. walls, windows, bi-fold or sliding doors).

Does that mean if the outdoor living area is not heated and cooled it should not be considered within the dwelling and instead be modelled as shading? I don’t know why this keeps tripping me up. When should enclosable outdoor spaces be modelled as shading, never? 

TechLink Response:

• Clause 5.1.2 is further clarified by Appendix 1.
• The definitive understanding is whether or not the enclosed outdoor living facility has any heating or cooling equipment installed to modify temperature conditions within the space.
• If there is any equipment for heating or cooling, be it part of a system integrated with a larger system for the rest of the house or a stand-alone device for that space, the room will be a day conditioned zone.
• If it is clear that no equipment is documented it is not a zone but becomes shading to the rest of the house.
• In that case it is prudent to add an note in the additional comments page to alert the client to the understanding of the need for a revised rating assessment should any appliance be installed.