Whether you’re looking to add value to your home or simply improving your potential living space, there are a number of ways you can start. You can repaint walls or knock them through, you can install a new kitchen or new carpets and you can create an open plan living area. However, at some point you’re limited by the space that you have available to you. 

So if you’ve been weighing up your options in home extensions, you have probably come across two compelling options on how to extend your living areas: an orangery or a conservatory. What exactly is the difference between the two and which is the better option for your property?

Conservatories

Conservatories are a known quantity. They are a relatively commonplace small addition to the rear of the home, usually accessed through existing exterior doors in the home. A conservatory is an addition, an extra room for your home.

Conservatories are traditionally an entirely glazed wall and roof system installed onto a small perimeter wall. Due to this, they are a relatively inexpensive addition to the home.

However, a conservatory’s construction means that they can become very cold in winter and hot in the summer. Leaving you with a room attached to your home that no one goes in and is rarely used as anything other than a pass through.

That’s not to say that conservatories can’t be enjoyable suntraps in the summer and cosy nests in the winter. With the right investment, planning and building, they can be everything you want them to be. Rococo have a long history of designing, supplying and building bespoke aluminium conservatories. For some however, money is better invested in an orangery.

Orangeries

What is an orangery? Well, they originated in the 17^th Century, as a well-lit building which would protect imported exotic tropical plants from winter colds and rose in popularity as a status symbol due to the cost of imported plants, construction and strong clear glass.

Today, orangeries have evolved into an elegant and quality home extension, featuring roof lanterns and plenty of large windows.

Where a conservatory is “tacked” onto the home, an orangery is integrated into the existing home – an extension, not an addition. An orangery’s construction involves removing part of the exterior wall so that the entire house is extended into the orangery. There are no divisions or doors, just open-plan living.

Orangeries are constructed similarly to how your home is built. They follow building regulations, require structural and heat loss calculations (all of which we can handle for you), and the products used within are a high quality. The extension itself is specifically designed to have the most minimal possible effect on the home’s heating and cooling. You can read more about how orangeries stay warm (or cool) in our recent blog: How to keep an orangery warm.

Which is best for you?

An orangery is, for most people’s needs, the better choice. Our orangeries are bespoke, made to measure, products which fit your every need. They are built to become a part of everyday life, an everyday love. Whether it’s for entertaining guests, having dinner or spending Christmas with family, an orangery gives you that luxury.

Naturally an orangery is a more in-depth process than even bespoke aluminium conservatories. It’s a full process built from start to finish. Whilst it’s possible to do it yourself, at Rococo we’ve been building bespoke orangeries for over 20 years. If you build an orangery with us, you don’t have to worry about a single aspect of the build, it’s already being handled.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at our infographic which takes you through step-by-step of building an orangery.

Ready to transform your home - Explore our range of Orangeries and Extensions:

• Modern Orangeries: Create a fresh contemporary space with a beautiful orangery. Explore the possibilities and transform your home! Explore Modern Orangeries
• Traditional Orangeries: Embrace timeless elegance and classic appeal with our traditional orangeries. Experience the beauty that stands the test of time. Discover Traditional Orangeries
• Bespoke Extensions: Tailor-made to suit your unique needs, our bespoke extensions are designed to perfection. Let us create a space that reflects your personality and style. Create Your Bespoke Extension
• Kitchen Extensions: Enjoy your home even more with a kitchen extension. From cooking to entertaining, create the perfect space for your passion. Enhance Your Kitchen with an Extension