On the face of it, choosing the correct windows for your orangery build may seem like a relatively straight forward task. Most may think it’s all about the looks, the style and the design; whilst aesthetics are a hugely important part, it’s not the only consideration to make.

In this quick guide, we’ll run through all of the important aspects, features and functionality that you may need in your orangery windows, so that you can make the most informed decision. When you ascend to a Rococo orangery, you can get hands-on with the features and benefits in our private showroom and we can guide you to the best solution for you. 

Aesthetics

Aesthetics are the first consideration to make. Almost all classic window designs have been re-manufactured with today’s standards and features. You don’t have to worry about the new windows of the orangery not matching the original building’s windows. Our windows come in over 150 different colours and finishes so that they seamlessly match your building’s character.

Tip: When discussing your orangery’s requirements with us, it’s helpful to bring a picture or two of your current home, so we can find the perfect windows for you.  

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a style or aesthetic that is complimentary, rather than identical, the world is your oyster. We have many designs and styles for your orangery, from modern flush casement or contemporary, through to Georgian or leaded windows.

The important aesthetic note to pay attention to here is how the windows reflect the aesthetic of the doors, roof, fascia and lantern of the orangery. All of these aspects should be tied into a single style, so that the whole orangery feels like a complete unit. Whether the aesthetic of the orangery blends or contrasts the original character of the house, however, is down to you.

Features

Which windows you choose may also be dictated by the features you want in them. Are you looking for double-hung, casement, awning, picture, or sliding windows? Each window operates in a different style and can impact everything from window placement, through to lighting, security and insulating properties. For instance, a double-hung window may not be ideal in applications above kitchen cabinets due to being harder to lift open than casement windows which hinge on an axis. So pay careful attention to the practicalities of using the windows as well as how they look when closed.

How the window operates is one thing, but there are plenty of other features available in windows also. Many windows are compatible with integrated blinds which sit between panes of glass. This is widely regarded as superior, due to their cleaner and more durable nature.

Perhaps you could benefit from coated glass which wicks water and dirt away instantly? – Keeping your orangery looking fresh and new. Let’s not forget that you may not even need windows at all. Have you considered the possibility of corner to corner bi-fold doors? Completely open up the space, let in fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.

Rococo started in the windows and doors business. So when you visit our showroom, we’re able to advise you completely on the best possible windows and features for your orangery.

Security

Naturally, you’ll need to know about the security of the windows which are being installed into your orangery.

Windows in the UK should exceed PAS 24:2012, a UKAS accreditation which tests windows and doors and ensures they are fit for purpose. All of Rococo’s window manufacturers meet and exceed the requirements of PAS 24:2012, and many go far beyond by including Yale’s Encloser system, hinge guards, steel bolts, crimped frames, and locking handles – each adding to the window’s security and strong resistance to intruders.

Thermal Properties

Finally, an important concern when it comes to windows is their effect on your home’s temperature. How well will they maintain the temperature of your orangery and home? We’ve spoken about how an orangery stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer through its superior insulation, but not specifically about the role windows play in this process.

Our high-end windows and doors are aluminium framed. Aluminium as a material is a worse insulator, than UPVC or wood, however, offers much greater durability and strength. This has caused manufactures to develop and implement some seriously impressive technology, which takes their windows far and beyond what upvc and wood could be, in all aspects.

Thermally broken frames mean that the inside and the outside of the window frame are separate and divided by a piece of highly insulating material – preventing outside’s cold from entering the inside of the orangery.

Double glazing is standard across our orangery windows, but could you use triple glazing? Triple glazing not only offers enhanced thermal insulation but also greater sound insulation. Aluminium Windows also offer superior window seals, preventing drafts and water ingress when compared to wooden or UPVC frames.

Finally, since aluminium is such a superior material for strength, it means that the frames can be hollow and filled with materials that are much better insulators. One such innovation is Aerogel – the world’s most thermally insulating material. It’s used on spaceships and space suits to stop them from burning up and freezing in space and boats an A+++ Energy Rating and a 0.9 U Value. This is an improvement over other windows of over 67%.

 

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do this alone. At Rococo, we take all of the hassle, research and time needed for an orangery build off of you. There’s no need to hire a designer or architect or learn about planning permission or building regs. We handle it all.