Orangeries, conservatories, and extensions: What are their key differences?

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory? Which one works better for your home remodeling project? You already have 99 problems, so let’s not make this one of them.

This orangery vs. conservatory vs. extension guide simplifies everything for you. As you read this, you will learn the major differences between the three. Which ones feature brick pillars or a fully glazed roof? How do they increase your property value? And which keeps your extra living space warmer during the winter months?

This article will also guide you through a three-step process to hire the right architect or contractor for a stress-free build.

What is an orangery?

Generally speaking, an orangery is a brick-based structure with a glazed flat roof. It also usually features a central glass lantern or atrium, which bathes the space in light and serves as a stunning focal point.

Although it is unclear whether orangeries came before conservatories, most historians and architectural experts believe the former were ubiquitous during the 16th and 17th centuries. During this period, citrus fruits, especially sweet oranges, became popular in Europe. To ensure they could cultivate these edibles, the classic orangery was born. With its large expanses of glass, the space could receive enough sunlight to warm the plants.

Because oranges were considered a luxury food at the time, only wealthy owners could afford to build an orangery. These included King Louis XIV of France, who ordered the construction of one of the grandest orangeries in the world in the Palace of Versailles. This also made the structure a status symbol until new technologies and designs lowered production costs, allowing more people to afford it.

What is a conservatory?

Bright glass-roofed orangery with wooden table, benches, and garden access (Source: iStock)

Conservatories are fully glazed structures, which means a glazed roof and glass panels throughout the building. Because of their design, they are famously used as garden rooms. This explains why some people call a greenhouse a conservatory (and vice versa).

They became popular during the Victorian Era when Europe could mass-produce glass. Despite this development, only those with grand houses could afford the material, using the structure to grow fruits and exotic plants.

What is an extension?

Glass-walled conservatory with brick base, seating, and potted plants (Source: iStock)

Building a home extension means increasing the property’s floor size or adding extra space for various purposes. These include expanding the kitchen, the living room, or the dining room, creating a home office, and even growing plants. Because of this, both conservatories and orangeries are technically extensions.

This also suggests that an extension can share similar characteristics with an orangery or a conservatory. For example, it can have brick-built pillars paired with a lantern roof. However, it might look entirely different, with insulated walls or a pitched, solid roof.

Orangery vs. conservatory vs. extension: Which is better?

It would be nice to have an orangery and a conservatory, but most yards are too small to have both. If you are building or renovating a home, which is a better choice? Know their main differences to find out.

In terms of cost

Cost is one of the primary factors to consider when choosing between these two popular glazed extensions, especially since home renovation costs in the United States can exceed $80,000.

In general, conservatories are more affordable than other options. The lean-to is the cheapest style at $200 or less per square foot. A no-frills structure, it features a slanted glass roof and the home’s exterior as its fourth wall. If you want something more ornate, a Victorian-inspired conservatory can cost over $50,000.

Meanwhile, expect to spend around $40,000 for an orangery. Designing it to match your property’s style is challenging due to its flat glass roof. It might also need a more solid, deeper foundation to support the brick walls well.

Depending on the design’s complexity and size, it may also require a planning application, which means additional costs. If you want to scrimp, use uPVC frames, but these may affect the structure’s lifespan and overall look.

The good news is that an orangery usually increases property value by up to 15% due to factors such as energy efficiency. Conservatories typically add at least 5%.

In terms of appearance

The main difference between an orangery and a conservatory is their appearance. First is the amount and the type of glass they use. A traditional conservatory features a low-brick base wall with glass covering over 75% of its roof and 50% of the total wall area. On the other hand, an orangery usually has large windows but fewer glass walls.

Orangeries and conservatories can also vary in roof shape. While orangeries have a flat roof with lantern windows overhead, that of conservatories is high-arched. Solid roofs can include additional details, such as eaves, turrets, and gables.

An orangery’s appearance makes it more difficult to work with. A traditional extension can integrate seamlessly with the right brick match, but a flat roof or tiled roof will not. You can opt for bespoke traditional or contemporary styles to ensure the roof style complements your home’s exterior.

In terms of building complexity

Construction worker aligning patio pavers over compacted sand (Source: iStock)

Conservatories and typical home extensions, to a certain extent, are easier to work with than orangeries. A conservatory, for example, uses mostly glass, which makes it both more lightweight and easier to install. An orangery’s flat roof can also be difficult to match with your home’s design and roof shape.

Do orangeries, conservatories, or extensions require permits? It depends on many factors, such as the location and whether they are temporary or permanent. If these structures are huge and likely to be fixed, you might need a building permit. 

In terms of functionality/versatility 

Of the three, a single-story extension is the most versatile. Architects can design them to be multipurpose. For example, a home office can easily transform into a kid’s bedroom or nursery room as the family grows. Depending on the intended function, it can have well-insulated walls so you are comfortable year-round.

Although their initial role was to grow plants, a conservatory and an orangery can also function as an extension of your living space. Conservatories make great sunrooms, while orangeries are more flexible. With better insulation, they can become extra dining and living rooms.

In terms of durability/maintenance

The difference between a conservatory and an orangery also lies in their durability and maintenance. Conservatories require more straightforward maintenance, but because they are mostly glass, they might need more frequent cleaning.

However, orangeries can last longer than traditional conservatories because of brick walls and solid roofs. If they use wooden frames, they can last for over 50 years. A conservatory has an average lifespan of 20 years unless you swap the glass roof for solid or tiled roofing.

A typical home extension, meanwhile, usually lasts longer than the rest of the house and needs the same level of maintenance as other rooms.

In terms of eco-friendliness

Orangeries are more energy-efficient than conservatories. The brick walls can provide additional insulation and reduce heat loss. A traditional conservatory is not ideal in colder parts of Australia or during winter.

You can consider modern conservatories with underfloor heating and a double-glazed roof to maximize light while increasing the space’s energy efficiency. However, this might increase the cost.

Achieve your dream home with Airtasker

Now that you already know the difference between an orangery and other extension types, you have a better idea of which to pick for your house. The next step is hiring an expert to do it.

Although you can always build a home extension by yourself, DIY is never ideal for many reasons:

• Design is only one component of the entire building process. Other considerations are purpose, planning permission, building regulations and codes, soil quality, and materials.
  
  

• You want your home extension to match your property and its surroundings.
  
  

• Safety matters.
  
  

• Although you must spend on architects, DIY mistakes can cost you more.
  
  

Airtasker helps you find the right professional for the job in three steps:

1. Create an account for free.
   
   

2. Post a task. Include essential details, such as your land size, general location, budget, and timeline. You can also indicate related services, such as a blueprint, planning permission applications, and installation and maintenance.
   
   

3. Wait for proposals and quotes, and select the one that meets your criteria.
   
   

Overall, a conservatory, an orangery, or an extension can make your home feel cozy and add more living space while increasing its market value—but only when you build it right. Hire an architect or designer at Airtasker to work on a complicated home improvement project like this and spare yourself from irreparable, costly mistakes.