When it comes to researching ways to add extra living space to your property, you have probably come across two of the most popular options available: an orangery and a conservatory. While at first glance the pair can appear very similar, there are actually a variety of differences between them that can influence which is best suited to your home and lifestyle.
By understanding the differences between an orangery and a conservatory, it can be much easier to make an informed decision on where your investment should go, based on your property style and budget.
Throughout this guide, we will discuss the differences between orangeries and conservatories, exploring what makes each of them unique and helping you decide which is the best option for you.
What Is An Orangery?
An orangery is an extension of the home, combining traditional brickwork with large glazed windows and lantern roofs. Orangeries have evolved massively over the years and are designed to seamlessly blend into modern homes, providing additional space and features while adding value and style to a property.
Unlike a traditional conservatory, an orangery features solid brick pillars or walls, large windows and glazed doors, and a partially solid roof, creating a more natural extension of the home, rather than a separate structure. Due to their unique construction, orangeries have a permanent feel, making them an excellent choice for dining rooms, playrooms, living areas, home offices and garden rooms.
Due to a combination of natural light and solid build, orangeries create a comfortable environment which can be used all year round, regardless of the season.
A conservatory, on the other hand, is a glazed extension which maximises natural light, while creating a separation between the garden and the home. Conservatories are often constructed with a much higher proportion of glass than an orangery, with full-height windows and a predominantly glazed roof.
What Are The Differences Between An Orangery And A Conservatory?
Although both structures have many similarities, there are a few key differences between an orangery and a conservatory. For example:
Structure:
An orangery often uses masonry construction with brick pillars and solid sections, paired with carefully placed glazed elements to balance the features and give similar characteristics to the existing home.
Roof design:
Most orangeries feature a flat perimeter roof, paired with a glazed lantern-style centrepiece. The peaked roof allows daylight to flood through the room, while still maintaining the feel of a solid extension, whereas conservatories will traditionally use a fully glazed roof.
For properties with an existing conservatory, having a conservatory roof replacement can dramatically improve the comfort of the space, without needing to rebuild the extension completely.
Natural light:
While both options are designed to bring more natural light into the home, they do so in different ways.
Conservatories let in the most natural light due to their extensive glazing, making them ideal for enjoying garden views. Orangeries offer extensive natural light due to large windows and lantern roofing; however, their additional brickwork creates an enclosed space and a cosier living environment, which feels spacious and more open.
Style and appearance:
Orangeries are designed to create a timeless appearance which seamlessly blends into both traditional and modern homes for additional space. Due to the combination of brickwork and glazing, it creates a sophisticated design for a natural extension of the property.
Conservatories often deliver a much lighter and more contemporary feel, with expansive glazing and uninterrupted views for a natural connection between the garden and the home.
Planning permissions:
Both orangeries and conservatories fall under permitted development rights, meaning in many cases, planning permission is not necessary. However, regulations may apply depending on the specification and intended use of the space.
At SolarFrame, we ensure that a building regulations certificate is provided once the installation is complete, and we work with a specialist planning department that works with your local planning authority to ensure your extension meets the requirements set.
Energy efficiency:
Due to the greater proportion of brickwork and insulated designs, orangeries have a much greater ability to retain heat more effectively than a traditional conservatory, helping to create a comfortable environment throughout the year.
However, with a conservatory roof replacement, you can transform your existing conservatory by replacing the old glass or polycarbonate roof with our insulated, thermally efficient, solid tiled roof.
Can An Orangery Or A Conservatory Add Value To A Home?
Both orangeries and conservatories can increase the overall appeal of your property, subsequently adding value to the overall price.
An orangery can typically be viewed as a premium addition to the home, due to its substantial construction and integration into the property. By having additional space for a dining room or living area, buyers can much more easily visualise their surroundings and make the property seem more desirable.
Modern conservatories can also add value, especially if they can be used as additional living spaces year-round. With a solid roof replacement, insulation can make the additional space much more attractive than an older conservatory, which suffers temperature extremes.
Rather than focusing solely on the additional value an extension can add to the property, it is worth considering how the space will be used. Creating additional space which can be utilised and improve your day-to-day can have a greater long-term impact for the family.
Which Is Right For My Home?
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer. The right choice depends on the property style, the budget you are working with and how you plan to use the space. For example, an orangery may be the better option if you:
- Plan to create a natural extension or an open-plan living space.
- Prefer a more solid and permanent appearance.
- Prefer an extension which feels like a natural part of the home.
Whereas a conservatory may be the better option if you:
- Want to maximise natural lighting.
- Need a flexible living space.
- Are looking for uninterrupted views into your garden.
While there is no universal answer, both options can provide excellent ways to maximise your property’s space and create an additional living space which complements the style of your home.
For those simply wishing for a quick upgrade to their home, a conservatory roof replacement can be a quick fix to optimise your insulation and thermal efficiency in an existing structure, reducing noise and giving your conservatory a modern upgrade.
Orangery VS Conservatory:
Ultimately, when comparing the two, neither option is inherently superior. Both orangeries and conservatories can add additional living space, improve the overall appearance of the home, and add value to the property for later down the line.
An orangery, however, can add a substantial extension-like feel to the home, with solid brickwork and a modern lantern-style roof, making it a perfect choice for homeowners who want a natural, seamless extension that can be used all year round.
By understanding the differences between the two, it can be much easier to make an informed decision for your property and choose the right way to optimise your space.
For more information on either an orangery or a conservatory roof replacement, request a quote from a member of our team, who will explore the options available to create your dream home, or contact us at info@solarframe-direct.co.uk for support.