Hardwood Orangeries

An orangery is a more substantial architectural extension characterized by solid masonry or timber pillars, an insulated flat roof perimeter, and a central glazed roof lantern. In contrast, a traditional conservatory features a fully glazed, pitched roof running straight to the eaves. The solid perimeter of an orangery provides higher thermal efficiency and usable internal wall space for kitchens, lighting, and custom joinery, while still flooding the room with natural overhead sunlight.

Many orangery extensions fall under Permitted Development rights, meaning full planning permission is not required if specific size, height, and boundary limits are met. However, if your property is Grade I or Grade II listed, located in a Conservation Area, or situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), formal planning consent or Listed Building Consent will be necessary. We act as a complete design-and-build practice, managing all site surveys, architectural drawings, and planning submissions on your behalf.

Yes. Modern timber orangeries are engineered as fully integrated, daily living spaces. We construct our frames using dense Sapele hardwood—a natural thermal insulator—paired with high-performance double glazing featuring Low-E solar-control coatings, argon gas fills, and warm-edge spacer bars. Combined with insulated flat roof perimeters, our orangeries maintain a comfortable, stable internal temperature through winter cold and summer sun.

In many cases, yes. Building regulations often apply where an orangery is designed as a permanent extension to the home, particularly where factors such as structure, glazing, insulation and how the new space connects to the main property are involved. Making sure the design complies with current regulations is an important part of creating a safe, comfortable and lasting addition.

The cost of a hardwood orangery will depend on the size, design, specification and level of finish you choose. Factors such as glazing, roof design, brickwork, insulation and internal detailing will all influence the final price. Because every project is bespoke, the best way to get an accurate figure is through a tailored quotation based on your home and requirements.

A hardwood orangery will benefit from regular care to keep it looking its best over time. The level of maintenance will depend on the timber used, the finish applied and the degree of weather exposure, but hardwood is chosen partly because of its durability and long lifespan. With sensible ongoing maintenance, a hardwood orangery can remain beautiful and functional for many years.

We specify Sapele hardwood because of its high density, class-leading dimensional stability, and natural resistance to warping and rot. Softwoods and unseasoned oak can twist or move significantly over time, breaking glass seals and causing drafts. Sapele holds fine architectural joinery details exceptionally well and, when finished with our factory-applied microporous paint system, offers a 30+ year lifespan with minimal upkeep.

Removing internal structural walls to open up dark, segmented ground floors into expansive kitchen and dining hubs is one of our primary specialities. An orangery's solid perimeter structure provides the necessary support for high-span steelwork and kitchen cabinetry, while the central roof lantern introduces dramatic top-down daylight deep into the interior cooking and entertaining zones.