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What is an Orangery Extension? Origins and Benefits Explained
Lifestyle
If you’ve been exploring home extension ideas and wondering, ‘what is an orangery,’ you’ve come to the right place! An orangery extension is a fantastic way to bring more light, space, and value to your home. Whether you’re dreaming of a larger kitchen, a sun-soaked lounge, or a tranquil home office, an orangery extension offers the perfect setting to make it a reality. Keep reading to learn more and discover the benefits of these increasingly popular home additions.
What is an Orangery?
So, you’ve been asking yourself, what is an orangery? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! With several types of extensions like conservatories and garden rooms, it’s easy to mix them up and not know what sets them apart.
The term has been around for centuries, but today, an orangery extension is an innovative way to create a light-filled, spacious, and well-insulated area in your home. Sitting somewhere between a traditional brick extension and a conservatory, an orangery combines solid walls, large glazed panels, and a roof lantern to create a space that feels both light-filled and substantial.
Unlike a conservatory, which is mostly glass, an orangery offers a more permanent structure that blends beautifully with the rest of your home. It can be built as an extension to your main house or even as a standalone garden room.
The Origins of an Orangery
Where does the orangery meaning come from? Originally, orangeries were grand structures found in the gardens of European aristocrats during the 17th century. They were designed to protect citrus trees through the winter, using large windows and glass roofs to trap warmth while keeping frost at bay.
As time went on, these buildings became much more than just oversized greenhouses. Wealthy homeowners started using them for social gatherings, filling them with elegant furniture, chandeliers, and art. Fast forward to today, and the same principles apply; an orangery extension is a bright, inviting space that brings in plenty of natural light while still feeling like a solid, integral part of your home.
Whether you prefer a traditional orangery that matches the character of an older property or are drawn to modern orangery designs with slim aluminium frames and sleek bifold doors, there are endless possibilities to make it your own.
The Benefits of Building an Orangery
Create the Perfect Extra Living Space
An orangery extension is the perfect way to add versatile living space to your home. If your kitchen feels a little too cramped, an orangery can open things up, creating a spacious, light-filled area that’s perfect for everything from family meals to hosting dinner parties.
It can also easily transform into a relaxing lounge or, with a sofa bed and some blinds, even serve as a guest room when needed. For those working from home, the abundance of natural light and peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for productivity and focus.
And if you’re into fitness, an orangery can be the perfect space for a home gym, offering ample room and ventilation for a great workout. Whatever your needs, an orangery offers the flexibility to turn your vision into reality and make the most of your available space.
Boost Your Property’s Value and Appeal
Thinking long-term? An orangery extension isn’t just a brilliant way to expand your living space; it’s also a smart investment. Unlike conservatories, which can sometimes feel like add-ons, an orangery is a more substantial, integrated extension that can add real value to your home.
On average, an orangery can increase a property’s value by 5-10%, with some premium designs boosting it by as much as 15%. Aluminium is a particularly popular choice for modern orangery designs because it allows for slim, elegant frames that maximise the amount of glass used. It’s also incredibly durable, meaning it won’t warp or degrade over time. With Express’ expertly crafted aluminium frames, you get a sleek, contemporary finish that stands the test of time. Choosing high-quality materials, such as thermally broken aluminium frames and double glazing, ensures that your orangery is not only stylish but also energy efficient, adding to your property’s ROI.
Invite the Outdoors, In
One of the biggest advantages of an orangery extension is how effortlessly it connects your home to your garden. Instead of feeling closed in by solid brick walls, an orangery that features bifold doors, sliding doors or French doors offers expansive views of the outdoors, making your home feel bigger and brighter. This means you can fully open up the space in the warmer months, making al fresco dining and summer gatherings a breeze. And even in winter, the floor-to-ceiling glass guarantees you can still enjoy the view from the warmth of your home.
Flood Your Home with Natural Light
If your home feels a little dark, an orangery extension can redefine it into a bright and inviting space. One of the standout benefits of an orangery is the way it maximises natural light, creating an airy and uplifting atmosphere that can completely change how you experience the space.
A roof lantern positioned in the centre of your orangery draws in even more light from above, making sure that even on the dullest days, the room still feels bright and welcoming. The combination of bifold doors or sliding doors and overhead light creates a beautifully balanced environment, allowing sunlight to stream in while offering uninterrupted views of your garden.
Enjoy Your Orangery All Year Round
Unlike some conservatories, which can be too hot in summer and too cold in winter, an orangery extension is built for year-round use. The mix of solid brickwork, high-performance glazing, and proper insulation means that the space remains comfortable whatever the season.
Underfloor heating is a popular addition, providing a gentle, even warmth throughout the colder months. For summer, solar powered integral blinds can help regulate sunlight, preventing the space from overheating and offering extra privacy. If you opt for Express aluminium windows and doors, you’ll also benefit from advanced weatherproofing and thermal efficiency, keeping the temperature just right no matter the time of year.
Important Questions to Consider Before Building an Orangery
What Materials are best?
The materials you choose for your orangery extension is crucial to its overall performance. For modern orangeries, aluminium is the ideal material for premium features. It offers superior strength and durability while allowing for sleek, slim frames that let in more light and provide expansive views of your garden. Aluminium orangery frames are also incredibly low-maintenance, unlike timber, which can require frequent treatment to prevent wear and tear.
How much does an Orangery cost?
If you’re wondering how much does an orangery cost, prices typically start at around £32,500 for a 4m x 4m structure, which includes construction, glazing, electrics, plastering, and all associated labour costs. While the investment in aluminium frames and high-performance glazing may be a higher upfront cost, they ensure your orangery remains durable, efficient, and visually appealing, providing long-term value and ROI.
Do you need planning permission for an Orangey?
Typically, an orangery is considered a permitted development, meaning you usually don’t need planning permission. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local planning office, especially if your property is listed or the orangery is particularly large.
Visit Our Showroom
Now that we’ve answered the important question what is an orangery?, you can see how an orangery extension could be the perfect solution for your home. From adding valuable extra space to inviting natural light and offering year-round comfort, orangeries are an investment that make a lasting difference.
Whether you’re considering a bespoke orangery or exploring modern designs, our team at Express is here to help you create the perfect space. Visit one of our showrooms or browse our collection online today, and let us guide you through your orangery extension addition.
