Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Traditional Orangery

Over the years, we’ve seen what happens when homeowners are sold an orangery that looks good on paper but quickly falls short. The biggest mistakes often come from rushed designs, cheap materials, and contractors who don’t understand how a traditional orangery should be built.

At Glass House Architecture, we specialise in orangeries that are built to last and that starts by avoiding the common shortcuts taken by lower-end installers. This article highlights the key mistakes we see time and again, and explains how we do things differently.

Poorly Planned Foundations and Structure

One of the most overlooked aspects of an orangery is what sits beneath it. Some installers focus only on the visible finishes, cutting costs on the footings, damp-proofing and structural supports. We’ve visited properties where timber door frames had started to twist within a year, or where visible cracks appeared due to movement.

We always start with proper site surveys and engineered designs. A traditional orangery is a solid structure, not a conservatory kit, and it must be treated with the same respect as a full extension. The materials need to suit the site, the design needs to balance loads correctly, and the structure needs to comply fully with building regulations.

Under-Specification of Glazing and Roof Systems

The glass used in a traditional orangery is not all the same. One of the most common mistakes from budget installers is using standard double glazing with poor thermal values, or failing to include solar control for south-facing builds. The result? Rooms that overheat in summer, freeze in winter, or suffer from condensation all year round.

We specify every glazed unit to match its position and purpose. That includes low-emissivity glass, self-cleaning coatings, and high-performance roof glazing as standard. Our roof types are properly insulated, ventilated and built with structural integrity in mind. We do not use mass-produced PVC lanterns with click-together trims.

A quality orangery roof needs more than glass. It needs proper engineering and a clear understanding of heat, weight and drainage.

Incompatible Materials and Poor Detailing

Another red flag we see in substandard orangeries is the use of uPVC or lightweight aluminium alongside traditional brick or stone. The result is often a jarring, mismatched appearance that quickly discolours or warps over time.

We only use high-quality hardwood or oak frames, selected for strength and character. Our external joinery is sealed and painted using breathable, microporous coatings designed for heritage applications. Every detail from glazing bars to door handles is chosen to suit the architecture of the home.

When homeowners compare a premium orangery to a cheaper alternative, the visual difference is immediately obvious. So is the long-term durability.

Over-Reliance on Glass at the Expense of Comfort

Too much glass and not enough thought. It’s a common issue when orangeries are designed by salespeople, not experienced designers. A room wrapped entirely in glazing might look impressive in pictures, but it’s often unusable in real life.

Compared to a glass box extension, a traditional orangery includes solid roof areas for better thermal control and year-round comfort. Our orangery ideas are built around real use whether it’s a dining room, garden lounge, or kitchen extension. We always balance light with insulation, glass with privacy, and openness with structure.

Ignoring Planning and Building Constraints

We’ve seen projects stalled or even taken down due to unauthorised works. Cheap installers may tell clients “you won’t need permission” or suggest shortcuts without understanding the property’s status. This is particularly risky for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas.

We handle every aspect of planning permission in-house, including lawful development certificates, full planning applications, and heritage consent. Our team also manages compliance with structural, drainage, and glazing regulations.

Cutting corners on paperwork is not just risky. It can be costly.

Generic Designs That Don’t Fit the Home

A traditional orangery should feel like part of the original house. Poorly proportioned structures too tall, too wide, or visually disconnected often look out of place. We’ve even seen orangeries that block original windows or create unusable garden space.

Our work begins with the architectural features of the home. We match scale, align rooflines, and ensure materials blend with the building. When viewed from the garden or from inside, a well-designed orangery feels like it’s always been there.

That’s what makes the difference between a bolt-on box and a refined extension.

Minimal Finishing and Poor Accessories

The interior of many lower-cost orangeries is basic at best. Plastic trims, exposed wiring, mismatched radiators. These are often signs of a build where the finish wasn’t considered until the very end.

At Glass House Architecture, we plan accessories like lighting, heating, and joinery from the start. That includes underfloor heating, plastered pelmets for integrated lighting, and high-quality paint finishes.

A traditional orangery should be warm, refined and liveable. Not just glazed.

Misleading Price Expectations

Another issue comes from unrealistic quotes that leave out critical components. Some companies promote low prices but exclude groundwork, finishes, or even planning costs. The final bill is far higher than expected and the result rarely justifies it.

We provide a full breakdown of the cost of a traditional orangery at the start. That includes design, materials, permissions, finishes and fittings. There are no hidden extras and no upselling.

Investing in quality avoids disappointment later.

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Final Thoughts

There’s nothing wrong with shopping around but it’s important to know what you’re really getting. A traditional orangery is a significant investment. Done well, it adds lasting value, comfort and elegance to the home. Done badly, it becomes a regret.

At Glass House Architecture, we take care to do things properly. That means proper foundations, high-spec glazing, skilled joinery, and a finish that feels considered from every angle. If you’re investing in your home, you deserve something that lasts.