Orangeries – Style

Orangeries date back to the 17th century and were originally part of large houses or residences and were more used as a green house then a extension of the house. The name ‘Orangery’ comes from the original use for storing citric trees during the winter to produce fruit all year round. However, having an Orangery in the past usually meant that the owner had a considerable wealth and was used as a feature of the garden and not just part of the house. It was a special area to entertain guests whilst displaying a range of exotic fruits and plants together with the architecture of the structure itself.

Traditional Orangeries were very grand constructions with tailored roofing and a very specific style of side elevation construction. Differing from the conservatory in a number of ways, the orangery is a more permanent structure as they are built from brick and stone. One feature of every orangery is that is being bright and full of light through the roof and windows. For people who want to have something a bit more elegant than a conservatory, the Orangery provides an ideal mix of outdoor living and exquisite design.

Orangery Design

Just like a conservatory, the Orangery can be designed to suit your needs. With a large array of styles and designs, the orangery can also be built out of a variety of different materials. These can include:

• Woodengrain
• uPVC
• Timber
• Aluminium

Colour can also be specific to your needs with a variety of colours, such as cream, black or green. More than just an extension to the house, this can be very different stand-alone structure or something that fits perfectly into the architecture of your home. Orangeries can be fitted with all the conveniences of your home, including central heating, plumbing, air conditions and full electrical wiring.

To protect against the elements, full double glazed windows can be fitted with the Pilkington ‘K’ Glass that ensures low heat loss through a high performance coating. Having quality windows and doors on your orangery will ensure that not only will the structure remain warm in the winter but also maintain security with fully locking mechanisms. The roof can have outward opening vents that can be operated either electronically or by a mechanical arm connected to the roof vents.

More modern materials such as PVCU, are very robust and strong and require very little maintenance to keep their appearance and performance. The only required upkeep is lubricating the locking mechanisms on the windows and doors every six months. However, this can be easily done without the use of a professional meaning that the Orangery will last as long as your house.

Orangeries have considerably grown in popularity in recent years as the appearance and durability offer something more than a conservatory and a cost little less than an overall extension. The costs of an Orangery can very considerably, all depending on the type of materials used or the fittings required. However, one thing that any good Orangery installation company should offer is a totally bespoke service. As this is an extension of your home, getting the right design is critical not to mention the craftsmanship of the installers. Be sure to look around and find a orangery company that will build you what you require and within your budget.