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Orangeries & Conservatories: What Homeowners Need to Know Before They Build
A practical guide to choosing the right glazed living space for your home
Orangeries and conservatories remain popular ways to create more space, bring in natural light and connect a home with the garden.
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For many homeowners, the attraction is obvious. A well-designed orangery or conservatory can provide a brighter dining area, a relaxed family space, a garden room, a playroom, a home office, or a more comfortable connection between the kitchen and the rear garden.
But there is also a lot of confusion.
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Some homeowners use the words “orangery” and “conservatory” almost interchangeably. Others assume that a conservatory is always permitted development, or that Building Regulations do not apply. Some want to remove the rear wall of the house and open everything up, only to discover that this changes the technical requirements completely.
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This guide explains the key differences, the main planning and Building Regulations issues, and the practical questions to ask before you commit to a design.
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Quick Answer: What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
A conservatory is usually a lighter glazed structure, often with large areas of glass to the sides and roof. It is typically designed as a bright garden room or seasonal living space.
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An orangery is usually more substantial. It often has more brickwork or solid walls, a flat roof perimeter, a glazed roof lantern, better insulation and a stronger connection with the main house. In many cases, an orangery feels closer to a small extension than a traditional conservatory.
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The simplest way to think about it is this:
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A conservatory is usually more glazed.
An orangery is usually more solid and room-like.
A full extension is usually more integrated into the main house.
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The right choice depends on how you want to use the space, your budget, the age and style of your property, planning constraints, insulation, heating, and whether you want the new room to be open to the rest of the house.
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What is a conservatory?
A conservatory is a glazed structure attached to a house, normally positioned to the rear or side of the property.
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Traditional conservatories often have:
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Glazed walls
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A glazed or polycarbonate roof
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Lightweight construction
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Doors separating the conservatory from the main house
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A strong connection to the garden
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A lower cost than a full extension or orangery
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Conservatories can work well when they are designed for the right purpose. They are often used as sitting areas, garden rooms, breakfast rooms, hobby spaces, playrooms or occasional-use rooms.
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However, older or poorly designed conservatories can be uncomfortable. They may become too hot in summer, too cold in winter, noisy in heavy rain, difficult to heat, and poorly connected to the rest of the home.
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That is why many homeowners are now replacing old conservatories with better-insulated garden rooms, orangeries, solid-roof structures or proper rear extensions.
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What is an orangery?
An orangery is generally more substantial than a conservatory.
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Modern orangeries often include:
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More brickwork or solid construction
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Insulated walls
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A flat roof area around the edge
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A central glazed roof lantern
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Larger openings to the garden
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Better thermal performance
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A more permanent room-like feel
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Design features that match the existing house
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An orangery can be a good option when you want the light and garden connection of a conservatory, but with more comfort, insulation and architectural presence.
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Many homeowners choose orangeries for kitchen-dining spaces, family rooms, garden lounges and rear extensions where natural light is a major part of the design.
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An orangery will usually cost more than a basic conservatory, but it may also provide a better-quality living space and add more long-term value when properly designed.
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Conservatory, orangery or extension: which is best?
There is no single right answer. The best choice depends on how you want to use the room.
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A conservatory may be suitable if you want a bright garden room, a lower-cost structure, and you are happy for it to remain partly separate from the main house.
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An orangery may be better if you want a more comfortable all-year-round room, a stronger design statement, and better thermal performance.
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A full extension may be the right choice if you want to create a proper open-plan kitchen, dining room, family room or main living space that becomes part of the house.
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The key question is not simply:
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“Do I want a conservatory or an orangery?”
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The better question is:
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“What do I want this space to do for my home?”
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Once that is clear, the design route becomes much easier.
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Do orangeries and conservatories need planning permission?
Orangeries and conservatories may fall within permitted development rights, but this is not automatic.
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In planning terms, a conservatory is normally considered under the same broad rules as a house extension. An orangery may also be treated in a similar way, depending on its size, position, height, materials and relationship to the existing house.
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Planning permission may be needed if the proposed structure:
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Extends too far from the original rear wall
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Is too high
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Is too close to a boundary
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Is positioned to the front or side in a sensitive location
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Covers too much of the garden
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Is on designated land
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Affects a listed building
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Is in a conservation area with restrictions
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Falls outside permitted development limits
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Is affected by previous extensions or removed permitted development rights
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Even where planning permission is not required, many homeowners choose to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. This can provide formal confirmation that the work is lawful and can be useful when selling or refinancing the property.
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TOP TIP
Do not assume that a conservatory or orangery is automatically permitted development. The rules depend on the property, the position, the size, the height, previous extensions and any local restrictions.
Do Building Regulations apply to conservatories?
Some conservatories can be exempt from full Building Regulations approval, but only where specific conditions are met.
A typical exempt conservatory will usually need to be:
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Built at ground level
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Single storey
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Under the relevant floor area threshold
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Separated from the house by external-quality walls, doors or windows
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Provided with independent heating controls, rather than simply extending the main central heating system
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Designed so glazing and electrical work comply with the relevant safety requirements
This is one of the most misunderstood areas.
A conservatory may be exempt in some cases, but that does not mean everything connected to it is exempt. Glazing, electrical work, drainage, structural changes and openings formed in the existing house can still bring Building Regulations into play.
Do Building Regulations apply to orangeries?
Orangeries are often more substantial than conservatories, so Building Regulations are more likely to be relevant.
If an orangery is designed as a proper habitable room, is open to the house, involves structural openings, includes steel beams, has solid walls, a roof lantern, insulation, drainage, heating, electrics or changes to the existing structure, it should be considered carefully from a Building Regulations point of view.
In many cases, an orangery is closer to an extension than a simple conservatory.
That does not make it a problem. It simply means the project needs proper design, structural input where required, and the correct Building Control route.
IMPORTANT POINT
The moment you remove the external doors between the house and conservatory, widen the opening, install steelwork, or create an open-plan connection, the project usually becomes much more than a simple conservatory installation.
Can I open up my house into a conservatory or orangery?
Many homeowners want to remove the existing rear doors and create one large open-plan space between the house and the new glazed room.
This can be possible, but it needs to be handled properly.
Opening up the rear wall may involve:
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Structural calculations
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Steel beams
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Building Regulations approval
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Thermal performance checks
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Ventilation considerations
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Fire safety considerations
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Drainage or floor-level changes
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Coordination with Building Control
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Proper construction drawings
This is where many conservatory projects go wrong.
A homeowner may start with the idea of a simple conservatory, but the project becomes a structural and Building Regulations matter once walls are removed and the space becomes part of the main house.
If your goal is an open-plan kitchen, dining or family room, you may need to think beyond a standard conservatory package and consider whether an orangery or extension is the better route.
Replacing an old conservatory
Many homeowners already have an old conservatory that no longer works well.
Common problems include:
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Too hot in summer
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Too cold in winter
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Leaks
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Condensation
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Poor insulation
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Outdated polycarbonate roofing
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Poor connection to the kitchen or living room
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Movement or cracking
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Tired frames and glazing
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A room that is rarely used
Replacing an old conservatory can be a good opportunity to improve the home properly.
The options may include:
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Rebuilding the conservatory with better glazing
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Installing a solid or insulated roof system
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Creating an orangery
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Replacing it with a proper extension
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Opening up the rear wall
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Improving floor levels and insulation
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Adding rooflights or a roof lantern
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Improving garden access with bifold or sliding doors
Before spending money on a like-for-like replacement, it is worth asking whether the existing structure is in the right place, the right size and the right form for how you now want to live.
Sometimes the best answer is not a new conservatory. It may be a better-planned extension or orangery.
Conservatory roof replacements
Replacing a conservatory roof is a popular improvement, especially where the existing roof is polycarbonate, leaking, noisy or thermally poor.
Common replacement options include:
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Improved glass roofing
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Lightweight tiled roof systems
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Insulated roof panels
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Roof lanterns
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Hybrid solid and glazed roofs
However, a roof replacement should not be treated as a purely cosmetic change.
The existing conservatory structure must be checked to make sure it can support the new roof. Foundations, frames, walls, lateral stability and drainage may all need consideration.
A heavier roof on a lightweight conservatory can create problems if the original structure was not designed for it.
There may also be planning and Building Regulations issues, especially where the appearance, height, thermal performance or structure is changing.
Common mistakes homeowners make
1. Choosing the cheapest option
A very cheap conservatory can become an expensive mistake if it is uncomfortable, poorly insulated or badly connected to the house.
2. Not deciding how the room will be used
A garden room, dining room, kitchen extension and home office all need different design decisions.
3. Assuming planning permission is never needed
Permitted development is useful, but it has limits and conditions.
4. Ignoring Building Regulations
Even where a conservatory is exempt, structural openings, electrics, glazing, drainage and heating can still matter.
5. Removing doors without advice
Creating an open-plan connection can change the whole status of the project.
6. Forgetting about overheating
Large areas of glazing can create overheating if orientation, ventilation, shading and glass specification are not considered.
7. Poor roof choice
The roof has a major effect on comfort, noise, heat loss, overheating and appearance.
8. Not matching the house
A badly designed conservatory or orangery can look like an add-on rather than part of the home.
Design questions to ask before you start
Before speaking to suppliers or builders, it is worth answering a few simple questions.
What do you want the room to be used for?
Do you want it to be open to the house or separated by doors?
Will it be used all year round?
Do you need planning permission or a Lawful Development Certificate?
Will Building Regulations approval be required?
Are you changing the structure of the existing house?
Will you need a structural engineer?
Is the property listed, in a conservation area, or subject to restrictions?
Will the design affect neighbours?
What roof type will work best?
How will the room be heated, ventilated and shaded?
Will the new space add real value to the home?
These questions help move the project away from guesswork and towards a properly considered design.
When should you use an architectural designer?
You may need professional design support if the project involves more than a simple standard conservatory installation.
Architectural design input can be useful where:
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You are unsure whether to choose a conservatory, orangery or extension
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You want to open up the rear wall
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You need planning drawings
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You want a Lawful Development Certificate
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Building Regulations drawings are required
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The project involves structural work
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You want the design to match the existing house
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You need help comparing options
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The property is in a sensitive location
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You want to avoid spending money on the wrong solution
A good design stage can save money later by identifying the correct route before a builder or installer starts work.
Who might you need for an orangery or conservatory project?
Depending on the project, you may need:
Architectural designer or planning consultant
To prepare design drawings, planning drawings, Lawful Development Certificate drawings or Building Regulations drawings.
Structural engineer
To design beams, assess openings, review roof loads or check structural alterations.
Building Control or a registered building control approver
To check compliance where Building Regulations approval is required.
Specialist conservatory or orangery installer
To supply and build the structure, glazing, roof system and associated components.
Builder
For foundations, walls, drainage, structural openings, floor construction and making good.
Party wall surveyor
If the work affects party walls, boundary excavation or neighbouring structures.
Electrician and heating engineer
For safe installation of lighting, sockets, underfloor heating, radiators or independent heating systems.
Not every project needs every professional, but it is better to know early than to discover halfway through the build.
Is an orangery better than a conservatory?
An orangery is not automatically better than a conservatory. It depends on the purpose.
A conservatory can be a good choice if you want a lighter, more glazed garden room and are happy for it to feel separate from the main house.
An orangery is often better if you want a more permanent, insulated, room-like space that feels integrated with the property.
A full extension may be better again if you want a true open-plan kitchen, dining or family space.
The best option is the one that matches the house, the budget, the planning position and the way you want to live.
How APN Home can help
Many homeowners do not know whether they need a conservatory company, an orangery specialist, an architectural designer, a builder, a structural engineer, Building Control, or planning advice.
That is exactly where APN Home can help.
Tell us what you are thinking about doing, and we can help you understand the likely route, the type of support you may need, and whether your project sounds like a simple installation, a planning matter, a Building Regulations matter, or a more involved home improvement project.
You do not need to know the exact professional terminology before you start.
You just need to tell us what you want to achieve.
Next steps
If you are thinking about an orangery, conservatory, garden room or replacement conservatory, start by describing the project in simple terms.
Useful details include:
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Your property type
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The approximate size of the space
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Whether there is an existing conservatory
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Whether you want to remove walls or doors
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Whether the property is listed or in a conservation area
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How you want to use the new room
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Whether you want a simple glazed room, an orangery or a proper extension
Once the basic information is clear, it becomes much easier to understand the right route.
Tell us about your project and APN Home will help point you in the right direction.