What’s the Difference Between a Conservatory and an Orangery?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a conservatory and an orangery, and which one might be right for you? In this article, we will explore the benefits, drawbacks, and key facts of each, so that you gain valuable insights which we believe will help you make a more informed decision regarding the best option for you and your home.

 

Additionally, we will share how our cast stone products can seamlessly enhance your design and take your property to new heights, as can be seen in this image:

 

 

What Is A Conservatory? 

 

A conservatory can be defined as an attachment to the side of a property, predominantly made from glass or plastic, and often designed to create additional room.

 

Conservatories are popular home extensions that let in natural light and provide versatile living spaces, such as lounges, dining areas, home offices, or even greenhouse-like spaces for plants. By blending indoor and outdoor living, conservatories offer a unique environment that enhances the overall living experience of your home.

 

 

The Benefits Of A Conservatory

 

Additional Living Space

 

A conservatory provides valuable extra room in your home, giving you more space to relax, work, entertain guests, or simply enjoy the view of your garden.

 

Better Natural Light

 

With large windows and a glass roof, a conservatory allows sunlight to flood into your home, creating a bright and airy space that can uplift your mood and enhance your well-being.

 

Brings The Outside In

 

By connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces, a conservatory creates a seamless transition between the two, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your garden or surroundings throughout the year.

 

Increases Property Value

 

Many sources state that a well-designed and well-maintained conservatory can add value to your property by up to 7% [1], making it more attractive to potential buyers and potentially increasing its resale value.

 

The Drawbacks Of A Conservatory

 

Noise During Rainfall

 

The glass roof of a conservatory can amplify the sound of rainfall. This is less than ideal if you want to relax.

 

Colder In Winter

 

Due to the large amount of glass used in their construction, conservatories can sometimes be challenging to keep warm during the winter months. Without proper insulation and heating, they may become colder than other parts of the house, making them less comfortable to use in colder weather. This is clearly an issue for those of us living in the UK.

 

How Much Does A Conservatory Cost?

 

When considering adding a conservatory to your home, one of the key factors to keep in mind is the cost. The price of a conservatory can vary significantly depending on factors such as the materials used, the style chosen, and the size of the structure.

 

Conservatories can range from as low as £3,000 to as high as £20,000, with the final cost dependant on your specific requirements and preferences. Despite the potential for variation, many homeowners find that building a conservatory is a more cost-effective option compared to constructing a traditional extension to their property.

 

Do You Need Planning Permission For A Conservatory?

 

Conservatories are often exempt from planning permission, but always check with your architect and the planning department of your local council.

 

What Is An Orangery?

 

If you’re looking for a way to bridge the gap between an extra room and a conservatory, an orangery might just be the perfect addition to your home. Imagine a space that seamlessly brings the outdoors inside, with large glass windows and a glass roof.

 

However, an orangery features more brickwork, giving it a sense of solidity and permanence when compared to a conservatory. Unlike a conservatory, an orangery also requires foundations, making it a more structurally sound extension. Below are some of the key benefits of an orangery.

 

 

The Benefits

 

More Versatile Space

 

Orangeries offer a flexible area that can serve various purposes, providing a functional space for dining, relaxation, enjoying the garden or even gardening.

 

Can Be Used All Year Round

 

Unlike conservatories, orangeries are more energy efficient and can be enjoyed throughout the year. This is a major bonus for homeowners in the UK where temperatures in the winter can be very low.

The orangery can be used all year round, enabling you to connect with the changing seasons and as such becomes a much more useful room regardless of the weather.

 

Adds The Wow Factor

 

Adding an orangery to your property can truly elevate its appeal and add a wow factor that will impress your guests. The unique design of an orangery seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for an elegant and versatile entertainment area.

 

Increases Property Value

 

Adding an orangery to your home can potentially boost its value by up to 10% [2], making it a worthwhile investment that not only benefits your lifestyle but also your financial future.

 

Longevity

 

One subject we haven’t spoken about is longevity, which has the longest lifespan?

According to research [3], a conservatory usually lasts for 20 to 25 years and often requires constant maintenance over the years. In contrast, an orangery can last up to 60+ years and does not require as much maintenance. Therefore, it could be suggested that orangeries are more of a long-term investment.

 

How Much Does An Orangery Cost?

 

The cost of an orangery can vary depending on a range of factors, such as size, design complexity, materials used, and additional features. On average, prices can start from around £10,000, with more luxurious and bespoke orangery options costing significantly more. When you consider an orangery’s longevity compared to a conservatory, the initial extra outlay may well be worth bearing in mind.

 

Do You Need Planning Permission For An Orangery?

 

Due to the more substantial nature of orangeries, which often require foundations and brickwork, they may fall under the category of developments that require approval from the local planning authority.

 

While some smaller orangeries may fall under permitted development rights, allowing you to proceed without planning permission, it’s crucial to consult with your architect and the planning department of your local council to confirm the regulations in your area and whether planning permission will be required.

 

Our Cast Stone Products That Are Perfect For Your Orangery: 

 

A fantastic way to make your orangery uniquely yours is with cast stone architectural products. This not only elevates the appearance of your orangery but can also work with your current home design.

 

 

Here’s how we can help you create the orangery of your dreams with our cast stone products. We believe they can truly add the wow factor to your orangery.

 

 

1)   Copings, Cornices And String Course

 

When it comes to adding the finishing touches to your orangery, Coping stones, cornices, and string courses can make a significant impact. These architectural elements not only serve practical purposes but also adds style to your orangery design.

 

Copings – Coping stones play a role in protecting your orangery from rainwater damage. Placed on top of orangeries, coping stones help channel rainwater away from the structure, preventing water seepage and potential structural issues. Beyond their practical function, coping stones also contribute to the overall look of your orangery.

 

For further insights on coping stones and how they can benefit your orangery, check out our blog on coping stones here.

Cornice – A cast stone cornice is a decorative feature that serves as a striking architectural detail at the top of a building’s facade. This ornamental element not only adds visual interest but also helps define the transition between the walls and the roofline. In an orangery design, a cast stone cornice can elevate the overall appearance of the structure,

String Course – Similarly, a string course can be a great compliment to cast stone cornice. Adding a string course to an orangery can really elevate its elegance by breaking up any the large areas of brickwork.

 

2)   Pilaster And Columns

 

Pilasters can be an excellent addition to orangeries. All designs have correctly proportioned entasis (tapering towards the top) to ensure perfect aesthetics. They can truly make your orangery look and feel luxurious.

 

 

Columns can be made to any height and to suit all types of applications. Matching half-columns and pilasters are also available to create a seamless design for your orangery.

 

Similarly, bespoke options are also available to make your orangery truly your own.

 

3)   Heads, Cills And Window Surrounds

 

We have a range of window heads, cills and surrounds that are all available to complement your orangery. Given that orangeries typically feature several windows in their design, incorporating these cast stone elements can truly enhance the overall beauty of your space.

 

 

All of these elements come in a full range of standard designs and can be custom-made to your specifications to match existing details seamlessly.

 

Window heads, cills, and surrounds are used to add interest and architectural detail to brick, render, or stone elevations. By integrating these elements into your orangery design, you can elevate the visual appeal of your space and create a more cohesive and sophisticated look.

 

4)   Balustrade

 

Another great addition to orangeries is cast stone balustrades. When it comes to creating a stunning orangery space, every detail matters.

 

 

A balustrade is a row of small spindles called balusters topped by a rail, often used as an open barrier on balconies, terraces, or staircases. In the context of an orangery, a cast stone balustrade can be placed atop the structure to add additional architectural features that truly top off your orangery as shown in this photograph.

 

Why Colours Are Important

 

We also offer a wide range of natural stone colour choices to help you choose the right colour for your orangery. We have created a blog to help you through the process.

 

The right colour choice has the ability to make your orangery stand out, or if preferred it can blend in and match the rest of your property. The choice is yours (as long as any planning permissions are met).

 

The best way to explore the different colour options and compare how they can complement your project is by requesting our free samples. By seeing the samples in person, you can get a better sense of how the colours will look with your property, and how the colour can work with your existing brickwork or render. You can request your free cast stone samples here.

 

 

Why Acanthus 

 

At Acanthus, we offer a wide range of cast stone products that can be tailored to suit your unique requirements. Whether you prefer a standard design or are looking for something entirely bespoke, we have you covered.

 

 

Our team of experts specialise in creating custom pieces using in-house CAD drawings. This allows us to bring your vision to life with precision and attention to detail. From bespoke elements to intricate mouldings and joinery completed by our joinery department, we take pride in delivering high-quality products that meet your exact specifications.

 

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, there are many differences between a conservatory and an orangery. On the one hand, conservatories are a cheaper alternative, but they cannot be used and enjoyed all year round. Whereas, orangeries, although more expensive, can be enjoyed all year round to relax, entertain guests, or simply to bring the outside in. Not only that, but they can be taken to the next level with our fantastic cast stone products.

 

“We love doing orangeries because they are so beautiful. We love to see the finished results and the delight on our customers’ faces.”

Liz Thornton, General Manager at Acanthus

 

“Orangeries incorporating our cast stone truly do have that wow factor. The versatility and elegance of cast stone can make a real difference and bring architectural designs to life like no other building material.”

Gavin, Project Manager at Acanthus.

If you require any further information or 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 What’s the Difference Between a Conservatory and an Orangery? talk to Acanthus Cast Stone Ltd