If you are exploring ways to extend the living space in your home and perhaps bridge the gap between your garden and the rest of your house, an extension like a conservatory or an orangery is a wonderful option.
But what are the main differences between the two types of rooms? Let’s take a look at the defining features of each.
What are the key features of a conservatory?
When you think of a garden room, chances are you are picturing a traditional conservatory with a glazed roof and walls made of windows.
This is the standard definition of a conservatory in construction circles. It’s a building with a brick base, where the roof is 75 per cent glazed while the walls are made up of at least 50 per cent glazing.
For the most part, conservatory roofs are pitched. What’s more, a conservatory will always be built alongside your house as an extension when we’re talking about these kinds of spaces in relation to residential properties.
What are the key features of an orangery?
An orangery will typically have windows covering 50 per cent or less of its wall space. While these windows are often tall, you’ll see more brick or stone work in the walls which makes it feel slightly more enclosed.
The other way in which orangeries differ from conservatories is that they traditionally have a solid roof with a lantern window in the centre. This makes them feel more like additional rooms on your property.
It also means that less than 50 per cent of the roof is glazed, which can help with temperature control without compromising on the levels of light you get in this space.
But it is important to note that roof lanterns are three-dimensional pieces of glazing. They are not simply a flat window that is fitted in a roof space.
The other difference between an orangery and a conservatory is that an orangery can be built either as a stand-alone structure (if you have a large enough garden) or as an extension to your home.
Is a conservatory or an orangery a better choice?
There is no easy answer to this question, as the most suitable option will depend on the space you have available, how you want to use your extension and what style of house you have.
While orangeries have traditionally been associated with better temperature control, making them more pleasant to use throughout the year, advances in glazing and conservatory technology mean this gap is closing.
In fact, many modern conservatories are a blend of what you might expect from an orangery in structural terms, such as with higher walls, but with perhaps more glazing that makes them fall closer to the conservatory camp.
The right choice for your home will depend on a range of variables. To get the best outcome, bespoke conservatories or orangeries are usually the way to go.
This gives you an opportunity to work with a member of our design team to create an extension that will perfectly meet your needs and desires for this space in your home, whatever those might be.
One aspect to consider is that if you have more brickwork and a bit less glazing, you will generally find it easier to control the temperature in the space, particularly during the winter. This can make an orangery more appealing if you are conscious of energy efficiency.
However, due to their construction, it will typically take longer to add an orangery to your home than it will to build a conservatory. Plus, you may prefer the very light, airy feel a conservatory offers.
Where did orangeries originate from?
As their name suggests, orangeries rose to popularity as a way to grow the fruit that is their namesake in colder countries in Europe. This means that, historically, orangeries were always south facing to make the most of the available daylight.
The orange trees themselves were planted in tubs during the 17th and 18th centuries, which meant they could be moved into the orangery when the weather was cold, but put outside in the garden during the summer months.
Interestingly, fruit growing was also responsible for the development of the pitched glass roof that we associate with conservatories – although initially this kind of construction was used for what would better be described as a greenhouse.
These glass structures were used to help grow both grapes and pineapples in colder climates from the early 19th century.
So, we have fruits from around the world to thank for the inspiration for adding either an orangery or a conservatory to our homes.