What Is a Modern Orangery?
A modern orangery is a contemporary take on the traditional orangery, combining substantial structural elements with generous glazing to create a bright extension that feels closely connected to the rest of the home.
Unlike one fixed architectural style, a modern orangery can be adapted in many different ways. Designs may incorporate masonry, large windows, roof lanterns, contemporary doors and a choice of frame colours and finishes.
Modern Orangery Features
- Greater use of solid structure than many conservatories
- Large glazed windows and doors
- Roof lantern or glazed roof features
- Contemporary frame colours and finishes
- Flexible layouts and proportions
- Designed to connect naturally with the existing home
What Makes an Orangery Modern?
A modern orangery combines the more substantial feel traditionally associated with an orangery with contemporary glazing, doors, finishes and architectural detailing.
Many designs include solid walls or columns alongside large glazed areas, with a roof lantern or glazed roof element used to bring natural light into the centre of the room. The exact specification can vary considerably depending on the property and the intended design.
Key Features of a Modern Orangery
Modern orangeries can take many forms, but several design features are commonly used to create their distinctive balance of solid structure and glazing.
Solid Structural Elements
Orangeries often incorporate more masonry, insulated wall sections or substantial columns than a typical conservatory, helping the room feel more integrated with the main house.
Large Areas of Glazing
Generous windows and glazed doors allow natural light into the room and help maintain views of the garden and surrounding outdoor space.
Roof Lanterns
A roof lantern is a popular feature in many orangery designs, allowing light to enter from above while retaining more solid roof area around the perimeter.
Contemporary Finishes
Modern frame colours, roof finishes, doors and interior detailing can give an orangery a cleaner and more contemporary appearance.
How Is a Modern Orangery Different from a Conservatory?
Both can create bright additional living space, but they generally differ in the balance between solid construction and glazing.
More Solid Structure
An orangery commonly uses more substantial wall, column and roof sections, often combined with large windows and a roof lantern or other glazed roof feature.
Greater Emphasis on Glazing
A conservatory typically has a lighter visual structure with a greater proportion of glazed wall and roof area, although modern designs can vary considerably.
What Materials Are Used in a Modern Orangery?
The finished appearance depends on how the frame, masonry, glazing, doors and roof are combined rather than one specific material being required.
Frames & Glazing
Modern window and door systems can provide large glazed areas while offering a choice of colours, finishes and glazing specifications.
Masonry & Finishes
Brickwork, render or other external finishes can be selected to complement the existing property and help the extension feel more integrated.
Roof Lanterns & Roofs
Depending on the design, an orangery may combine solid roof sections with a glazed lantern or other roof glazing to bring additional daylight into the room.
What Can a Modern Orangery Be Used For?
One of the main attractions of an orangery is the flexibility to design the room around the way you want to use the additional space.
Dining Area
An orangery can provide a bright dining space with garden views and room for everyday meals or entertaining.
Living & Relaxation
Comfortable seating and generous glazing can create an additional lounge or relaxation area connected to the garden.
Kitchen Extension
Depending on the layout and project specification, an orangery can form part of a larger kitchen or kitchen-dining space.
Flexible Everyday Space
The room may also be planned around hobbies, home working, family activities or other uses suited to the household.
What Should You Consider When Designing a Modern Orangery?
The strongest design will take account of both the appearance of the extension and how the finished room needs to function.
- Size and proportions: consider how the extension will relate to the existing house and garden.
- Glazing: decide how much natural light and garden visibility you want.
- Roof design: consider whether a roof lantern or other glazed feature suits the layout.
- Doors: sliding, French or bi-folding doors may be considered depending on the chosen design.
- External finishes: brickwork, render and frame colours can help the orangery complement the property.
- Room use: plan the layout around furniture, circulation and how the space will be used day to day.
Modern Orangery FAQs
What is the main difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery generally incorporates a greater proportion of solid structure, such as walls, columns or roof sections, while a conservatory usually places greater emphasis on glazed walls and roofing. Exact designs vary.
Does a modern orangery need a roof lantern?
No. Roof lanterns are popular features, but they are not essential. The roof can be designed in different ways depending on the property, layout and preferred appearance.
Can an orangery have bi-folding or sliding doors?
Yes. Depending on the design and specification, large glazed doors can be incorporated to create a wider opening towards the garden.
Can a modern orangery match an existing home?
Yes. Frame colours, masonry, glazing and other finishes can be chosen to work with the existing property rather than making the orangery look like a separate addition.
Can an orangery be used as a kitchen or dining area?
Depending on the layout and specification, an orangery can be designed for dining, living space or as part of a larger kitchen and dining arrangement.
Explore Orangeries in St Helens
Explore our made-to-measure orangery options and discover how different glazing, roof and design choices can be combined to create an extension suited to your home.