- February 18, 2026|
- Orangeries & Extensions|
- sandymount_admin
While conservatories may be the first product to spring to mind when you think of extensions, orangeries offer a compelling alternative, depending on what you’re looking for.
Originating in the 17th century, modern orangeries are thermally efficient spaces that feel like a natural extension of your home rather than a separate area. They feature more robust brick walls than their predominantly glazed counterparts and are often topped with a flat roof and a lantern, allowing natural light to flood in from all angles.
As a structure, orangeries are highly thermally efficient, providing similar energy performance to the rest of your property. This makes them ideal for use as additional living rooms, offices, gyms, or other functional spaces.
They also rarely require planning permission, making them a straightforward choice for homeowners looking to add both value and enjoyment to their property.
What is an orangery?
An orangery is a type of home extension that sits somewhere between a conservatory and a traditional brick-built extension.
Its defining feature is a flat roof, often accompanied by walls with solid brick bases, and expansive glass panes rising above. The combination of solid structure and expansive glazing creates a room that feels integrated with the main house, offering a bright, welcoming space all year round.
Key features of orangeries include:
- Low brick base or brick pillars supporting the structure
- Solid roof sections combined with a central glass lantern or fully glazed roof
- Tall windows or large windows for maximum natural light
- Roof lanterns that bring in daylight without compromising thermal efficiency
- Ability to be customised to suit both period properties and modern architectural styles
Orangeries are versatile, whether you want a bright open-plan living space, a garden room, or a dedicated home office. The combination of solid walls and large glass areas ensures excellent climate control, so your new space is comfortable year-round.
What are the benefits of orangeries extensions?
Orangeries offer a number of advantages that make them a popular choice for UK homeowners:
Abundant natural light
Thanks to the central glazed lantern and tall windows, orangeries flood your home with daylight, creating a welcoming atmosphere and connecting indoor spaces with your garden.
Versatile living space
Whether you want a kitchen extension, office, reading spot, dining area or seating area, a new orangery provides functional extra living space that works with your lifestyle.
Energy efficiency
Modern orangeries use thermally efficient glazing and multi-chambered frames, helping to retain heat in winter and keep rooms cooler in summer. This improves comfort and reduces energy bills.
Aesthetic appeal
Orangeries combine traditional extension features with contemporary design, offering timeless appeal that can complement both period properties and modern homes.
Property value
A well-designed orangery can add significant value to your property, making it attractive to potential buyers while upgrading your home’s overall appearance.
How do orangeries differ from conservatories?
| Feature | Orangery | Conservatory |
| Structure | Solid walls with a brick base or pillars | Mostly glass walls |
| Roof | Flat roof with central glazed lantern or roof lanterns | Pitched glazed roof |
| Thermal performance | High, with solid roof sections and multi-chambered frames | Dependent on the materials used |
| Appearance | Feels like a premium extension | Dependent on the style you choose |
| Glazing | Large windows and a roof lantern | Full glass walls and an optional glass roof |
| Planning | Often, within permitted development rights | Often the same, but it depends on size and style |
The main difference is that orangeries combine solid walls with roof lanterns, whereas conservatories are predominantly glass.
Orangeries from Sandymount
At Sandymount, we provide bespoke orangery extensions across North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the outskirts of Bristol. Our orangeries combine solid walls with fully glazed roofs or central glass lanterns, creating bright, open spaces that integrate seamlessly with your home.
Our Skyroom orangery range features slim aluminium glazed roof lanterns, internal pelmets for lighting, and modern, clean lines. You also get to choose which doors you use to access your garden space, with popular options including bifold and sliding patio solutions.
Our orangeries are built for performance, with high thermal efficiency, climate control, and advanced security features. Every installation is completed in-house by our experienced team to a high standard, backed by FENSA, BFRC, and CHAS accreditations.
FAQs
Do I need planning permission for an orangery?
Most single-storey orangeries fall within permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is usually not required. However, if your property is in a conservation area or you plan to exceed size limits, it’s always best to check local building regulations first.
How does an orangery compare to a conservatory?
Orangeries have solid walls and a flat roof with roof lanterns, offering better thermal efficiency and a more substantial feel. Conservatories are mostly glazed, with pitched roofs and less insulation.
Can I choose different colours and finishes?
Yes, our orangeries can be fully customised with your choice of frame colours, glazing, and decorative features to suit your home’s style.
Are orangeries energy efficient?
Absolutely. With thermally broken frames and high-performance glazing, your new orangery keeps heat in during winter and reduces heat gain in summer.
What can I use my orangery for?
The space is flexible: open-plan living, garden rooms, kitchen extensions, dining areas, or home offices, all tailored to your lifestyle.
Who are Sandymount?
We are a family-run, independent company with years of experience installing high-quality windows, doors, and home extensions. Our products include uPVC and aluminium windows, composite doors, French doors, bifold doors, and more, all designed to suit traditional and modern properties.
We operate across North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and the outskirts of Bristol, with a showroom in Cirencester. All installations are completed in-house to ensure high standards, backed by long-lasting guarantees and accreditations. Contact us today at 01793 230684 or windowsanddoors@sandymount.co.uk to discuss your next project.
To roundup
- Orangeries offer a timeless, high-standard home extension with solid walls and glazed roof sections.
- They provide abundant natural light, energy efficiency, and extra living space.
- Orangeries differ from conservatories in structure, thermal performance, and appearance.
- Sandymount’s bespoke designs allow for full customisation, including roof lanterns, colours, and layouts.
- A new orangery can add significant value to your property while creating a versatile, comfortable space for your family.
