When a family has outgrown the house, adding a conservatory may be a more cost-effective solution than moving. Also, in the inclement climate of the British Isles, greenhouses allow us to make the most of the garden rain or shine, so it is easy to understand their popularity.

Today the growing trend for larger kitchens with a dining table or informal sitting area has had an impact on the way conservatories and conservatories tie into the home. If the conservatory is to accommodate a new open-plan kitchen or living room, then the access provided by a single door will be inadequate. The opening of the rear of the house to the winter garden requires substantial structural modifications that, although perfectly feasible, will require the application of planning regulations.

Glass technology that was pioneered during the Victorian era continues to be developed today; Now it is possible to have glass that is self-cleaning, such as Pilkington Active, or one that offers greater thermal insulation, such as low-emissivity glass. According to Jeffrey Gold of Glass Houses, self-cleaning glass is “definitely worth considering since it doesn’t come with a huge additional cost. We tend to specify it for the roof rather than the lift walls.”

Before beginning your project, it is worth considering the conservatory styles on offer. The most effective are those that are compatible with the style or period of your home. You must also define a use for the new room and decide how it will be accessed from the house. Above all, you need to find a designer or contractor you are comfortable with and set a realistic budget.

conservatory styles

Traditional

Conservatories in the Victorian or Edwardian style, and semi-detached versions, remain popular and obviously follow older properties. Variations include structures with full-height glass walls or dwarf walls with glass. You could also consider an orangery; these were originally developed for the cultivation of orange trees and have solid walls inset with glass panels or full length doors and a glass roof. Jeremy Uglow explains: “An orangery has heavier joinery than the usual conservatory and a ceiling lantern surrounded by a plaster ceiling to create a more solid structure.”

Modern

Adding a light and modern space to your home is an increasingly popular option. Contemporary conservatories are usually custom built, so prices tend to range from the mid to higher end of the scale, but a wide variety of materials and styles are available. Trombé’s Alan West notes that as English Heritage frequently uses modern conservatories alongside period buildings, it’s fair to say that sympathetically designed structures will work if well planned and executed.

professional advice

A greenhouse is a significant financial investment and the cost will vary depending on the building materials, whether of a standard or bespoke range, and the extent to which the construction work is managed. Kit or DIY greenhouses are initially less expensive, but labor costs to prepare the site and carry out the installation work must be factored into the equation. Unless you are prepared to oversee the construction work, it makes sense to use a specialist greenhouse company that will manage all aspects of the project, including handling planning or building regulations. At the higher end, companies offering a bespoke service will design the conservatory to suit individual requirements and oversee the construction work through to completion.

Practical considerations

Heating

A winter garden can be heated with water or with electric underfloor heating. Alternatively, the central heating can be extended with radiators placed against low walls or by channeling the heat through decorative grills fitted around the edge of the floor. It is advisable to run the greenhouse heating on a separate circuit and thermostat from the main boiler.

Floors

The placement of practical and durable floors is recommended; For best results, choose ceramic tile or natural stone flooring.

Blinds

Use blinds to protect furniture, help maintain an even temperature year-round, and provide privacy. There is a wide variety: retractable pleated blinds, fabric roller blinds and Pinoleum blinds, which are made of wooden slats. The blinds should be made and fitted by an expert to ensure they are securely fastened and it is also advisable to install an operating system for tall windows.

Yard

Allow a budget to repair areas of the garden damaged by construction work and plan and install effective garden lighting.

Other considerations

Glazing and Roofing

Double glazing is recommended, as well as low emissivity glass. It has a metal cladding that allows sunlight (shortwave radiation) to pass through, but reflects heat from the radiators (longwave radiation) back into the greenhouse. Security glazing is mandatory for windows and walls within 800mm of the floor and must comply with BS6206. The roof can be made of glass or polycarbonate, which is a lighter but more durable material and may be required on some structures that will not support the weight of glass.

maintenance conservatory

The installer should advise you on maintenance; as a guide, wash heavy soiling from windows, aluminum and uPVC frames with a soap and water solution every few months. Solvent based or abrasive cleaners should not be used and wooden surfaces should also be washed regularly to remove surface contamination.

Environmental issues

It is also important to choose the right material for the frame of the greenhouse. Traditionally hardwood, aluminum or uPVC are used. However, Charles Turner of Richmond Oak says, “There is increasing concern about the construction materials used for greenhouses. Some councils now insist that only wooden greenhouses be used on newly built properties.” This relates to the energy used to make the materials, with wood requiring much less. But the wood must come from a safe and non-endangered source. Check out the Friends of the Earth website, foe.co.uk, which classifies woods so you can make an environmentally friendly choice.

useful contacts

The Conservatory Association is a division of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), an independent organization that promotes high standards within the industry. To find a GGF approved greenhouse company, visit ggf.org.uk or call 0870 042 4255. Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), 0870 042 4255; ggf.org.uk.

Urban Planning Permit and Construction Regulations

According to The Conservatory Association, planning permission and building regulations are often confused. “Planning permission is concerned with the visual impact and size of the structure and not with technical integrity.” Building codes, on the other hand, cover all aspects of building construction and are constantly reviewed; see odpm.gov.uk for details. It is important to check that your contractor or designer is aware of the new regulations. According to The Conservatory Association, planning permission is generally not required for small home conservatories, as long as they meet the building regulations listed below. It is advisable to check with your local planning department as rules may vary.

Cases where planning permission will be required include:

“The house is located in a conservation area, national park, or designated Area of ​​Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“The conservatory is not at ground level.

“It’s a semi-detached house.

“The volume of the house will be increased by more than 15 percent or 70 cubic meters, whichever is greater.

“The house has already been extended.

The Association of Conservatories advises that a conservatory is generally exempt from building regulations as long as:

Built on top of a domestic dwelling and separated from the rest of the dwelling by a door that meets the requirements for an exterior door.

“Less than 30 m2 of constructed area.

“One plant.

“Built on the ground floor.

” Glazed in accordance with the security glazing requirements of Building Regulations Approved Document N and BS6262 Part 4 1994.

“Not within 1m of the boundary.

“Equipped with a 75 percent glass roof and 50 percent glass walls.