Orangeries & Conservatories

Orangeries became very fashionable during the 17th century as botanical gardens as the study of plants was increasing, with new species being transported between countries it became very fashionable to collect successfully grow these newly introduced plants.

They were built south facing to allow maximum sunlight in; the doors were large to allow large plants and even trees to be moved in and out. They gradually went out of fashion due to their cost of heating and needing to be south facing they often had to be build separate to the house.

However modern technology and materials (double glazed units and uPVC, under-floor heating, radiators) has made them cheaper and more readily available to most home owners.

Today the general term 'Orangery' is a building built on a brick or wood base with glass sides and a partial glass roof and is usually attached to the main building and used as living space rather than for growing plants. Conservatories are much the same but have fully glazed sides and roofs. So really the difference is orangeries have less glass then conservatories.

There is a vast range of designs available to suit all homes and budgets whether you choose a fully glass roof or a polycarbonate one, under-floor heating, radiators, the type of doors you wish to have; we manufacture French doors, sliding patios and our own beautiful bi-folding doors. You choose how many opening windows to have and which type, you can choose to have plain glass, patterned, bevels or Georgian styles, we also manufacture our own astragal bar feature - a more authentic Georgian look.

Whichever you decide on the most wonderful feature of any conservatory, orangery or garden room is the amount of extra natural light it will let in giving you a feel of well-being.