Orangeries

We get asked this a lot and the primary difference between a conservatory and orangery is structural.

Conservatories are principally glazed, with a glass roof covering, which is why they have a very vibrant and open feeling interior.

On the flip side, an orangery is characterised by its wealth of brickwork, solid pillars and boasting fewer glazed sections, explaining how it’s so well insulated.

Contemporary extensions often merge elements of the two, a hybrid solution giving you the best of both worlds.

If experiencing difficulty knowing whether to buy a conservatory or orangery, we advise you to consider the kind of atmosphere you want the extension to generate – something light and airy or immensely solid.

An orangery can suit many homes because it combines the brightness of glazing with the more substantial feel of brickwork and structure. It is a strong choice if you want extra living space that feels connected to your home rather than separate. TWC can help you explore proportions, roof styles and finishes that suit your property.

An orangery often feels more like a traditional room than a standard conservatory, while still allowing plenty of natural light. The combination of solid elements, glazing and roof features can create a comfortable, balanced atmosphere. This makes it ideal for dining, relaxing, entertaining or creating a garden-facing living area.

Yes, your orangery can be designed to complement your existing home through brickwork, frame colours, roof details, doors and interior finishes. The aim is to create a space that looks considered from both inside and outside. TWC can guide you through choices that help the orangery feel like a natural extension of your property.

The right roof style depends on the look and feel you want. A modern glass roof can maximise brightness, an atrium roof can create a dramatic glazed feature, and a lantern roof adds elegant overhead light. TWC can help compare each option against your room size, property style and how you plan to use the space.

Yes, orangeries can work beautifully as part of an open-plan layout, especially when connected to a kitchen, dining area or lounge. The key is planning the flow carefully, including access, furniture, lighting and garden views. TWC can help shape the design so the orangery feels practical, sociable and easy to use every day.

Think about how you want to use the orangery, where it may sit and what style would suit your home. It also helps to consider garden access, privacy, natural light and whether you prefer a classic or modern finish. A TWC advisor can then help turn your ideas into a clearer design plan.

Any orangery that adheres to the guidelines stipulated in permitted development rights will generally not require planning permission. There can be exceptions for properties situated in a protected area or of historical importance, so it’s advisable to get official confirmation from your local authority.

Desist from commencing with an orangery installation until you have this clarity as it will avoid you running into any problems or being penalised. A local authority has the power to order you to modify the orangery post-build if it contravenes any rules, which will then necessitate submission of a retrospective planning application. There’s no guarantee that this will be accepted and failure to obey planning guidelines has in some cases led to orangery structures being demolished.

With TWC project managing things, we’ll see that no rules are broken.