Tips for Planning an Orangery Kitchen Extension
Have you ever dreamed of transforming your kitchen into a vibrant space seamlessly blending with nature? Planning an orangery kitchen extension might be the perfect solution to bring that dream to life.
It’s a perfect project for those wanting to add brightness to their main living area. Imagine the warmth of natural sunlight flooding your cooking space, creating a cosy haven where culinary creativity meets the beauty of the outdoors. But where do you begin?
Fear not. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of adding a modern orangery to your home. Also, we’ll explore the advantages, costs, design ideas, requirements, and more! So, let’s dig into the details:
What Is The Difference Between A Conservatory And An Orangery?
You might be thinking, what is an orangery extension design? Basically, an orangery is like a blend of a conservatory and a classic single story extension. This smart combination gives you a structure that enjoys the warmth of an extension while embracing the abundant glazed features of a conservatory.
What are the Benefits of an Orangery Kitchen Extension?
Create an Outdoor/Indoor Link
Orangeries seamlessly connect your indoor living space with the outdoors. Their bright and airy design allows you to experience the feel of your garden without stepping outside. Having orangery designs connect your green space significantly contributes to household well-being, even more than natural light alone.
Increase Kitchen Light
The glazed features of orangeries allow plenty of light into the kitchen, resulting in a bright and spacious atmosphere throughout the day. Aside from making cooking easier, this added light reduces the need for artificial lighting.
Space Expansion with Minimal Disruption
Opting for a small or large orangery is a great alternative to moving houses, allowing you to stay in the neighbourhood you love. With off-site cut glass panels, orangeries often have quicker construction times than traditional extensions. Plus, they seamlessly integrate into your kitchen design, saving you from a redecorating hassle.
Creating a Multifunctional Space/Flexible Living
The open-plan design of an orangery extension facilitates a multi-functional space concept. It’s a hit with families, enabling everyone to stay together even during meal preparations.
Year-Round Use
High-quality orangeries, constructed with insulated brickwork and energy-efficient doors, windows, and flooring, ensure a cosy environment throughout the year.
Adding Value to Your House
Orangeries not only enhance your living space but can also increase the value of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Style
The freedom to customise your living space is yours. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s a rustic oak-framed orangery or a contemporary grey-painted timber.
No Planning Permission Needed
Modern orangery installations often don’t require planning permission as long as they adhere to permitted development rights.
Orangery Designs for Your Home
When it comes to extending kitchens to transforming your orangery, the possibilities are vast. Let’s explore roof, base, door style, and interior options.
Roof Designs
- Edwardian Orangery: Characterised by a square or rectangular floor plan with bold lines reminiscent of the Edwardian era.
- Victorian Orangery: Displays a gothic appearance with round and bay windows. It often features metal frameworks with tasteful filigree details for that Victorian charm.
- Gable-fronted Orangery: Boasts a squared-off design that complements your house, bringing in more light and creating a spacious feel.
- Lean-to Orangery: Relies on the outer wall of your home, creating a distinctive leaning structure.
Base Types
- Brick and Stone: Traditional materials seamlessly blend with your home.
- Glazing with Metal: Provides a luxurious look and panoramic views and allows for full-length bi-fold doors.
Door Styles
- French Doors: Classic double doors, an affordable choice offering excellent views.
- Sliding Doors: Resemble French doors and are ideal for smaller orangery spaces.
- Bi-fold Doors: Composed of glazed panels, offering a panoramic view and using a folding mechanism to open.
Interior Designs
- Urban Jungle: Introduce mini plants or hanging pots, creating an appealing green atmosphere.
- Rustic Country: Achieve a countryside look with wooden installations paired with stones for a charming aesthetic.
- Gothic Victorian: Place vintage furniture, old items, and black filigree frames to evoke a Victorian ambience in your orangery interior.
7 Tips to Consider for Adding an Orangery Kitchen Extension
Choose the Right Location for Your Orangery
Selecting the perfect spot for your orangery is crucial. Consider how it connects to your existing house and its orientation. Optimal positions are in the south-east or south-west for a balance of sunlight exposure throughout the day.
Check Whether You Need Planning Permission
Depending on the size and location, planning permission may be necessary. Consult your local authority or enlist the help of an architect to ensure compliance with regulations.
Assess if You Need to Lay Foundations
If building a new structure, foundations might be required. Consulting with a structural engineer and working closely with your architect, engineer, and building control is essential for proper planning.
Decide on the Purpose of Your Orangery
Clearly define the purpose of your orangery. Will it extend existing living spaces or serve as a separate area for various activities? Consider furniture layout, access, and its relationship to outdoor space to maximise year-round use.
Use an Orangery Extension to Maximise Light
Prioritise maximising daylight and views over the garden. Thoughtfully choose the type of glazing and doors to enhance the connection with the outdoors. Consider how the space will function in all seasons.
Get the Heating Right
Adequate heating and cooling are crucial. Underfloor heating works well in winter, while high-level openings for natural ventilation are effective in the summer. Collaborate with a service engineer to develop an effective environmental strategy.
Fill Your Orangery with Greenery
Enhance your new space by incorporating greenery. Work with plant stylists and designers to choose plants that complement the space. Historically, orangeries housed fruit trees, making adding greenery a fitting and aesthetically pleasing choice.
Rules for Your Orangery Kitchen Extension Plans
While an orangery adds charm to your home, there are specific rules you must follow:
- Your orangery should not exceed 50% of the land size of your original house.
- For detached properties, the height of your orangery should be limited to 4m.
- For other property types, the height of your orangery should be restricted to 3m.
- The eaves and ridges of your orangery must match the height of the existing house.
- In a rear extension, the maximum height allowed is 4m.
- For detached properties, extending a single-storey extension beyond the rear wall of your home is not permitted.
- The new eaves of the extension cannot be higher than those of the existing home.
- The highest point of the extension must not surpass the roof ridge line of the home.
How Long Will It Take To Build An Orangery Kitchen Extension?
Building an orangery extension takes four to eight weeks, depending on the project’s complexity. It’s essential to consider pre-construction processes, such as obtaining a lawful development certificate (up to 8 weeks) and dealing with party wall matters. Consequently, the entire process from start to finish can extend up to 8 months.
Is Permission Required for Small Orangery Kitchen Extension?
Orangery kitchen extensions typically fall under permitted development rights, eliminating the need for planning permission. However, properties like flats, maisonettes, and listed buildings may require special consideration, potentially leading to a full planning application.
How Much Do Orangery Kitchen Extension Cost?
Modern orangery prices range from £10,000 to £60,000, influenced by size, location, material, and finish factors.
Small Orangery (15m2)
Low end: £10,000 to £12,000
High end: £15,000 to £20,000
Medium-sized Orangery (25m2)
Low end: £20,000 to £24,000
High end: £30,000 to £40,000
Large Orangery (40m2)
Low end: £35,000 to £38,000
High end: £45,000 to £60,000
The cost can also vary based on the condition of the existing property, soil, drainage, and foundations. The distinction between low- and high-end designs depends on the quality of the materials and the contractor’s size. While smaller construction companies may offer cost-effective prices, larger-scale building companies often ensure a higher quality outcome.
Transform your Kitchen Area with PowerPillar Company.
Elevate your living space and bring the outdoors in with our expertly designed and crafted orangery kitchens. Our team of seasonal professionals is dedicated to seamlessly integrating your indoor and outdoor spaces. By focusing on quality craftsmanship, each orangery kitchen extension is a unique masterpiece tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.
Contact us today to experience the perfect blend of sophistication and functionality with our orangery kitchen extensions.
Conclusion
Planning an orangery kitchen extension offers a transformative opportunity to integrate the beauty of nature into your living space seamlessly. From the practical advantages to the freedom of customising your space, the orangery concept brings functionality and style to your home. So, whether creating an urban jungle or a gothic Victorian ambience, the versatility of orangery designs allows for a personalised and harmonious blend. With careful consideration of location, planning permissions, and heating solutions, an orangery becomes a harmonious extension of one’s lifestyle.
FAQs
Can I extend my kitchen with an orangery?
Yes, it is possible to extend your kitchen with an orangery. Orangeries are versatile structures that can serve as a seamless extension of your living space, including kitchen areas.
How do you plan an orangery?
Planning an orangery involves considerations such as design, purpose, size, materials, and budget. Consult with an architect or builder to create plans, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Consider aspects like windows, doors, heating, and lighting for optimal functionality.
How do you plan a kitchen extension layout?
Planning a kitchen extension layout involves assessing the available space, determining the kitchen’s function, and considering the placement of key elements like cabinets, appliances, and workspaces. Ensure efficient workflow and proper lighting, and consider factors like ventilation and access to outdoor areas.
Is it cheaper to build an orangery or extension?
The cost of building an orangery or extension can vary based on factors like size, materials, and complexity. In general, an orangery might be more cost-effective than a traditional brick extension, but the final cost depends on specific project requirements.
What is the difference between an orangery and an extension?
An orangery is a specific type of extension that typically features more glazed elements, including a lantern roof, providing a bright and airy space. While both serve as additional living areas, an orangery often has distinct architectural features that set it apart from a standard extension.
Do you need foundations for an orangery?
Yes, foundations are typically required for an orangery. The type of foundation will depend on factors like the orangery’s size, local soil conditions, and building regulations. A structural engineer or builder can provide guidance on the appropriate foundation for your orangery.
