Can You Have An Orangery On A Bungalow?

Yes, you can have an orangery installed on a bungalow. Furthermore, bungalows can work really well with orangery extensions because bungalows are single storey homes with easy access to the garden.

One of the things that needs to be considered is the roofline. Bungalows are know for being lower than two-storey properties, so when planning an orangery extension it needs to be done carefully in order for it to match up with the property. A flat style orangery with a roof lantern is a popular choice because it allows in more natural light, without making the extension look too heavy or tall.

We will explain to you how orangeries work on bungalows, what types of designs are available and what you should consider before beginning your project.

red brick orangery with glass roof

Why Orangeries Work Well On Bungalows

Bungalows can be a perfect fit for orangeries because they are already a single storey home. An orangery can help to extend the living space of the bungalow without making too many changes to the overall layout of the property.

A well-designed orangery can be used as a sitting room, garden room, dining room or a bright living space. It can also help to bring in more natural light into the back of the home, especially if the bungalow has small windows.

The most important part is making sure the orangery looks balanced. If the roof is too high or the design is too large, it could dominate the bungalow instead of it looking like a natural extension.

 

What To Consider Before Adding An Orangery To A Bungalow

Roofline

Bungalows have a much lower roofline, so the orangery roof has to be designed carefully. A flat orangery roof with a lantern can work better than a tall pitched roof.

Proportion

An orangery should be designed to be balanced with the current size of the bungalow. A design that is too big can make the property look small.

Natural Light

Large windows, roof lanterns and glazed doors can help make an orangery feel brighter without the need for a tall structure.

Access And Layout

Consider how you want the orangery to connect with the dining room, lounge, kitchen or garden. The layout should take into fact everyday use to make it simple and comfortable.

Best Orangery Designs For Bungalows

orangery

Flat Roof Orangery With Roof Lantern

An orangery with a flat roof and roof lantern is a very popular choice for bungalows. The flat roof helps to keep the height lower, whilst the lantern roof provides loads of natural light into the room.

This design can look modern, clean and balanced, especially when the orangery sits below the existing bungalow roof.

Pitched Roof Orangery

Pitched roof orangeries can also work on some bungalows, especially where the roof shape allows more height. This style suits traditional homes more, however if careful planning is done it can also look good on a bungalow.

Using matching roof tiles and exterior finish can help make the orangery blend in well with the original bungalow brickwork.

Grey Tiled Roof with Velux window

Lean-To Style Orangery

Lean to styled orangeries can be useful for bungalows that have lower rooflines and limited space. This simple shape can sit smartly against the property and work well as a garden room, dining area or a small sitting place.

Wraparound Orangery

An orangery that wraps around the property may be suitable for larger bungalows with more outdoor space. The design can create a larger living space and improve the relationship between the home and garden.

However, it will need carefully designing so it doesn’t overpower the bungalow.

why orangeries make the best extensions

Can An Orangery Look Too Big On A Bungalow?

Yes, an orangery can sometimes look too big on a small bungalow if the proportions are incorrect. Because bungalows are only single storey homes, a big or tall orangery can make the property look unbalanced.

A well designed orangery should feel like it belongs on the current home. The roofline, windows, doors, brickwork and size should be chosen to match the bungalow rather than compete with it.

In most cases, a low profile orangery with a roof lantern can help bring balance between a natural appearance and extra space.

Do Bungalow Orangeries Need Planning Permission?

Some bungalow orangeries may require planning permission, but this can depend on the height, size, position and the design of the orangery. Planning rules can be also different for conservation areas, listed buildings or homes that have already been extended.

Because of the lower rooflines of bungalows, the position and height of an orangery can be important. It is always worth considering planning requirements before carrying out any work.

Building permissions can also apply, especially for insulation, drainage, glazing and structural work.

Can An Orangery On A Bungalow Be Used All Year Round?

Yes, orangeries on a bungalow can be used year round when it is designed with suitable insulation, glazing, ventilation and heating.

The roofing system, frame quality, glass specification and installation will all play a role on how comfortable the orangery feels in the summer and winter months. A well designed oranger could feel like part of the home rather than a room only used in warm weather.

For most homeowners, this is one of the main factors for choosing an orangery instead of a conservatory.

What’s an Orangery?
Front view of orangery

How To Make A Bungalow Orangery Feel Bright And Open

Natural light is one of the best advantages from an orangery, when installed on the rear of a bungalow where the extension sits near the garden.

A lantern roof can help to bring in more natural light into the centre of the room, whilst french doors, patio doors, large windows and bi folding doors can be an open space to the garden.

Using light colours and keeping the layout simple with suitable flooring and carefully chosen furniture can help make the orangery feel more open and larger.

Orangery Ideas For Bungalows

Dining Orangery

An orangery can work amazing as a dining room, especially if it is installed to a kitchen that opens up towards the garden.

Garden Room

For a lot of homeowners who want a peaceful place to relax, an orangery can create a bright garden room.

Open-Plan Living Space

Bungalow orangeries can help to create more space and open plan layouts by extending a lounge, kitchen or dining room.

Accessible Living Space

Due to bungalows being a single storey, an orangery can be designed to provide easy access. Low thresholds and wide doorways can help to make the space more practical.

Bungalow Orangery Design Tips

  • Keep the orangery design proportionate to the bungalow.
  • Choose a roof design that will work with your current roofline.
  • Match exterior finishes and brickwork when possible.
  • Get a roof lantern to help improve natural light into your home.
  • Consider how the orangery room will connect to the garden.
  • Choose the right glazing for all year-round usage.
  • Consider having low threshold to make it easier for access.

Bungalow orangeries should feel like a natural extension on your home, not something that is an afterthought. The better the design is match to the property, the more finished the final result will look.

What’s an Orangery?

Bungalow Orangery Design Options: Quick Comparison

Orangery Design Best For Why It Works
Flat Roof Orangery Most bungalows Keeps the overall height lower while allowing a roof lantern
Pitched Roof Orangery Traditional bungalows Can match existing roof shapes when there is enough height
Lean-To Orangery Smaller bungalows Simple shape that works well with limited space
Wraparound Orangery Larger bungalows Creates more living space and wider garden views
Orangery With Bifold Doors Garden-facing homes Opens the room out towards the garden

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an orangery can be installed on an orangery. The design will require careful planning so that the orangery works well with low rooflines and the proportions of the property.

An orangery with a roof lantern is often a great choice for bungalows because it helps to keep the height lower whilst still allowing more natural light into the room.

Yes, an orangery can look really great on a bungalow when roof style, brickwork, style and glazing are matched to the existing home.

Some bungalow orangeries may require planning permission, but this can depend on the height, size, position and type of property. It is always best to get it checked before starting any work.

Yes an orangery can be used all year round when suitable insulation, heating options, ventilation and glazing are used.

An orangery can feel much more like a room than a standard conservatory because it includes a more substantial roof design, more brickwork and better integration with your home.

Orangeries For Bungalows

At St Helens Windows, we design and install a wide range of orangeries for homes and bungalows.

Whether you are looking for a garden-facing living space, a dining area or an orangery that works well with low rooflines, our team can help you explore ideas for your home.

Contact us today on 01744 611203 to discuss orangery glazing options, design ideas, roof lanterns and styles for your bungalow.