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Planning to build a cast stone orangery can be a daunting prospect. However, do not worry! We are here to help with our top tips to build the cast stone orangery of your dreams. From navigating building regulations and securing planning permission to choosing the right colour scheme and selecting the correct direction for your orangery, this blog is here to help you.
Adding a cast stone orangery to your home not only enhances its architectural elegance but also brings a versatile, light-filled space that can be enjoyed year-round. Perfect for creating a tranquil retreat, a stylish entertaining area, or even an inspiring home office, an orangery combines traditional charm with modern practicality. Unlike conservatories, the sturdy cast stone structure ensures durability, improved insulation, and a seamless blend with your home’s character. Transform your property with a space that enhances both your lifestyle and your home’s value.
For more benefits and to learn about the difference between an orangery and a conservatory, you can read our previous blog here.
6 Top Tips when Building a Cast Stone Orangery
1) Planning Permission
When it comes to building orangeries, planning permission is a crucial consideration for many properties. Here are some key reasons why you could require planning permission for your cast stone orangery:
- Covers more than 50% of the size of the house
- Exceeds four meters in height
- Includes any verandas, balconies, or elevated platforms
- Measures more than half the width of the house
- Has eaves higher than three meters and within two meters of a boundary
- It’s for a listed building or is in a conservation area.
To ensure compliance with planning regulations, it is advisable to consult your local planning council and architect. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific project and location, helping you navigate the intricacies of planning permission with confidence. Remember, being well-informed from the outset can streamline the process and pave the way for a successful orangery construction project.
In the UK, you can apply for planning permission on the Government website which can be found here. This platform provides a convenient and efficient way for residents and businesses to submit their planning applications and receive official approval for construction projects or property developments.
2. Choosing the Right Direction for Your Orangery
When designing your orangery, one key aspect to consider is its orientation in relation to the sun. The direction in which your orangery faces can significantly impact its functionality, and the comfort levels it offers throughout the year. Here are the different facing options and their implications:
South-Facing:
A popular choice due to its abundance of sunlight, making it ideal for maintaining warm temperatures year-round. However, be mindful that it can get quite hot during the summer months.
South-East or South-West Facing:
Considered the most popular directions for orangeries to face as they provide a balance of warmth throughout the day. This is a great choice if you plan to utilise your orangery all day, as it will naturally warm up in the morning and cool down in the evening.
East-Facing:
Perfect for those who enjoy the morning sun, as this direction captures the sun in the early hours of the day.
West-Facing:
If you prefer basking in the sunlight during the afternoon and evening, a west-facing orangery might be the ideal choice for you.
North-Facing:
While the least popular option for orangery orientation, a north-facing design offers the benefit of staying cool year-round. However, additional heating may be required in the winter months. As this is the case, it could be worth considering strategies such as underfloor heating, insulated furniture, or electric heaters to improve comfort. To reduce heat loss, you can also incorporate shutters, blinds, or opt for fewer windows.
Take time assessing the orientation of your orangery and taking your lifestyle preferences into account, you can create a space that maximises natural light, thermal efficiency, and overall comfort. Choose the direction that best suits your needs and enjoy an orangery that brings you joy throughout the seasons.
3) Think About The Costs
When considering the addition of a luxury orangery to your property, it is essential to carefully assess your budget and determine how much you are willing to invest in this project. Orangeries can vary significantly in price, starting from around £10,000 and increasing depending on the size, design complexity, and quality of materials used.
Costs may include work for:
- Site surveys and groundworks
- Planning permission
- Architects fees
- Legal fees
- Labour costs
- HVAC system installation (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
- Materials
- Landscaping and external finishes
- Decoration and furnishings
By thoroughly evaluating the financial aspects of your orangery project upfront, you can ensure that you have a clear understanding of the total investment required and prevent any unforeseen budgetary challenges along the way.
4) Make It Your Own
The beauty of using cast stone when constructing an orangery is that there are so many different cast stone products that can complement and lift your design significantly. The versatility and range of cast stone products available allow you to truly make your orangery your own.
Here are some key cast stone products for your orangery:
- Coping Stones, Cornices and String Course: These architectural elements can be used to create beautiful detailing at the top of walls or parapets, adding a refined finish to your orangery.
- Pilaster and Columns: Incorporating pilasters and columns can introduce a sense of luxury and structure to your orangery, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
- Heads, Cills and Window Surrounds: These features provide framing for windows and doors, adding visual attention and defining the architectural style of your orangery.
- Door Surrounds: Door surrounds made of cast stone can serve as a focal point, making a striking impression at the exterior of your orangery entrance.
- Balustrade: They can create a luxurious balcony space on top of your orangery, offering both beauty and functionality.
For more information on cast stone products to transform your orangery, you can read our previous blog here.
5) Pick The Colour For you
When it comes to choosing the perfect colour for your orangery, you have the opportunity to either blend in seamlessly with the rest of your property or make a bold statement as the centrepiece of your home. However, before making a final decision, it’s crucial to ensure that your choice complies with local regulations. It’s always a good idea to consult with your local planning council to avoid any unforeseen issues.
We understand the importance of selecting the right colour for your orangery. That’s why we offer a wide range of natural stone colour choices to cater to your specific needs. You can see our range of colour options here:
To make the decision-making process easier for you, we have also created a blog that guides you through the selection process.
To truly grasp how each colour option can enhance your project, we recommend requesting our free samples. By physically seeing the samples, you can visualise how the colours will look on your property and how they work with your existing brickwork or render. You can request your free samples here. Samples are particularly useful for planning meetings too.
6) We Can Help
Embarking on the journey of constructing a cast stone orangery is a significant undertaking, with many opportunities to enhance your living space and elevate the appearance of your property.
We have an extensive range of standard designs you can choose from, or you can use our bespoke service to truly reflect your unique style and preferences.
Our skilled CAD draftsmen are able to produce accurate drawings for all bespoke cast stone projects. Once you have approved your drawings, they are then transferred to our fully equipped pattern-making and joinery department to create moulds from which your bespoke items are hand cast. The result is a high quality product, made to your specific design, in whatever quantity you require. Once a mould has been produced repetition is simple and is therefore cost-effective compared with carved stone products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a cast stone orangery is a substantial project that requires thorough planning and detailed consideration. By following our six top tips, you can navigate through the complexities of designing and constructing an orangery that not only enhances your property but also reflects your individual style and preferences.
Understanding planning regulations, selecting the right direction, considering costs, personalising with cast stone standard and bespoke products, choosing the perfect colour, and seeking expert assistance all play vital roles in creating a bespoke orangery that can make your living space unique to you.
If you wish to discuss our standard or bespoke cast stone products for your orangery, contact one of our friendly Acanthus team or call us on 01773 447042.
For more information on 6 Top Tips When Building A Cast Stone Orangery talk to Acanthus Cast Stone Ltd