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If you are planning to extend your home in the UK, you have likely encountered various architectural terms for glass buildings. Understanding the specific features of an orangery—and whether it suits your lifestyle—will help you choose the best type of light-filled addition for your property.
A bespoke orangery is a premium extension that sits between a conservatory and a full brick addition. Typically, these builds feature:
Solid Masonry: Brick or stone walls with large, high-performance windows.
Architectural Roofs: A flat or low-pitch perimeter roof.
Light Lanterns: One or more central glazed lanterns for overhead sunlight.
Garden Access: Wide bi-fold, French, or sliding door designs.
This combination provides more structural integrity and insulation than a traditional conservatory, while offering significantly more natural light than a standard brick extension.
A standard conservatory usually features a fully glazed roof and a high proportion of glass walls. While these feel bright, they often require careful specification to avoid seasonal overheating. In contrast, a traditional single-storey extension has a solid tiled or slate roof with smaller window openings, creating a more enclosed, “room-like” feel.
The timber-framed extension blends both concepts. It offers the daylight of a glass house with the thermal performance of a brick build. For many UK homeowners, this makes the design ideal for open-plan kitchens and multipurpose family rooms.
Modern glass-roofed rooms are incredibly flexible. Because these structures are designed as permanent “rooms within the house,” they function perfectly throughout the year. Common uses include:
Social Kitchen Hubs: Perfect for open-plan cooking and dining.
Garden Snugs: Creating a peaceful lounge with panoramic views.
Bright Home Offices: Utilizing natural light to boost productivity.
Unlike older conservatories, which often fluctuate in temperature, these builds maintain a consistent climate regardless of the UK weather.
Investing in a high-quality build brings several long-term benefits to your residence. According to the UK Planning Portal, many glazed extensions fall under permitted development, making them a practical way to expand. Key benefits include:
Enhanced Wellbeing: More natural light and improved garden views.
Increased Footprint: Additional usable floor space without the hassle of moving.
Property Value: A significant uplift in market appeal when designed by specialists.
By working with an expert like Farrow & Jones, you can create a luxury space tailored to your home’s specific architecture.
Deciding on the right architectural path often requires a professional assessment. A design consultation allows a specialist to evaluate your property, suggest efficient layouts, and explain the latest building regulations. From there, you can compare different structural options to choose the one that delivers the most value for your budget.
For tailored advice and innovative design ideas, contact our team to explore how a bespoke build could transform your lifestyle.