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 Lisburn?
In Lisburn, 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. The guide for Lisburn reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. 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 biggest cost drivers are:
- Lantern size
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Opening into the house
- Heating and flooring
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 Lisburn?
The approval route for Lisburn is set by planning law 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.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Flooring and decoration options
- Building control sign-off where required
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
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 Lisburn
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
From BT27 outwards, we take on projects throughout Lisburn and the surrounding parts of County Antrim.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Lisburn
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.
How much does an orangery cost in Lisburn?
In Lisburn, 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.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in Lisburn?
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.
How long does an orangery take in Lisburn?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
