Gone are the days when a conservatory was a draughty and cold room in the winter months, the modern conservatory is a thing of beauty. There are fantastic ways of heating the room up now, such as this electric underfloor heating Gloucestershire company Parsons Flooring can install for you, and there are also a wide range of different conservatory styles that are available – to suit every home and every budget.
One type that is becoming increasingly popular in recent years is the orangery. These are stunning designs that fit perfectly in the modern home. So, what is the difference between a traditional conservatory and an orangery?
It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between these two structures, as there are so many more varieties of conservatory now, unlike years ago when the difference was much more obvious. A traditional orangery years ago would have been a huge building attached to a grand home that was used to grow orange trees.
Today however, this is not the case. The basic difference between the two is that a conservatory will consist of much more glass than an orangery, which will be more predominantly made of brick, and the roof will also be more substantial.
A typical conservatory will have a roof that is entirely made of glass, but an orangery roof will only be part glass – perhaps a lantern in the centre. So, the room is still bright and light, but feels more like a typical room rather than a conservatory.
Avoiding common problems at the design stage
Whether you choose a conservatory or an orangery, the most common complaints are rooms that are too cold in winter, roofs that leak and doors that are hard to open and close. Most of these can be avoided with the right decisions at the design stage.
Start with size and purpose. A small glasshouse is fine for a few plants, but if you want a living space that links the house and garden, the structure and roof need to be planned with that in mind. A tiled roof can be insulated and properly waterproofed, which suits a room used as an extension of the home, and underfloor heating helps keep winter chills away.
Materials influence maintenance and temperature, so work with a reputable company that offers a good choice of glazing, doors and roofing. Triple glazing and thermally efficient glass cost more but pay back through lower energy bills and a more comfortable room. A glass conservatory lets in the most light, while an orangery is a more weather resistant structure, so either way the finish depends on quality materials.
Planning and timing your new build
Whichever structure you choose, timing can make a difference. Summer is a good time to build, because foundations can be laid and dry more quickly in good weather, and you may still have sunny days left to enjoy the new room once it is finished.
A conservatory is a versatile addition that can change use as your household’s needs change. It lets more light into the home and allows you to enjoy the garden in comfort through the year. The main difference from an orangery is the amount of brick. A conservatory has little or no brick base and is mostly glass, while an orangery uses more brickwork and usually has a lantern, a glazed section in the middle of the roof.
Use reputable professionals for the glazing and construction so the finished structure is sturdy and long lasting. Working closely with a designer will help you make the most of your space and tailor the room to the way you live.