Many of us
are looking for ways to expand or make the most of space in our homes, whether
that’s by converting a loft or cellar or adding an extension. Choosing to add a
conservatory to your home is one way to increase your space and there are many
different styles to choose from to suit all tastes. From a traditional Victorian conservatory to a more
minimalist, modern style, conservatories can increase the value of your home
and provide a place to relax, entertain or enjoy your garden all year round.
If you’ve
been thinking about investing in a conservatory but aren’t sure which style or
material would be best, read on for our handy guide to different types of
conservatory designs and their benefits.
What is a conservatory?
A
conservatory is essentially just an extra room or small building that’s
attached to the main house on one side. The walls and roof of a conservatory
are made from glass, with a frame typically made from uPVC, aluminium or wood.
It’s this large amount of glass which makes the conservatory stand out from a
traditional extension, which would usually be larger and built predominantly
from brick. To qualify as a conservatory, a building must have at least 50% of
its side walls glazed and at least 75% of its roof made from a translucent material.
Conservatories
first originated in the 17th century as a way for wealthy landowners to grow
citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. They reached the height of popularity
in the 19th century, as a boom in glass production and methods meant it was
much easier and cheaper for conservatories to be produced. There was also a
glass tax in place in England until 1845 based on weight, which meant that many
glass panes were very thin and not suitable for constructing a conservatory.
Once this tax was lifted, it was much more affordable to use the amount of
glass necessary for a high-quality conservatory.
Do I need planning permission?
In the
majority of cases, you will not need planning permission to erect a
conservatory, especially if it’s on the smaller side. Under current rules, you
do not need to apply for planning permission if the conservatory is less than
four metres in height (or no higher than your home’s roof). It also cannot
obstruct a public road or extend by more than three metres if you live in a
non-detached house; if your plans conflict with any of these rules then you’ll
need to apply for planning permission before going ahead.
Conservatory materials
While the
predominant material of a conservatory is of course glass, there are several different
materials which can be used for the frame. For more information about your
material options, see our guide below.
uPVC
uPVC is a
very popular material for modern conservatory frames as it’s affordable,
durable and requires very little maintenance. It won’t chip or fade in the sun
so you don’t have to worry about repainting the frame every couple of years. It
also provides excellent insulation, keeping your conservatory warm in winter
and cool during the summer months.
However,
uPVC needs to have a reasonable level of thickness to be able to support a
conservatory and guidelines recommend a minimum thickness of 55mm, and up to
80mm if the structure is supporting a glass roof.
Aluminium
Aluminium
frames are another durable and sturdy choice, and like uPVC, they require
little maintenance. They’re not as efficient at insulating, however, so should
ideally include thermal breaks to help improve this. Aluminium is
corrosion-proof and resistant to bad weather conditions, making it ideal for an
outdoor conservatory, and the frames can be made very thin, meaning that the
maximum amount of light can enter the space.
Timber
Wooden
timber frames are a good choice for anyone in search of a traditional, natural
look for their conservatory. Nowadays, timber can be reinforced to ensure that
it’s just as durable as the materials above, but it does require more
maintenance. The wood needs to be properly treated before use to ensure it
doesn’t warp or distort over time and different woods can require different treatments,
so check first before painting or treating your timber.
Conservatory
styles
There are
many different styles of conservatory to choose from; from modern designs like
a lean-to, or a traditional Edwardian or Victorian style. If you’re not sure
which type of conservatory would be best suited for you and your home, read on
for our guide.
Victorian
Don’t be put
off by the name if you’re looking for a more modern conservatory, as a Victorian-style
can look just as chic in both contemporary and traditional homes. Victorian
conservatories are characterised by a wide bay facade, a detailed ridge and a
steep roof. They’re usually constructed in one of two primary styles; one with
three larger windows and an angled facade, or one with five or more large
windows with more rounded edges. The latter tends to be more expensive but it
does offer a very popular and stylish look.
Edwardian
This style
of conservatory is similar to the Victorian design, but a flat front and square
walls offer more space than the Victorian counterpart. Edwardian conservatories
also have a high roof and are easy to build, offering a fantastic versatile
option for many different types of home. Edwardian conservatories can also
include decorative finials, crestings and finishes if you’re looking for a more
opulent design.
Lean-to
Also known
as a Mediterranean conservatory, a lean-to model features a simple design which
makes them a perfect choice for smaller homes. A lean-to conservatory has a
basic rectangular layout with a single-sloped roof and they’re attached to a
property via one long side. This allows the maximum amount of light to enter
the space and they’re an affordable option if you’re on a tight budget, with
minimal maintenance and installation costs.
Gable fronted
A
gable-fronted conservatory is based around a square or rectangular floor plan,
with a roof that resembles the gable end of a house (hence the name!). This
shape is designed to make the most of the indoor space and the high roof
maximises the amount of natural light flooding in. Gable conservatories are often
described as having a church-like style, so look best next to similar style
properties or larger homes.
P-shaped
This type of
conservatory mixes a lean-to shape with an Edwardian or Victorian design to
create a ‘P’ shape. Combining two conservatory styles creates a much larger
space and allows you to use your conservatory as an extra area for entertaining
or large gatherings.
Orangery
An orangery
is technically not a conservatory but can be classed as something halfway
between a conservatory and an extension. It’s a popular option for people
looking for added privacy, or if you want an area that could be used as a study
or space for guests to stay. Orangeries include brickwork and tend to be more
substantial than a traditional glass conservatory, but modern techniques mean
that they can also include a large proportion of glass if you wish.
Grassmoor Glass Ltd - Creative Conservatories
for your Chesterfield Home
If you’ve
been inspired to add a conservatory to your property, get in touch with the
expert team at Grassmoor Glass Ltd. Based in Chesterfield, we offer a wide
range of both large and small conservatories to suit every budget, including
Victorian, Edwardian and gable conservatories. We’re proud to offer competitive
conservatory prices and are more than happy to provide a free, no-obligation
quote so there are no hidden surprises.
Our consultants are able to pay a visit to your
home to discuss your options and advise which conservatory we feel would be
best, based on your lifestyle and property. To book an appointment or find out
more about any of our other services, including windows, doors and warm roofs,
give us a call today or
visit our website.
