Orangery is the new black

It’s official: the orangery is the new black. Over the last few years the popularity of the humble orangery has rocketed. They’re now at their highest demand in years. Here’s some more information about orangeries and why they’re suddenly so popular.

What is an orangery?

An orangery is similar in design to a conservatory, but there are some subtle, yet distinct features that define the two. An orangery is essentially a combination of a conservatory and an extension. The best way to tell an orangery apart from a conservatory is by looking at its corners and the amount of brickwork used in the structure: orangeries use brick corner pillars and a large brick base, whereas conservatories tend to have larger areas of glazing.

Why are they so popular?

Orangeries have become popular for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is that they provide a unique set of benefits thanks to their design and structure. Here’s a few of them.

Benefits of an orangery

Enhanced thermal insulation

The extra brick used in the construction of an orangery in the base and corner pillars helps to increase the overall thermal insulation of the structure. This keeps the interior of the orangery cooler in summer and warmer in the winter. Thanks to this, an orangery is able to balance extremes in temperature incredibly well.

Increased space

Orangeries can provide extra space without the need for planning permission provided that they are under a certain size. This additional space can be used for a range of purposes: many homeowners use orangeries as additional living rooms, playrooms, offices and dining rooms.

More privacy

Perfect if you want the extra natural light of a conservatory but don’t want to abandon the privacy afforded by an extension, an orangery’s larger brick surface is perfect for keeping away prying eyes.

Better security

Again, the extra brickwork used in the design of an orangery also enhances its security. When combined with high quality double or triple glazing, an orangery will present a formidable obstacle to any intruder.

Adds value to your home

Orangeries are a relatively low-cost way of boosting the value of your home. Some experts estimate that adding an orangery can boost the value of your property by as much as 9%!