Home extensions can transform the space in your home while also adding significant value. If you are considering increasing the space in your property, itâs likely you are weighing up the benefits of a conservatory or the pros of installing an orangery – or perhaps you are questioning what the difference is between the two anyway.
Youâre not the only one.
Whatâs the difference between a conservatory and an orangery? This is the question we get asked the most by our customers, and as trusted and experienced installers for over 25 years, we are well-placed to provide the answers you need. Although orangeries and conservatories are built in similar ways, there are some distinctions to be aware of before making a purchase.
Whatâs the Difference Between a Conservatory and an Orangery
It is not the amount of glazing or brickwork that differentiates an orangery from a conservatory, it is actually the construction of the roof. A conservatory has a fully glazed roof, while an orangery has a solid perimeter and a glazed section right in the middle of the roof. The construction of the roof is the main difference between an orangery and a conservatory.
Conservatory Definition
What defines a conservatory? To help you understand the difference between conservatories and orangeries, we will define a conservatory room for you. A conservatory is an extension of your home. It typically has a glass roof that covers at least 75% of the overall roof area. A conservatory also has glass walls that allow you to enjoy your garden view uninterrupted all year round.
If youâre wondering what is classed as a conservatory in the UK, itâs basically a home extension that is predominantly made out of glass. That is, the roof and the walls are glazed to maximise the amount of light in your home. Another characteristic of conservatories is that they tend to be built as an attachment to the home, whereas it is possible for an orangery to be a structure that is completely independent of your home and situated somewhere else in the garden.
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Orangery Definition
While there isnât a universally acknowledged definition of an orangery, it is basically a home extension built using more brickwork than a classic glazed conservatory. An easy way to think of an orangery is halfway between a conservatory and a small single-story extension. Orangeries were originally birthed in Italy and then architecturally adapted in Holland, before becoming widely popular and as a status symbol among the wealthy.
The main difference between conservatories and orangeries is that orangeries have a solid roof perimeter with a glazed area in the centre. This glazed area is called a lantern and it lets in the light. The solid perimeter of an orangery is what forms the ceiling on the inside so that you can fit the roof with light fixtures and enjoy a space that is a comfortable temperature all year round.
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The Differences Between Conservatories and Orangeries Outlined
To help break this down easily, we have listed out the main differences between conservatories and orangeries below, just to make things easier.
Construction
The main differences in construction between the two structures are the base and the roof. Both conservatories and orangeries are built on a solid concrete foundation, however, orangeries have a brick base while conservatories have floor-to-roof frames. Orangeries are also constructed with a flat perimeter roof that has a central glass lantern, while most conservatories have pitched glazed roofs.
Doors
Conservatories typically have glazed patio doors that allow homeowners to open their homes straight out into the garden. This provides a seamless transition between home and nature. Orangeries, on the other hand, tend to use bi-fold door systems so that space in the home is maximised. However, it is possible to interchange these door styles with whichever structure you choose as both options can be easily customised to suit the style and functionality you are trying to achieve.
Materials
The conservatories we sell are made from high quality and low maintenance UPVC, as are our orangeries. UPVC is a durable and long-lasting material that provides security, easy cleaning, good aesthetics, and functionality for our customers. Whatâs more, it is an extremely affordable material that can help you achieve more space and improve your living space without having to sacrifice a huge amount of your budget.
Glazing
Both structures have glazed windows that are used to maximise natural light in the home. Typically, conservatories have larger glazed panels than orangeries in order to enjoy a clearer view of the outdoors. While orangeries do have big windows, they are not typically floor-to-ceiling but they do help add a touch of grandeur to a property.
Design
Conservatories are designed specifically to let as much natural light into your home as possible, making them ideal if you have a south-facing garden that catches the sun in the summer months. All of this extra light also makes conservatories popular spaces to use as sitting rooms and hosting spaces during the warmer months.
Orangeries are a little closer to a traditional home extension, except with less glass. Orangeries offer more privacy to homeowners than fully-glazed conservatories and they can easily be adapted into dining rooms, sitting rooms, home offices, or even kitchens. Thanks to the construction methods and materials used, orangeries have more available wall space and are designed in such a way that they more closely match the rest of your home.
The Difference in Value
Both conservatories and orangeries can add significant value to your home, especially when completed to a very high standard by our expert team. It is estimated that the value added to your home can be anywhere between 5% and 12%, depending on the type of property you live in and its location.
If you know whether you want to buy a conservatory or an orangery after reading the differences, it is worth using the Office for National Statistics Tool to estimate the value increase you might expect. This tool does a fantastic job of estimating how much value an extension could add to your home.
Call to Discuss Whatâs Right for You
At South Coast Home Improvements, we create bespoke conservatories and orangeries that enhance your homeâs space and style. With over 40 years of experience, we ensure quality and precision in every project. Transform your home today by getting in touch with our team or using our quick quote feature.