What is an orangery?
An orangery is an extension with brick or block piers, large areas of glazing and a solid perimeter roof around a central roof lantern. It sits between a conservatory and a traditional extension: brighter than an extension, warmer and more private than a conservatory.
Because an orangery is built on proper foundations with an insulated roof, it can be used all year as a dining room, lounge or kitchen extension.
What we handle
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Flooring and decoration options
- Building control sign-off where required
Options to consider
Timber-look or aluminium frames
Aluminium frames are slim and low-maintenance; foiled uPVC or timber gives a traditional look.
Lantern size and style
A single large lantern or two smaller ones, depending on room size.
Kitchen orangery
An orangery can house a kitchen, with units placed against the solid walls.
Pelmet lighting
Spotlights set into the internal pelmet around the lantern.
How much does an orangery cost?
An orangery typically costs £2,400–£3,400 per m² of floor area across the UK, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £38,500–£54,500. Build time is usually 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Region | Guide range (per m² of floor area) |
|---|---|
| London | £3,100–£4,400 |
| South East | £2,700–£3,800 |
| East of England | £2,550–£3,600 |
| South West | £2,450–£3,450 |
| West Midlands | £2,350–£3,300 |
| East Midlands | £2,300–£3,250 |
| North West | £2,250–£3,200 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £2,250–£3,150 |
| North East | £2,150–£3,050 |
| Wales | £2,200–£3,150 |
| Scotland | £2,350–£3,300 |
| Northern Ireland | £2,050–£2,900 |
What changes the price:
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Amount and type of glazing
- Lantern size
- Frame material and colour
- Heating and flooring
- Opening into the house
Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your measurements, or see all guide prices.
Do I need planning permission?
England
In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Wales
In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
Scotland
In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Even when planning permission is not needed, building regulations approval (a building warrant in Scotland) usually is. We make the applications and book the inspections.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Surveys, design and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks beforehand.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, discuss what you want and measure up.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, calculations and an itemised price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development, building regulations and neighbour matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
Built to a written programme, with a completion certificate at the end.
Orangeries: questions and answers
What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has a solid roof around a central lantern and more brickwork, while a conservatory is mostly glazed. Orangeries are usually warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Does an orangery need building regulations approval?
If it is open to the house or does not meet the conservatory exemption, yes. Most orangeries are treated as extensions and need building control approval, which we arrange.
Does an orangery need planning permission?
The same rules as a single-storey extension apply. Many are permitted development, depending on depth, height and your house’s location.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.