Three conservatory alternatives to improve your home
Conservatory alternatives are having a moment. Sleek, glass box extensions are bang on trend. And householders keen to improve their homes are asking architects in Yorkshire how to bridge the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor living.
Here, our Leeds architects lay out the options available.
Glass box extensions are the hot new conservatory alternatives
Also known as frameless conservatories, these sheer-glass constructions can be stunning. They look extremely contemporary, flood a house with extra light and are understandably popular.
But there is more to consider than how aesthetically pleasing your glass box extension will look on Instagram.
In reality, there is a limit to how much glass is permitted in an extension in the UK. Once that limit is breached, it becomes an issue under Building Regulations, Part L, to be exact.
As a basic guide, part L limits the total area of openings or glazed elements to a maximum of 25 per cent of the extension’s floor area. Now this can be overcome, although our architects in Yorkshire know it isn’t always easy.
One option is to increase the thermal resistance, or U Value, of the walls, floor, roof or glazing elements. You could do this by using high-performance glass, for instance.
Another is to assess carbon dioxide emissions rates from the entire house, then upgrade services or other elements as needed. This could mean adding insulation and / or a more efficient heating system.
Either option will add complexity and time to your project, cost more and may make you think twice about this option when it comes to choosing conservatory alternatives.
Orangeries are an ultra-chic way to add value to a home
These conservatory alternatives have a fascinating history.
Up until the 19th century, orangeries existed as a way to grow exotic plants or fruits, but had little or no glazing to their roofs. People introduced roofs to meet public demand for growing varieties like pineapples and grapes.
An orangery is primarily a brick structure, in contrast to a conservatory. They tend to have a lantern, or glazed section, in the middle of the roof.
Kitchen orangeries are currently in vogue. They are an ultra-chic way to add more value to a home and can be easier to integrate into a property’s design.
However, there are some cons. Due to their design, orangeries tend to let in less light than a conservatory, especially if you stick to a traditional colonnade effect. And they are typically more expensive than a conservatory, too.
House extensions: a modern conservatory alternative
Is there a way to combine the benefits of a conservatory – without any of the cons?
When designed correctly, a single-storey house extension can add beautiful light to your home.
It can frame the best views with cleverly placed windows.
Unlike conservatories, they are not garden rooms. You can use the extra space year-round without it becoming stifling or chilly.
Another gain here is the value added over time. While a single or double-storey house extension is likely to cost more than a conservatory or a conservatory alternative, it should last decades longer.
If your lifestyle changes or you plan to sell, you can easily modify the space.
So the benefits of an extension include:
- Maximising natural light
- Can increase property value
- Creates extra space for use all year round
- Longevity and adaptability
Our architects in Wakefield have decades of experience and are extension specialists.
We know exactly how to transform your home with an extension that delivers on the wow factor, matches your lifestyle and meets all planning and building regulations.
Let’s chat about conservatory alternatives
If you still have questions about conservatory alternatives, then Studio J would love to hear from you.
Get in touch with our team of RIBA chartered local architects in Yorkshire, and we’ll supply the answers.
