- 25 June 2026|
- News|
- Posted by Paul Davies
When looking to expand your living space, choosing the right type of glazed home extension is a significant decision that shapes how you interact with your home and garden. For most homeowners, the debate usually comes down to a choice between an orangery vs conservatory design. Both styles offer beautiful, panoramic garden views and excel at flooding your property with natural light, but they differ fundamentally in their architectural construction, year-round usability, and long-term financial return. While one offers a traditional, fully glazed retreat, the other blends seamless brickwork with elegant glass to create a natural extension of your main living area.
At The Little Orangery Company, we are a dedicated team of specialists with a passion for creating extraordinary timber structures. We have built our reputation on transforming properties with bespoke orangeries, garden rooms, and oak frameworks that perfectly balance timeless style with practical living space. We know that a home extension is a deeply personal investment, which is why we focus on premium craftsmanship and tailored engineering for every project.
Architectural DNA: how the structures differ
The main difference between the two designs lies in the structural balance of brickwork and glass.
Historically, orangeries were introduced to grand European estates in the 17th century to protect citrus trees and exotic plants from harsh winter months. They feature solid stone walls or substantial brick pillars, large windows, and a solid roof perimeter surrounding a central roof lantern.
Conversely, traditional and modern conservatories are predominantly glass structures. They feature minimal brickwork, and instead have extensive glass walls, and a fully glazed roof.
Thermal efficiency: year-round practical living
A common complaint regarding older glazed conservatories is that they become uncomfortably hot in summer and freezing in winter. Thermal performance is where the distinction between an orangery and a conservatory becomes highly apparent.
Because an orangery incorporates solid walls, premium timber columns, and a partially flat roof, it provides vastly superior insulation. This structural mass reduces heat loss and regulates solar gain. A conservatory roof, being fully glazed, is more susceptible to external temperatures, often requiring an independent heating system or specialised solar-control glass to remain comfortable throughout the year.
Navigating the bureaucracy of planning and building control
Adding any new space to your home requires careful consideration of local building regulations and planning rules.
Many glazed structures fall under permitted development rights, meaning you may not need full planning permission if the extension stays within specific height and boundary limits. However, because orangeries are structurally substantial extensions with solid brickwork, they are more strictly governed by standard building regulations regarding thermal insulation. Conservatories are often exempt from certain building regulations, provided they are separated from the main house by external-quality doors and feature an independent heating system. Whichever style you are favouring, The Little Orangery Company can help guide you through the landing process.
Character and style: matching your property’s identity
The architectural impact of your new extension should complement the existing character of your home rather than look like an afterthought.
- The orangery: With its substantial timber frames, elegant roof lantern, and solid brick pillars, an orangery feels like a natural, structural continuation of the main house. It works beautifully on both historic period properties and grand modern homes, offering a sophisticated space that can easily serve as a permanent kitchen or dining area.
- The conservatory: Conservatories offer an uninterrupted connection to the outdoors. The maximum expanse of glass makes them ideal for homeowners whose primary goal is to capture garden views and maximise sunlight in a dedicated sunroom environment.
The financial return: which investment pays off?
If your long-term goal is increasing your property value, a bespoke timber orangery typically adds more value to your home than a standard conservatory.
Estate agents and property valuation reports indicate that a high-quality brick and timber extension can add between 5% and 11% to a property’s market value. Because an orangery functions as a true, year-round extension of the living space, buyers view it as a permanent part of your home rather than a seasonal addition. A standard conservatory, while cheaper to install initially, does not command the same premium on the resale market due to perceptions around lifespan and temperature control.
Balancing lifestyle intentions and project budgets
Your final choice depends entirely on how you intend to use the space and the capital you wish to deploy.
If you want a bright sunroom for seasonal relaxation or plant cultivation, a conservatory offers a cost-effective solution. However, if you want a substantial, energy-efficient home extension that functions perfectly as a kitchen, lounge, or dining area every single day of the year, a new orangery is the superior choice.
Realise your vision with The Little Orangery Company
Our team at The Little Orangery Company is ready to guide you through the process of designing a bespoke timber structure that complements your lifestyle and architecture perfectly.
To discuss your project or to learn more about our design services, please get in touch with us today:
- Online Contact Form
- Phone: 01242 681207
- Email: info@littlecc.com