What Is An Orangery?

Customers searching for a brand new home extension will be very familiar with a conservatory, but perhaps not quite as acquainted with an orangery. However, once you’ve seen an orangery, you won’t forget it.

But let’s determine: What is an Orangery?

• An orangery is a type of home extension, popular in the UK. They are often confused with conservatories.
• It typically has large windows and a glass roof, letting in a lot of natural light.
• Orangeries have a high proportion of brickwork, built with more solid walls constructed.
• There is often a mix of different types of material, like stone and brick.

What is an Orangery?

If you’re still wondering “what is an orangery?”, we’ll explain some of the main characteristics of orangeries in more detail.

• Orangeries have a solid structure, with brick or stone walls forming the base and pillars, creating an integrated extension to your home. 
• The added brickwork provides great insulation, making them a comfortable space to use year-round. Originally designed to protect citrus trees in grand estates, modern orangeries have evolved into stylish, versatile living spaces, perfect for a kitchen extension, dining area, or cosy lounge. 
• Their combination of solid construction and generous glazing strikes the perfect balance between warmth and natural light. Want to see one for yourself? Visit our York showroom to explore our beautifully designed orangeries in person.

Traditionally used for growing orange trees (hence the “orangery” name) back in the 17^th Century and the preserve of Europe’s wealthiest landowners, they would often be built completely separate from their lavish living quarters.

Orangeries are nowadays available as add-on luxurious lifestyle extensions and typically feature a flat or lantern roof, columns and pillars.

Offering considerable solidity and insulation, an orangery is predominantly constructed from brickwork (walls, base) which for many people makes it a more natural looking extension for properties than a conservatory. This high volume of brickwork is useful if an orangery is being fitted at a residence where privacy is compromised.

Despite all this brickwork, it contains large glazed windows, giving occupants the most stunning external views.

We craft our orangeries in three choices of material:

• UPVC
• Aluminium
• Heritage

One issue that may cause a prospective home extension buyer to waver purchasing an orangery is cost as it is more expensive than a conservatory. But you need to keep in mind the exceptional value it will add to a property. Factor in too the obvious enjoyment that you will get out of the space for many, many years.

The Key Differences Between an Orangery and a Conservatory

One of the biggest differences between orangery and conservatory designs is that orangeries have more solid brickwork or stone, creating a more seamless extension to your home. Conservatories are primarily made of glass, allowing for maximum natural light. Orangeries tend to look like a more natural extension of the home.

The roof design usually differs between the two styles of living spaces too. Conservatories usually have a glass roof, whereas orangeries typically feature a partially glazed roof with a central lantern. Thanks to their solid walls, orangeries offer better insulation.

Orangeries are also more versatile than conservatories, often used as kitchens, dining areas, or lounges, while conservatories are traditionally seen as bright, airy sunrooms perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Your choice will depend on budget, style preferences, and how you can plan to use the space. Our team can help you come to the correct decision for your needs.

What are the Benefits of an Orangery?

One of the many benefits of owning an orangery is down to its durable construction. A brick orangery lasts an incredibly long time and is very weather resistant. Our comprehensive guarantee backs this up.

At Orion, we use energy efficient materials so that your space can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the seasons, so you don’t have to miss a moment in your custom-built living space.

The solid walls and tiled roof can also provide more privacy compared to conservatories that have a higher proportion of glazing. An orangery is the perfect in-between space between the indoors and outdoors, allowing you to blend the two, and its versatility means you can enjoy the comforts of the outdoors while still feeling close to nature.

Planning Permission for Orangeries

No planning permission will need to be sought for an orangery that has “permitted development” rights. For it to be a “permitted development” it must satisfy a number of limits and conditions, including these:

• No more than half the area of land around the “original house” would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.

If the orangery fails to meet the full list of limits and conditions, you must obtain planning permission from your local authority. This requires you to submit a planning application with supporting information.

Opt for an Orion orangery

Orion Windows is home to Yorkshire’s most extensive orangery range if an orangery is more to your liking than a conservatory.

Request a copy of our Conservatories & Orangeries brochure to find out what’s possible.