You could be forgiven for looking at orangeries and thinking that they are simply the same as a conservatory, but there are subtle differences between the two structures. This also means that one might be more suitable for your home than the other, depending on what you want to use this kind of extension for.
Let’s explore the differences and then the pros and cons of each option.
Conservatory and orangery: what’s the difference?
The main difference between a conservatory and an orangery is in how much of the structure is glazed. Very simply, a conservatory will have more glazing than an orangery.
However, there are more precise ways to tell the difference between the two structures. The walls of a conservatory will be at least 50 per cent glazed. Instead of having full glass panes, an orangery will instead have tall windows in its walls. These will take up less than half of the wall space of the extension, but still let plenty of light in.
The roof of a conservatory will also be made up of at least 75 per cent glazing. This contrasts with an orangery which will have less glazing. Normally, an orangery has what’s known as a roof lantern in the centre, which is a glazed area that covers less than 75 per cent of the roof.
What’s more, the pitch of conservatory and orangery roofs tends to be different. Orangeries more commonly have flat roofs, while conservatory roofs are typically pitched as well as glazed.
When you look at what both types of extension were developed for, the differences make more sense. Orangeries, as their name suggests, were originally additions made to homes in the 17th to 19th centuries to allow people to grow citrus fruits and other exotic plants.
As a result, these kinds of extensions were reserved for the wealthy in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
Conservatories, meanwhile, are a later architectural trend that allowed people to add a modest extension to their home to help them make the most of their gardens.
Which costs more?
One of the other variables between the two types of extension is cost. An orangery will usually be more expensive to add to your home, because it requires brickwork or stone walls and the installation of a lantern roof can be more costly than having a completely (or almost completely) glazed structure like a conservatory.
Of course, how much you’ll need to budget for either project will vary depending on the size of the space you’re adding to your home and what materials you choose for the build. It’s certainly important to seek quotes for bespoke orangeries or conservatories before making a decision.
Are both covered by permitted development rights?
In most cases, yes, both orangeries and conservatories are exempt from planning permission and fall under what are known as permitted development rights.
This means that you won’t need to wait for approval to go ahead with your project, not to mention that this will save you money as you won’t need to go through the planning process. Of course, there can be exceptions – such as if your home is a listed building.
If you’re unsure whether your orangery or conservatory will count as a permitted development, seek advice before you start the project to ensure you don’t run into issues further down the line.
What about building regulations?
This is where conservatories and orangeries differ. Conservatories don’t need to comply with building regulations usually, whereas orangeries do. This is because of the nature of the structure. Essentially orangeries are more like an extension to your home.
Provided you use a competent person for the construction of your orangery, receiving building regulations approval is straightforward, so it’s not something to be concerned about but it is an additional step to factor into your project.
Which is the better choice, a conservatory or an orangery?
The answer to this question will entirely depend on what you want to use this space for and how you will incorporate it into your home.
However, it is worth noting that because they aren’t fully glazed, orangeries tend to experience less fluctuation in temperature between winter and summer than conservatories. This means that an orangery will often be a better choice if you want a space that you can use comfortably throughout the year.
The design of your home may also dictate whether a conservatory or orangery is the better choice. If you have a Victorian or other period property, you may decide an orangery better fits with the overall aesthetic.
Whichever you choose, it’s important to ensure that it is well designed and thought out to ensure that it adds to the value of your home and doesn’t detract from its kerb appeal.
Different construction types offer varied options
There are various kinds of both conservatories and orangeries available to ensure that you can add an extension that provides the right aesthetic to complement your existing property. Wooden framed conservatories and orangeries are one of the most popular options, as these can be styled to fit either a modern or more traditional design.
We also offer traditional Victorian conservatories and orangeries that are designed to fit in perfectly with properties from this era. These are tasteful additions to your home that will provide you with a light, airy space that you can use all year round.
Even though we provide orangeries and conservatories in traditional designs, we use the most modern glazing technology to ensure that the space remains usable all year round. This will mean you can make the most of this striking addition to your property.
If you’re unsure what style of orangery or conservatory will work best at your property, speak to an expert team who have been designing and constructing such extensions for years. Our team of designers and builders will work with you to ensure that any extension meets your needs and looks great too.
Whichever you choose, it’s safe to say that an orangery or conservatory will be an excellent addition to your home.