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.
How much does an orangery cost in County Antrim?
In County Antrim, an orangery typically costs £2,050–£2,900 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £33,000–£46,500. Prices across Northern Ireland are typically 14% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for County Antrim. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £22,500–£32,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £33,000–£46,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £45,000–£64,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,050–£2,900 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Frame material and colour
- Lantern size
- Opening into the house
- Size and shape of the footprint
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in County Antrim?
Before anything is built in County Antrim, we confirm which approvals apply in 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.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on an orangery:
- Flooring and decoration options
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Building control sign-off where required
- Electrics, heating and plastering
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in County Antrim
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
Towns we cover in County Antrim include Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Antrim.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in County Antrim
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in County Antrim?
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.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
Do you build orangeries in County Antrim?
Yes. We build orangeries across County Antrim, including postcodes BT1, BT10, BT11, BT12 and BT13. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How much does an orangery cost in County Antrim?
In County Antrim, an orangery typically costs £2,050–£2,900 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £33,000–£46,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.