An orangery offers a unique way to expand your living space, blending classic elegance with modern functionality. With their light-filled rooms and seamless connection to the outdoors, orangeries add both beauty and versatility to any home. Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy retreat or an airy dining space, the possibilities with an orangery are vast and captivating. Let’s explore the various types and discover which one could transform your home.
What is an orangery?
An orangery is a type of room extension that combines the features of a conservatory and a traditional home extension. It typically has a solid glazed roof (often a lantern-style skylight) and large windows or glass doors, which bring in ample natural light while still offering insulation and privacy. Unlike a conservatory, which is usually entirely made of glass and metal, an orangery includes more substantial brick or stone walls, blending it seamlessly with the existing architecture of the home.
Orangeries are popular in UK home renovations because they create a stylish, multifunctional space that can be used year-round. Many homeowners opt for orangeries to add space for dining areas, lounges, or even home offices, achieving a modern yet classic look that enhances both the aesthetic and value of the property.
Types of orangeries
There are many types of orangeries that homeowners can choose from. In this section, we will cover the most popular ones.
Traditional orangery
Traditional orangeries are inspired by grand estate structures of the 17th century and 18th century, built originally to protect exotic plants. 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. A central roof lantern enhances natural light while maintaining insulation, and large, grid-paned windows create a vintage look reminiscent of a traditional orangery or a conservatory. Often featuring French doors opening to garden areas, traditional orangeries provide a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, making them ideal for use as formal dining rooms or conservatories in homes with a heritage aesthetic.
Pros:
- Enhances historical or classic appeal, adding elegance to the property.
- Often increases the value of older homes due to its complementary style.
- Provides excellent insulation with brick or stone construction.
Cons:
- Generally more expensive due to custom detailing and materials.
- Requires more upkeep to preserve the classic look.
- May not suit modern homes aesthetically.
Contemporary Orangery
Characterised by clean lines, open-plan spaces, and a minimalist aesthetic, contemporary orangeries focus on versatility and adaptability to various interior styles. Large glass panels and slim aluminium frames create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, allowing abundant natural light and clear garden views. Often incorporating flat roofs with skylights or roof lanterns, these spaces are perfect as modern dining areas, lounges, or home offices, providing a bright, airy feel that complements any property with a sleek, modern look.
Pros:
- Matches modern homes well with sleek design options.
- Maximises natural light, creating a bright and airy space.
- Customisable with various door and window styles, like bi-fold or sliding doors.
Cons:
- Can look out of place with traditional properties.
- Slim frames may offer less insulation than traditional builds.
- Typically costs more if high-end materials like aluminum are used.
Brick Orangery
Brick orangeries are designed with brick walls that blend seamlessly with the existing home, providing a solid, traditional appearance that offers greater insulation and privacy than glass-heavy alternatives. The brickwork not only adds thermal efficiency, making the space comfortable in all seasons but also lends a sense of permanence, resembling a natural extension of the house rather than an add-on. Typically built with large windows or a roof lantern to balance natural light with the enclosed, cosy feel of a traditional room, brick orangeries are ideal for creating year-round living spaces, such as lounges or dining areas, that feel both sturdy and inviting.
Pros:
- Offers better insulation than glass-dominant structures, suitable for all seasons.
- Integrates well with most home exteriors, particularly brick houses.
- Adds a sense of permanence and solidity to the extension.
Cons:
- Limits natural light entry compared to glass-based designs.
- Potentially more expensive due to the cost of brickwork.
- Less visually open, which may feel more enclosed.
Timber Orangery
With their warm, rustic charm, timber orangeries blend beautifully with natural surroundings and garden settings, offering an inviting, organic aesthetic that feels both cosy and refined. Sustainably sourced wood makes these orangeries an eco-friendly choice, and the timber structure brings a sense of craftsmanship that ages gracefully over time. Large wooden beams and natural finishes contribute to a cohesive look that pairs well with both traditional and countryside homes, while also providing good insulation for year-round comfort. This type of orangery is perfect for creating a welcoming living space that connects harmoniously with the outdoors.
Pros:
- Provides a warm, natural aesthetic that complements rustic settings.
- Environmentally friendly if using sustainably sourced wood.
- Customisable in wood finish and tone for different looks.
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent weathering or rot.
- Generally more expensive than uPVC or aluminium options.
- May not suit highly modern home styles.
Bespoke 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. With options to include unique features like custom roof designs, specialised door systems, or specific window placements, a new orangery can meet any architectural or aesthetic requirement. This level of customisation ensures that the extension seamlessly integrates with the existing property, whether it’s a period home or a modern build, resulting in a unique, highly functional space that reflects the homeowner’s personal style and preferences.
Pros:
- Perfectly tailored to the homeowner’s needs and style.
- Can be designed to complement any home, regardless of style or era.
- Allows unique design elements like custom roofing or specific materials.
Cons:
- Most expensive option due to full customization.
- Longer design and construction time.
- Requires close coordination with architects or designers, adding complexity.
Hybrid Orangery
Combining the airy openness of conservatories with the sturdiness of traditional extensions, hybrid orangeries feature a mix of glass walls and solid sections, often with a partially solid roof or integrated roof lantern. This blend of materials creates a light-filled, versatile space that offers both insulation and a strong connection to the outdoors. Hybrid orangeries are ideal for those seeking a balanced aesthetic that complements various architectural styles, making them suitable for both modern and classic homes. This flexibility allows them to function comfortably as dining areas, family rooms, or home offices with a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow.
Pros:
- Offers a versatile look that suits both modern and classic homes.
- Provides a balanced indoor-outdoor connection with adequate insulation.
- Flexible in design, allowing for various layouts and door styles.
Cons:
- Less light than full glass conservatories.
- May require additional insulation for extreme weather.
- Can be challenging to match exactly with certain architectural styles.
Lantern Roof Orangery
With a defining central glazed section or “lantern” atop a flat roof, lantern roof orangeries introduce a striking architectural feature that floods the space with overhead natural light. This design allows for a bright and airy atmosphere without relying heavily on side glazing, making it ideal for settings where privacy or insulation is prioritised. The roof lantern adds a touch of elegance, drawing the eye upwards and creating a sense of height, making these orangeries perfect for use as formal dining rooms, living spaces, or garden rooms where both style and functionality are essential.
Pros:
- Maximises overhead light, creating a bright and airy space.
- Central lantern adds a visually stunning feature to the room.
- Ideal for use as a dining or living room due to its stylish design.
Cons:
- Can be expensive due to the complex roof structure.
- Potential heat loss if not insulated properly.
- Roof lanterns may require extra maintenance and cleaning.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery?
In the UK, planning permission for an orangery may or may not be required, depending on specific criteria. Orangeries are generally considered “permitted development,” which means they don’t require formal planning permission if they meet certain conditions:
- The orangery must not exceed 50% of the total area surrounding the original house.
- It cannot extend more than six meters (for a terraced or semi-detached house) or eight meters (for a detached house) from the rear wall of the house.
- The structure must be less than four meters high to comply with the perimeter regulations.
- It must not be closer than seven meters to the property boundary.
- The orangery cannot have balconies, raised platforms, or verandas.
- Roof eaves should not exceed three meters if within two meters of the property boundary.
If the orangery falls within these parameters, planning permission is typically not required. However, if it exceeds these limits or if the property is listed or in a conservation area, you will likely need to obtain planning permission.
Conclusion
Choosing the right orangery can transform your home, adding both functionality and charm to your property. With options ranging from traditional brick or timber designs to sleek, modern structures, there’s an orangery style to suit every taste and home layout. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dining area, a light-filled lounge, or a cosy home office, an orangery is an investment in both comfort and style. By understanding each type and any planning requirements, you can create a stunning space that meets your unique needs.
