If you are thinking about adding more living space to your home, you might be deliberating between an oak framed orangery and a more affordable off-the-shelf conservatory. Here is a look at how these two structures differ in materials, design and usability. The choice you make could mean the difference between disappointment and lasting value.
Structure and materials
At the lower end of the range, conservatories tend to be built with uPVC or aluminium frames. This can be a very cost-effective option, especially if you are going for off-the-shelf rather than bespoke. However, this means that the structure might lack the performance and architectural integrity of a hardwood orangery.
A structure with a solid timber frame such as oak provides a strong and durable frame that is built to withstand the test of time. The frames are often combined with dwarf stone or brick walls, columns or pilaster and a solid perimeter roof with a central roof lantern, lending them weight and substance.
This means that the structure will feel like a true extension of your home, rather than a glazed bolt-on that looks rather like an afterthought. Quality hardwoods also age beautifully when they are well-maintained, so your orangery will only grow in charm and character over time.
Thermal performance
Older or lower-end conservatories are often unusable spaces for much of the year: they are cold and draughty in the winter and too hot in the summer. Poorly constructed conservatories tend to be prone to gaps and leaks, poor ventilation and have lightweight frames that don’t retain heat.
In contrast, a bespoke wooden orangery will incorporate thermally efficient timber joinery, natural ventilation options, high-performance glazing, and options for solid roofing.
Oak is a naturally insulating material, and when paired with features such as energy efficient glazing and underfloor heating, it will mean your orangery is just as comfortable to use whether it’s January or June. This will mean you get the best return on investment, and you will also have lower energy costs and more managed carbon footprint.
Aesthetic impact
A hardwood orangery will typically be a bespoke project that has been designed to meet your needs, as well as complement the style of your property and its surroundings. This means the overall result will be far more sophisticated and pleasing than a cookie-cutter conservatory that has been installed regardless of the characteristics of your home.
Oak is a naturally beautiful material that will look just as charming when combined with an Edwardian townhouse, a country cottage, or a contemporary home. A hardwood orangery feels like a more graceful extension of your living space, as the extra solidity creates a more room-like feel without compromising on natural light.
It is a space that encompasses both light and warmth, and can be used as a kitchen extension, living room, home office or family entertainment hub.
A versatile space
A hardwood orangery is a space that is truly designed for everyday living, rather than just a place to enjoy coffee on sunny summer mornings. A bespoke project will be designed to ensure superior thermal comfort and year-round performance, so it will be just as usable as a regular extension.
An oak-framed orangery is typically faster and more cost effective to install than a full bricks-and-mortar extension, yet you will benefit from the same level of usability and comfort, plus far more natural light. A cheaper conservatory often becomes an underused space because it’s just not a welcoming and practical place to be most of the time.
The traditional orangery allows you to enjoy the connection between the outdoors and indoors all year round, which helps to support mental wellbeing. It can also be used for almost any purpose: a home office, a dining room, an exercise and wellness space, a kitchen, or simply a retreat for hobbies and relaxation.
Durability and return on investment
A solid oak framed orangery that is well-maintained will endure for generations and age gracefully. It will be less prone to developing faults than a low-end conservatory, which are often built from inferior materials chosen for price competitiveness rather than durability. A generic glazed box will also add little to the appearance or value of your home.
A well-designed orangery adds to the character and kerb appeal of your home, and this can add to the value of your property should you wish to sell it in the future.