Living with an orangery extension, you can significantly change the usage of some rooms in the house. If you wish to capture more rays of sunlight, increase the space in the house, or make an aesthetical upgrade, an orangery is right for you. Drawn to a style in between that of home extensions and conservatories, orangeries provide a striking mix of bricks and glass. Our step-by-step guide will help you know all there is to know about planning and designing the perfect orangery for your home.
What is Orangery Extension?
An orangery can be best described as a home extension that features elements of both classic and contemporary architecture. Dating back to the seventeenth century, where it was used as a greenhouse to cultivate orange trees, orangeries are today luxury spaces used for dwelling. It has brick and block walls, including large windows and a partially glazed roof. Due to this structure, better insulations can be achieved while also making the most of natural lighting. Depending on the design, an orangery is less exposed than a conservatory and possesses stronger walls and roofing systems.
Outdoor features of an Orangery Extension
Orangeries are separated from other types of home extensions by the fact that they possess distinct architectural elements. Here are the key elements:
Solid, Insulated Walls
Orangeries are different from conservatories, which are mostly glass and open. They also have walls that insulate better and offer privacy. These walls also contribute to the integration of extension and house design.
Large Windows
Orangeries have a large glazed area, indeed, a glazed area that covers at least the area of a lower ceiling. These windows enable a sufficient amount of light to penetrate the interior of the space, setting quite a bright and open aura.
Roof Options
That of an orangery is usually a combination of a solid section in association with a glazed central structure or lantern. This design affords one of the best thermal performance yet admits beautifully the sun.
Versatility
Orangeries can be designed to perform a number of functional roles in your home, including dining, office, or play space. Due to their flexibility in construction, they are perfect for most houses and lifestyles. For a comprehensive guide on pricing, check out this resource on the cost of an orangery.
Advantages of Deciding on the Orangery Extension
Homeowners always look for some ways through which they could use to improve their homes, and an orangery extension is one mostly appreciated for the many benefits it offers.
Increased Living Space
An orangery provides an extension of your home space, and with that can be used in the ways ranging from a comfortable living room to a beautiful dining room. This extra space can be so useful when a family expands, or for those who love hosting; everyone needs a guest room, right?
Enhanced Natural Light
For an orangery it is characterized for having large windows and glazed roof to allow for sufficient lighting. This makes the atmosphere friendly and easy with less total usage of artificial light during the day time.
Improved Thermal Comfort
The use of brick walls and glazing makes it controlling with heat during chilly periods and at the same time during the hot periods. This also makes it a very convenient to use especially if installed in areas such as the living room thus can be used throughout the year.
Beautiful Garden Views
An orangery is a structure that helps to interconnect your house and the lawn. Start your dream project today and be able to appreciate your outside scenery in a cool enclosed area.
Increased Property Value
The addition of an orangery to your house can greatly increase the worth of your home. Prospective buyers value additional room and elegant looks for their homes making your property more attractive.
Versatility
Every person may require a home office, playroom or a bright reading corner, and an orangery can be easily transformed to fit the purpose. This is why it is a practical and attractive investment because of the manner in which it can be designed.
Planning is the Key to Success in the Entire Project
It is therefore important to have proper planning first so as to ensure that the orangery meets the desired needs and the budget. Here's how to get started:
Define Your Needs and Budget
First, establish what function you must assign the orangery with, and second, choose a reasonable price range for its construction. This will aid in being able to manage resources and minimize extra charges that may crop up half way through the development of any of these features.
Research Local Regulations
See if you require permission to build an orangery. Because of this, regulations differ depending on your position and your extension’s size.
Consider Design Options
It is just important to catch a glimpse at major aspects of orangery design and style as well as its internal arrangement. Think how it will fit into your overall landscape, whether you wish to stick to wood, metal, etc.
Find a Reputable Builder
Selecting the right builder for the site is very important in order to have a successful project. Search for references, feedback and portfolio of the chosen designer, illustrator, artist or photographer.
Orangeries: Specific Architectural Elements && Basic Parameters
When designing your orangery, consider the following elements to achieve the perfect look and functionality:
Size and Layout
When choosing the size of your orangery you should consider the amount of space you will require and the purposes for which the space will be used for. However, the outcome of the layout is a functional space, which also looks good at the same time.
Roof Style
Choose between having a flat rood with a glass lantern, a fully glazed roof or a half glazed roof among others. Depending on the option chosen the level of light and amount of insulation varies.
Windows and Doors
When selecting a window or door it is essential to select the kind that best fits your home. Developing an ability to easily open up the internal spaces to the outside is another design tip: bi-fold or French doors for the garden.
Materials
Choose quality materials so as to have long-lasting and insulating materials. The most chosen materials for orangeries are brick, timber, and aluminum or uPVC.
Flooring
Choose hard wearing flooring that matches both lifestyle and home’s decoration like tile, wood or carpet. In the cold season, underfloor heating can turn into an additional source of comfort.
Heating and Ventilation
In the course of designing your orangery it is therefore important that you incorporate means to heat it during cold times as well as provide for adequate ventilation during the other seasons of the year. They include radiators – under floor and roof vents.
Orangery vs. Conservatory: Understanding the Differences
While choosing between orangeries and conservatories, you may consider them to be the same, and in fact, they have some differences.
Walls
Orangeries are built with masonry and have massive windows, and as a result are more thermally efficient and commanding more privacy than the majority of conservatories.
Roof
An orangeries normally include a solid roof with a clear central glazed option, whereas a conservatory possesses a full roofing made of glass. This make orangeries more energy efficient.
The Orangery Planning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Building an orangery involves several steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Consult with an Architect or Designer: Explain the vision and the needs of the professional orally in order to develop elaborate plans.
- Obtain Necessary Planning Permission: Make sure your project requires the permission of local authorities.
- Choose a Reputable Builder: Build your vision with an experienced builder.
- Select Materials and Finishes: Select materials that best suit your home and your taste and preferences too.
- Plan for Heating and Cooling: Keep your orangery put to good use in all seasons.
- Consider Lighting: Natural light and artificial light are used to make the atmosphere warmer and more relaxed.
- Incorporate Furniture and Decor: Select pieces accentuating the usability of the given area together with the comfort of the inhabitants.
Conclusion
An orangery extension is one of the most popular extensions because it is elegant, functional, and multifunctional. In order to provide high levels of thermal efficiency, beautiful large windows, and possibly a glazed roof, orangeries provide the very best of all worlds. If you are considering extending the space, viewing lovely gardens, or increasing the resale value of your home, an orangery is your answer. It would be possible to turn your home into a brighter, more spacious, and inviting place if a lot of thought is put into designing your home and if you work with professionals in the field. An orangery is not just some space to add to your residence; It is an addition that constantly augments the overall… quality of life.
