Are you considering an extension for your home?. You may have come across two different popular choices such as conservatories or orangeries. While both of these extensions add additional living space and bring in much more natural light. They do have key design differences, construction and functionality. Understanding about each of them can help you choose what suit yours needs most.
What Is a conservatory?
A conservatory is mainly a glass based extension typically installed to the rear of your property. Conservatories where originally designed for growing plants, but today, they server as living spaces such as, dining areas, home offices, lounges and much more.
Key features of a conservatory:
- Glass Dominance: Conservatories are usually made of over 75% of glass on the roof and the walls to help maximise natural light.
- Lightweight Structure: Conservatories come in a wide range of frames these include aluminium, timber and uPVC being the most popular.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Because of the high amount of glass, some conservatories can become warm in the summer and cooler in the winter without proper insulation.
- Affordability: Conservatories are typically much more cost effective compared to orangeries due to the simpler design.
What Is an Orangery?
An orangery is a more solid home extension, designed during the 17th century to house and grow citrus trees during the colder months. Today, orangeries provide luxury and elegant living space that blend the indoors and outdoors.
Key features of an orangery:
- Brick and Solid Structure: Unlike conservatories, orangeries have more bricks and columns to make the structure solid.
- Lantern Roofs: Orangeries have a featured roof lantern this is a glass section in the middle of a solid roof. This allows more natural light to enter the extension whilst also providing better insulation.
- Energy Efficiency: A combination of double glazed windows and brick walls make orangeries more thermal efficient than conservatories.
- Cost Considerations: The price of an orangery can be slightly different compared to a conservatory due to the complex construction.
Which one should you choose?
Choosing between a orangery and a conservatory really depends on personal preferences, budget and how you would like to use the extra space.
- Choose a conservatory if: You would like an affordable, airy and bright space with maximum glass for natural light.
- Choose a orangery if: You prefer a more luxurious solid build, with better insulation that provides all year round usage.
Conclusion
Both conservatories and orangeries can add additional value to your home by creating additional living space and enhancing kerb appeal. Whilst a conservatory maximises natural light with more glass. Orangeries provide a solid and thermal efficient extension with a much more traditional look. Understanding the key differences between the two can help you make a decision which extension suits your property and lifestyle.
Whether you choose a conservatory or an orangery, both will help to transform your home and provide a beautiful functional extension to your home to enjoy throughout the year. For a free quotation contact us today to book in for an appointment.
