When thinking about building an extension, it is important that you opt for the right design for your house and garden. Typically an orangery is a home extension with a glass roof typically covering less than 75% of the overall roof area, and glass walls covering less than 50% of the total wall area.Present day, the differences between an orangery and a conservatory are less apparent. For example, an Edwardian semi would better suit a conservatory whilst a traditional stone-built detached house would suit the grandeur of an orangery. To really understand the subtle differences between a conservatory and an orangery we need to understand how conservatories developed from orangeries. Instead of standing as a separated building in groomed gardens, orangeries became part of the home itself – a sort of extension. These owners decided on a light-filled orangery to create an additional living space which opens out into the garden

Embrace the modern orangery style

With one of our contemporary orangeries, you get all the bells and whistles you could possibly want. If you are having a timber orangery you can choose from over 30 colour options including limstone, sage green, habour blue, through to granite, light oak and black. One of your initial decisions will be to select either a traditional or contemporary orangery. Aluminium products are sleek and minimalist, facilitating a bigger glass area and letting in floods of light. Externally, or internally, from an outdoor perspective or from the more relaxed perspective of your sofa, you’ll soon become aware that you are seeing superior design, superbly crafted when choosing an aluminium orangery.

Rich Timber Options

Your local authority can demand liverpool conservatory that the orangery be taken down if it fails to meet the proper requirements. Bear in mind that planning rules are regularly tweaked and changed, so be sure to check whether permitted development applies in your case. To calculate the fees of obtaining planning permission, you can visit the planning portal, though you can typically expect the fee to be in the region of £205.

Prefab Extension Costs

From the early 18th century onwards, orangeries and greenhouses began to be used as social spaces and not merely functional ones. These tended to be built out of brick, with flat roofs and large windows along the south side to flood them with sunlight. The Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington, D.C., includes an orangery built in 1810 that is now used to house gardenias, oleander, and citrus plants during the winter.

• An orangery is more like an extension than a conservatory as it features solid brick pillars and columns combined with large windows.
• To achieve this, the windows had to be south-facing, with a solid north-facing wall protecting against the cold and wooden shutters to retain heat at night.
• Having an orangery installed saves cash on energy bills and is much less hassle than moving home.
• "There is no strict minimum size for an orangery, if you choose to work with a bespoke designer or manufacturer," confirms Karen Bell.

Typically, the cost of an orangery is between £10,000 and £20,000 for a small orangery that’s around 15m². The average orangery cost varies depending on the size of the orangery you want, the quality of materials you want to use, the finish you’re looking to achieve, and your location in the UK. With the typical orangery extension ranging from 15m² to 25m², there can be plenty of variation in price. The average cost of an orangery is between £10,000 and £40,000 in 2025. Explore our collection of information articles which each cover a topic relating to orangeries, these pages may be particularly helpful when seeking inspiration for your own project. The Planning Permissions required for an orangery can depend on several factors, including your location, local building regulations, and the specific characteristics of the structure.

The glazed roof, which afforded sunlight to plants that were not dormant, was a development of the early 19th century. The orangery originated from the Renaissance gardens of Italy, when glass-making technology enabled sufficient expanses of clear glass to be produced. Gradually, due to technological advancements, orangeries became more of a classic architectural structure that enhanced the beauty of an estate garden, rather than a room used for wintering plants. There are many different options when it comes to orangeries and their installers.

Brick Pillars

Traditionally, many are topped with a lantern or ridge, allowing natural light to flood the interior. Available in square, rectangular, and circular shapes with distinctive curved glass. A good idea is to introduce a clerestory when the door height is 2.4m or taller, creating an elegant and balanced design. Orangeries, known for their extensive glazing to enhance natural light, depend significantly on fenestration. The spacing between pilasters in an orangery affects its proportion and scale. A pilaster can be a structural column that is also a decorative feature, used to divide large glazing in an orangery.

Our orangeries are equipped with double or triple glazing options to ensure superior thermal performance. Our wooden orangeries are made from FSC® or PEFC certified timber, ensuring both sustainability and durability. It combines the best of heritage design and modern performance. Characterised by high ceilings and expansive windows, The Hutton offers abundant natural light and a sense of openness.

Not only do they serve as a sanctuary of light and tranquillity, but they also seamlessly blend the indoors with the natural world outside. Something that is undeniable with aluminium orangeries is the sheer quality of the finishes. If you want the option of opening out the extension in summer, opt for aluminium bi-folding doors, exposing your home to the glory of the outside world. Our network of retailers can finish your orangery design in an array of subtle and striking colours, made perfectly to match your home.

If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, a contemporary orangery may make the most sense for you. One of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to opt for a traditional or contemporary orangery. If you’re looking to take the first steps on your bespoke orangery journey be sure to get in touch with our expert designers who will help you throughout the process. There is also a self-cleaning glass option that breaks down organic dirt that lands on the surface which might be of interest to homeowners where an orangery is planned close to trees for example. In some cases, particularly where an orangery is directly south facing, it makes sense to incorporate solar reflective glass which not only reflects some of the sun’s heat but also cuts down on UV penetration too. There are many other examples across the UK but before planning a visit, it’s best to ensure that the orangery is open to the general public and not limited to weddings and events.