Orangery is a word that has been in the double glazing dictionary for quite some time now, but for many, the word still remains a mystery.
So just what is an orangery? And, more importantly, why should you think about having one installed? Well, Walkern Windows are here to help you understand a little better.
What is an orangery?
An orangery is a sort of hybrid between a conservatory and an extension to your home.
Characterised by the inclusion of lots of glass in their design, an orangery is often mistaken for a conservatory and, in many cases, they are very similar, but with a couple of important differences.
The main difference is that an orangery is a more robust structure than a conservatory, featuring more brick or timberwork. But the key distinction is the roof which, on an orangery, is flat, with a lantern at the centre to allow in more light.
What are the benefits of an orangery?
You may be thinking that you’d be as well-off investing in a conservatory and, depending on your intended use, you may be right. The choice between an orangery or conservatory often comes down to personal preference. However, there are a couple of benefits to choosing an orangery over a conservatory.
Living space
Because of its robust design and more solid roof, an orangery has more of an indoor feel to it than a conservatory. Where a conservatory can often feel like a room in the garden, an orangery is more of an additional room within your home that opens up to the garden. This makes it perfect for a permanent use in the home, whether as a dining room, an additional sitting room or maybe even a home gym.
Year-round use
Orangeries tend to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, meaning you can enjoy them all year-round.
Cheaper than an extension
Adding an extension to your home will give you some additional space and add value to your property. However, depending on your reason for adding an extension, you may get the same benefits, for a fraction of the price, by installing an orangery.
Blend in
The brickwork of your orangery can be blended in with the existing brickwork on your property to create a seamless transition between your property and the orangery. This makes it much more a part of your house, both from the inside and the outside.
Merge with the outside
Like a conservatory, an orangery serves to blend the outside with the inside, opening up your living space and creating a much more open and airy feel. This makes it perfect for the Summer, particularly when entertaining large groups of people.
Hopefully, this has cleared up some of the mystery surrounding the word orangery. If it sounds like something you might be interested in, talk to a member of the Walkern Windows team today and we’ll talk you through your options.