Conservatory vs extension - which is the best way to improve your home?
Leeds architect Studio J weighs in on the conversatory vs extension debate - and there is only one winner.
Conservatory vs extension is a question asked by many people looking to improve their home. And especially in summer.
Blistering hot weather – like we’ve experienced in recent weeks – can mean being uncomfortable in stuffy houses.
And with climate change bringing ever-warmer temperatures to the UK, this is an issue our Leeds architect team is advising on more than ever.
Conservatories are misunderstood – and often underused
Conservatories are garden rooms which became fashionable in the late 20th century.
Their glass structure usually provides lovely views of a garden. They also do not require building regulations approval as long as they meet certain, recently updated, criteria. One little-known rule for conservatories is that they should have an exterior-grade door, separating them from the main house, to help with heat retention.
However, this glass structure also has many drawbacks.
Conservatories are notoriously hard to regulate in terms of temperature. In summer, they are too hot to spend time in, and in winter, too cold. Rain falling on the roof can also be extremely noisy.
This means the extra space conservatories provide is often criminally underused. They can easily become dumping grounds for items such as fitness equipment or laundry.
Conservatory vs extension: there’s only one winner
As an experienced extension architect, we know that a good extension can offer all the benefits of a conservatory. With none of the drawbacks!
Adding an extension to your home instead of a conservatory will provide extra space which can be used all year round. You could potentially also add some extra space upstairs with a two-storey extension.
We can design a stunning extension with windows that get the most out of your views and light without the unbearable heat of a conservatory in summer.
One way of doing this is by splitting windows into smaller panels. The sections of wall in between help thermal insulation.
There are regulations about how much glazing is permitted per square metre of extension. If these are breached, it can be possible to offset with improved insulation to keep temperatures consistent. We also consider U-values, or thermal transmittance, of every element of your extension to ensure maximum energy efficiency and thermal comfort no matter the season.
Conservatory vs extension cost
The initial cost of a conservatory is cheaper than an extension. But in the long run, an extension is much better value.
That’s because the lifespan of a conservatory is generally under 20 years. An extension is likely to comfortably last three times as long, if not longer.
It can also be repurposed as your lifestyle changes, or by the family who buy your property when you move on.
In turn, this is also more environmentally friendly than having several conservatories in the same timeframe.
Being able to use an extension all day, every day, without worrying about excessive heat, cold or noise, also gives you more for your money.
Other ways we design summer-proof homes
There are lots of other techniques our Leeds architects use to design a cool home, in every sense of the word!
Strategies include positioning windows and doors to frame views and allow for maximum airflow, prioritising insulation, shading and incorporating materials that absorb and release heat slowly.
Let us create your dream home
We’d love to chat about your ideas for a dream home that delivers all year round.
Get in touch with our Wakefield architects to find out more or for a no-obligation quote.
