When looking into different types of extensions to bring the home closer to the garden, the main two that are commonly considered are bespoke conservatories and orangeries, and in some cases, the two terms are used somewhat interchangeably.
However, both types of extensions are quite different in practice and will provide a unique aesthetic addition to your home.
Here are the differences between orangeries and conservatories.
Explaining Orangeries
Traditionally, orangeries sit in between the garden room, the greenhouse and the conservatory, with their initial purpose being to store orange and lemon trees in the winter to ensure that the bitter winter frost does not harm them.
Officially they are an extension with a glass roof (often either lantern-shaped or flat) and feature brick pillars in the corner of the structure.
Orangeries are often associated with glamour, and many traditional designs emphasise the connection between it and the garden it oversees.
Exploring The Conservatory
Officially the difference between an orangery and a conservatory is the amount of glass used.
Orangeries tend to have less than 75 per cent of the roof area and less than 50 per cent of the total wall area covered in glass, whilst conservatories can be almost entirely made of glass with structural beams and components.
Sometimes known as “sunrooms”, conservatories have for a long time been very popular but had issues with extreme temperatures until the advent of modern designs, UV filtering film and improvements in heating and ventilation systems.
Other Differences To Consider
Typically, orangeries cost more than conservatories, are seen to offer more value, their traditional design aesthetics lend themselves better to more rustic buildings and cottages, and often require planning permission in the UK to construct.
Conservatories, on the other hand, often have more light, suit more modern property designs, can often be constructed using permitted development rights, are typically easier and quicker to build as well as easier to maintain.
Both are fantastic additions to a home, however, and which design is best for you is largely down to personal preference.