Orangeries and Conservatories: A homeowner’s guide

Everything you need to know…

Orangeries and conservatories are similar in the sense they are both an extension to your home. Orangeries are usually stone or brick-built with a flat roof and central roof lantern. An Orangery is a timeless and stylish way to add value and class to your property. This article will highlight some facts about orangeries and ensure you’re as educated as possible when making design decisions.

What is the difference between an Orangery and a Conservatory?

A question that often gets asked is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery. The main difference between the two structures are the materials used to build them. An Orangery is a predominantly brick/stone built with large panes of glass. A conservatory, on the other hand, is made mostly of glass, with a brick built base and uPVC frames.

Do I need planning permission to add an orangery?

The short answer is no. However, we would always recommend that before making any drastic changes to your property, you check with a local authority to make sure. The general rules are:

• Your Orangery isn’t allowed to cover more than 50% of the house.
• Your Orangery isn’t allowed to be taller than 4 metres.
• Your Orangery can’t be more than half the width of the house.
• Your Orangery can’t have elevated platforms/balconies and have eaves taller than three metres (if it is withing 2m of a boundary.)

Do I need to dig foundations for an Orangery?

Yes, you do. An Orangery is only as strong as its foundations. The foundations must be at least one metre in depth to meet building regulations. It is quite common to need to excavate foundations deeper than those of the original property to ensure safety and stability.

What value does an Orangery add to my home?

As an estimate, an Orangery can add between 5-10% to the value of your home, but this can be 15% in some cases. They offer the benefits of added space, sun exposure, heat, and a luxury element of style to any home. As time has passed, they’ve gone from a status symbol of the rich to a viable option for many homes. The decision lies with you, the homeowner. If you’re curious, get in touch with us and we can give you professional advice on what might be best for your home.

Talk to us about your next conservatory or orangery project.