In the 1970s, architects further developed the idea of the domestic conservatory. A basic structure attached to the side of a house to take advantage of sun warmth and views from a house. These large greenhouses were standalone structures of great size that housed a collection of exotic and rare plants and sometimes birds and animals.

They’re ideal for homeowners who want a bright yet private space that feels like a seamless part of the home. Their solid pillars protected the plants while expansive glass panels let in the sun. If you’re considering an orangery for your home, contact us today to discuss your project requirements.

Which doors can you add to an orangery?

Tailored entirely to a homeowner’s vision, bespoke orangeries provide complete flexibility, allowing every element—from size and layout to materials and finishes—to be customised. Sustainably sourced wood makes these orangeries an eco-friendly choice, and the timber structure brings a sense of craftsmanship that ages gracefully over time. With thick masonry or brick walls and elegant architectural details like decorative cornices, columns, and pilasters, they seamlessly complement period properties, adding a classic and sophisticated extension.

Lantern Roof Orangery

Orangeries tend to be more expensive than a similarly sized conservatory, but depending on the options chosen for framing and glazing, orangery costs can still be very reasonable. Whilst an orangery can be an expensive investment, it can also increase the value of your property more than the initial cost, so bear that in mind. Additional features such as heating, ventilation, lighting, or electrical installations can add to the overall cost of the orangery. The type and condition of the ground where the orangery will be built can affect the cost. The design and complexity of the orangery impact the overall cost. Several factors can influence the cost of an orangery, including size, materials, and design.

Listed buildings with orangeries

An Orangery roof has less glass, because it sits back from the side frames with a portion of a solid roof at the perimeter. This became further influenced by the increased demand for beautiful exotic plants in the garden, which could be grown and looked after in the orangeries. Gradually, due to technological advancements, orangeries became more of a classical architecture structure that enhanced the beauty of an estate garden, rather than simply a room used for wintering plants. Since these plants were not adapted to the harsh European winters, orangeries were invented to protect and sustain them more than greenhouses could. The orangery evolved when glass-making technology enabled sufficient expanses of clear glass to be produced.

A cosy internal feel is assured due to the first-class thermal performance of our tiled roofing system, which will fight off the elements without fail. Minimise roof maintenance with the specifying of self-cleaning or easy-clean glazing. To help you decide on which orangery is right for you we’ve put together this gallery of installations to inspire you. The beauty of going bespoke is that you can have any type of orangery that you want, perfectly tailored to your home and needs. You won’t notice the changing of the seasons when enjoying the space as the temperature will always feel consistently manageable. Most of the orangeries that you see when out and about are very faithful to the homes where they’re fitted and wonderfully co-ordinated with them.

• These high ceilings, with the potential for full floor-to-ceiling glazing, will make your extension feel wonderfully light and airy and substantially increasing the sense of space in the room.
• In 17th century northern Europe, buildings with large windows appeared that enabled citrus fruits and exotic plants to grow protected from the winter cold.
• This will be discussed during planning, and the drains will need to be moved before the foundations for your extension are laid.
• Don’t be fooled by the traditional style of an orangery – a bespoke extension, designed and built by a reputable manufacturer, will incorporate high-performance glazing which is technologically very advanced.
• They turned up on time, worked hard and left the property clean and tidy.
• An orangery’s versatile layout, featuring brick or walls alongside large windows and a tiled or glass roof, seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living.

We bet you didn’t expect there to be so many UPVC colours…

Designing an orangery is not as straightforward as just deciding you want one and constructing it; it’s essential that it is well-planned. Because of the mixed materials, where available, composite frames bridge the cost gap between solid timber and aluminium frames. Some, but not all, orangery manufacturers offer composite frames, which are a mix of timber coated with an aluminium exterior. It should be noted that aluminium frames may not be suitable for coastal locations due to the presence of salt water, which can be erosive and costly to repair. Aluminium frames can come in a variety of colours and can also be finished with a timber grain effect, making them a suitable alternative to actual wooden frames, though they can be considerably costlier than uPVC frames to purchase.

Their design is often bespoke, tailored to complement the existing architecture of the home and meet the specific needs of the homeowner. Please feel free to call in to see us – our staff are experienced and very knowledgeable and with the help of our design centre we can help you explore ideas for what might just end up becoming your favourite room in the world! Strata aim to provide you the best environment to begin your orangery research and perhaps look at a few new ideas!

Orangeries can be entirely made of materials such as hardwood or uPVC and don’t necessarily require the brickwork of an extension, making them a cheaper option. Our advice guides have tips on how to regulate your conservatory temperature, which will help you make the most of the room all year. During the cooler winter period, make sure your roof is sufficiently insulated, as heat will rise and escape. For the summer months, make sure you have good ventilation, as it will help cool your orangery. This can still happen, but with modern technology it’s possible to stop wild fluctuations in temperature across the year. In the past, a common problem with orangeries was that they got too hot in the summer and too cold during the winter.

The first orangeries were practical and not as ornamental as they later became. Don’t hesitate to talk to a Hazlemere advisor for guidance on feature doors. A sliding or hinged patio door is the very definition of a classic feature door and will establish an exotic access point for walking in and out of the orangery. Triple track doors maximise any external view due to their remarkably slender frames and expansive opening.

By carefully considering these aspects, you can ensure a smooth and successful orangery build, creating a beautiful and functional addition to your home. Some local councils or government schemes offer grants or low-interest loans for home improvement projects, including orangeries. A comprehensive cost breakdown will help you manage expenses and allocate funds appropriately. Be realistic about your budget and factor in a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Integration with the existing property involves careful selection of materials orangery liverpool and finishes that match or enhance the current aesthetic. Listed buildings have strict regulations to preserve their historical and architectural significance.

However, to use one example, a small home office built in a garden could cost around £9,000 including labour. Velux loft conversions (also sometimes referred to as rooflight or skylight conversions) are the cheapest option, typically costing around £20,000, as fewer structural modifications are required. The average cost of a kitchen extension is between £16,000 and £21,000 for a small space (around 15m²).