Pros and Cons of a Traditional Orangery

A traditional orangery is one of the most versatile and elegant ways to extend your home. At Glass House Architecture, we design and build bespoke orangeries for period properties, heritage homes, and modern classics across the UK.

They’re beautiful, functional and full of character — but like any build, they’re not for every situation. This article covers the key pros and cons of traditional orangeries, so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your home.

The Pros of a Traditional Orangery

1. Elegant Design That Suits Period Homes

Orangeries are ideal for properties with architectural character. We use traditional materials like oak and painted hardwood, combined with brick or stone bases and refined glazing. These elements help our orangeries feel like a natural extension of the home.

Unlike glass box extensions, a traditional orangery offers a softer, more timeless look that complements listed buildings and Georgian or Victorian styles.

2. Light Without Overexposure

The solid roof combined with a glazed lantern brings in natural light without the harsh heat gain of a full glass roof. It’s one of the biggest pros of an orangery, daylight from above, with more control over temperature and shade.

This balance makes orangeries feel bright and comfortable all year round. We specify all glass with performance coatings to manage heat, glare, and clarity.

3. True Year-Round Living

Thanks to high insulation standards and carefully selected roof types, orangeries are warm in winter and cool in summer. We include underfloor heating, double or triple glazing, and solar control glass as standard.

This makes them suitable for everyday use — whether as a kitchen, dining room, or family lounge. Compared to older conservatories, the difference in performance is substantial.

4. Flexible Layout Options

Because we build orangeries to order, the layout is entirely up to you. We can create open-plan kitchen extensions, garden rooms, breakfast areas, or even multi-use spaces. Many of our clients ask us to design orangeries that blend into both the house and garden.

There’s also plenty of scope to include accessories such as lighting zones, smart heating, and integrated storage — all planned from the outset.

5. Planning Permission Is Often Straightforward

In many cases, an orangery can be built under permitted development. Where full planning permission is needed, our in-house team prepares and submits the application on your behalf.

The lower roof height and sympathetic materials usually help minimise visual impact, especially in conservation areas. We manage this process closely, including listed building consent where required.

6. Adds Character and Value

Unlike more generic extensions, a bespoke orangery can increase the value of your home while also enhancing its identity. With the right design, it feels like it has always been there.

The architectural features of an orangery — tall glazing, cornicing, French doors, timber detailing — all contribute to a finish that feels refined and lasting.

The Cons (and When Another Option Might Be Better)

1. Less Wall Space for Kitchens or Utilities

Because orangeries include more glazing than a brick extension, there’s naturally less wall area for tall units or wall-mounted fixtures. If you’re planning a kitchen with lots of cabinetry, a hybrid layout may be a better fit.

We sometimes combine an orangery with a small adjoining utility space or back room to solve this.

2. Slightly More Complex Roof Construction

The roof types we use — typically flat roofs with glazed lanterns — require careful design and waterproofing. These aren’t off-the-shelf solutions, so they can take longer to construct than a standard lean-to or mono-pitch roof.

That said, they’re engineered for long-term durability and built to current building regulations.

3. May Not Suit Ultra-Modern Homes

While orangeries suit heritage properties exceptionally well, they may not be the best choice for sharp-edged new builds. In those cases, a frameless glass box extension or winter garden might be more appropriate.

We’ll always advise you if there’s a better structural fit for your property.

4. Requires a Higher Initial Budget Than Conservatories

A traditional orangery is a more substantial build than a conservatory. It uses higher-quality materials, involves more detailed joinery, and is built to match the home.

The cost of a traditional orangery reflects this — but so does the final result. It’s a long-term investment in both your lifestyle and your property.

5. Must Be Designed Properly

Poorly planned orangeries can suffer from overheating, condensation, or awkward layouts. We avoid these common mistakes by carefully specifying glazing, ventilation, and orientation from day one.

Each build is designed as a true part of the house, not just a glazed addition.

Final Thoughts

Traditional orangeries offer a blend of warmth, light, and timeless style. They’re not right for every situation, but when designed well, they provide something few other extensions can match a space that feels genuinely part of the home, but also open to the garden.

At Glass House Architecture, we focus on building orangeries that last. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to begin planning, we’re here to help you get it right from the start.