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 Kirkwall?
In Kirkwall, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,500–£53,000. Island and remote projects usually cost more than this guide because of shipping, travel and accommodation. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £26,000–£36,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,500–£53,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £51,500–£72,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,300 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Lantern size
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Heating and flooring
- Amount and type of glazing
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Kirkwall?
Here is how the rules work for an orangery in 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.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on an orangery:
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Flooring and decoration options
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 12 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Kirkwall
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Because Kirkwall is reached by sea, we confirm availability before quoting and list shipping and travel costs separately.
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
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Kirkwall
Do you build orangeries in Kirkwall?
Yes. We build orangeries across Kirkwall, including postcodes KW15. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does an orangery cost in Kirkwall?
In Kirkwall, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,500–£53,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
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.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in Kirkwall?
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.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.