The addition of an orangery or conservatory is a popular way to add space to your home with a beautiful light filled room that allows views over the garden. They can be used as lounges, dining rooms, or even kitchens or offices.
However, one of the main factors that will affect the use and overall look of the glazed extension is whether you choose to have a traditional orangery or a conservatory. Here’s a look at what the differences are, and how to decide which option is right for your home.
Conservatories
A conservatory is a glass structure that is supported by a frame, typically made from wood, aluminium, or uPVC. They usually do not need planning permission unless they are unusually high (over four metres) or extend more than three metres from a non-detached house.
Other exceptions may apply, so it’s always strongly advisable to check with your local authority before going ahead. The majority of the time, there will be no further action necessary.
However, it’s important to note that to qualify for the description of conservatory, the structure must have at least 50 per cent of the vertical sides glazed, and the roof must be at least 75 per cent glazed (or made from an alternative clear material).
If you have an older property or rustic style home and are concerned about how a modern conservatory would affect its appearance, then you may wish to consider a more traditional wooden frame.
Timber looks natural and elegant, although you should always use a reputable supplier to ensure that the frames are good quality and properly treated with waterproofing before installation.
They may require periodic maintenance and top up treatments to prevent the condition of the timber from deteriorating, and to enhance the colour and richness of the paint or woodstain, if applicable.
uPVC or aluminium frames are durable and will be able to withstand a variety of weather conditions with very little maintenance. They are well suited to most styles of property and can blend well with any existing structure. However, you may not feel that they are right for a more traditional property.
Orangeries
People often assume that an orangery is an interchangeable term for a conservatory, but they are distinguished by a more extensive use of brickwork, combined with a flat roof and glazed lantern. They are more like a traditional extension with large windows, and can be easier to heat in winter than a conservatory.
In fact, orangeries were originally created in the 17th century to provide a warm environment for growing citrus fruits and exotic plants and flowers.
Earlier orangeries were usually stand alone structures in the grounds of houses with large estates, and were a symbol of wealth and status: the owners could afford to build the structure, import exotic species and pay someone to tend to them.
By the Victorian era, they became fashionable extensions of London townhouses, much as they are today. Although orangeries are more affordable that the equivalent costs today, they are usually more expensive to construct than conservatories.
How to decide which is right for you
Consider how you will use the structure
First of all, decide on the main way that you will use your extension. Do you simply want an extra daytime sitting and dining place in the summer to enjoy open views of your garden? In this case, a conservatory is the ideal solution.
Conservatories are also more budget-friendly and typically take less time and disruption to install than orangeries. They are light airy spaces suitable for casual relaxing and entertaining in summer, and it is also possible to add blinds, drapes, and underfloor heating to make them warmer and more comfortable in winter.
If you want to make year-round use of the structure as a permanent sitting room, dining room, or even an office, crafting room, or home gym, then an orangery might be more suitable. This is because they are more substantial buildings and are easier to heat during colder weather, and keep cooler during the summer.
Orangeries can be easier to integrate into an existing building than conservatories, and can incorporate a wider range of architectural features such as cornices, finials and other decorative details. This may suit a larger and older property with classical features more than a conservatory.
Consider the long term value over the initial investment as well: orangeries are more likely to add value should you wish to sell your property in the future, whereas conservatories may be seen as more high maintenance.