What type of conservatory is best?
Wednesday, 20 January 2021
When it comes to home improvements, conservatories remains a popular way to add space to your home. A conservatory usually does not require planning permission and is quicker and more cost effective to install than a full building extension. With modern designs and materials, a conservatory can be just as comfortable and insulated as the rest of your home. So how do you decide which type of conservatory his best?
Planning
Although it’s unlikely that your conservatory will require planning permission, this is not always the case. Conservatories fall under Permitted Development planning rules. Its maximum height should be 4 metres for a detached house and 3 metres for other properties. It should not extend further than 8 metres from the rear wall of a detached property and 6 metres if the home is attached. In addition, the conservatory should not cover more than half of the garden. The highest point of the conservatory should not extend higher than the eaves of the property. To the side, a conservatory should not extend more than half of the width of the home. Before you make your decision on what type of conservatory is best for your home, it is worth checking whether any individual planning regulations apply to your property.
Shapes
Conservatories can be as varied as you dare imagine. However, there are basic shapes that you should be aware of while navigating your choices.
Victorian
Popular for many different properties, these are round ended conservatories with roof panels which meet at a central point.
Georgian
A square or rectangular shape sets this style apart. The roof raises to a central line from the front and the sides.
Gable
Again, this is a cubic shape, the difference being that the roof shape extends along the length of the conservatory
Combination
The beauty of a conservatory is in the flexibility of the form. So why not choose the elements of each style that work for your home to arrive at your best solution.
For large spaces
If your home and garden are large, you may be able to situate your conservatory across the rear of your home in a wide spacious structure. Popular layouts for large conservatories are a T shape and a P shape. These can be wonderfully functional additions to kitchen and living areas, offering substantial floor area.
For small spaces
Be conscious of your garden space if it is limited - remember that a conservatory should not take up more then 50% of your garden. Victorian style conservatories remain popular for smaller spaces since they give the illusion of space both inside and out through the rounded end structure.
For country homes
If a landscape view surrounds your home, it makes sense to optimise your enjoyment of it. So you should maximise the use of glass in your choice of design. If you have the space, maximise the width of your conservatory by choosing a combination style. This allows you to set your own shape to perfectly frame your surroundings.
For town homes
Urban properties often strive to maximise natural light. When neighbouring buildings block the light that enters your home, a conservatory is a great way to draw in light from above. So for town houses, pay extra attention to your roofing choices. With smart glass and lantern options to choose from, there are many ways to draw the light in.
Function
Is your conservatory planned to be a living space, a hobby room, an exercise studio or a dining area? The function of your conservatory can have a bearing on which type of conservatory is best for your needs. Think about light, insulation and floor area. If specific furniture is vital to the function of your conservatory, rounded Victorian styles can prove limited. Instead, look at Georgian or Gable shapes, which offer a cubic floor plan.
Narrowing down the choices
As you’re browsing through the multitude of structural and design options that are available, certain features will be key to finding the best conservatory.
Style
Although the best style for you is largely down to personal preference and taste, you mustn’t discount your existing home style. If in doubt, take the advice of your conservatory professional when it comes to how your conservatory might complement the style of your home. Both period and contemporary homes benefit from a complementary styled conservatory. However, contrasting styles can also be really effective. If you decide to go on this path, try to keep features such as panel frames and window frames consistent throughout the property.
Glass
Your choice of glass will have a significant bearing on the functionality of your conservatory. From polycarbonate to performance glass, modern materials mean that your conservatory will be well insulated and durable. The higher end glass, such as Celsius and SMART Glass offer some great benefits. These include self cleaning, tinting and temperature control options. Not only will this optimise the quality of light entering your conservatory, but it’ll maximise the functionality of the space.
Material
Structural materials are another key feature to consider when you’re planning a conservatory that is best for you. Most conservatories now stand on a brick base, but you may prefer to extend brickwork to create an orangery structure. Like window casements, uPVC frames are available in a range of colours and wood grain effects. These decisions will be key in blending and complementing your conservatory to your property.
Roof
Your conservatory roof need not consist entirely of glass in order to maximise natural light. Modern conservatory roof systems are extremely flexible and functional. These modular combination roofs can take in glass panels, skylights and lantern features that utilise air vents to help regulate temperature.
Every home and property is different, as are the people who live in them. This means that what is the best conservatory for one customer will be different to the best conservatory for another. The key is in narrowing down your options to arrive at your ideal. This is where the expertise of professionals like us here at Bill Butters Windows and Doors comes in. We strive to find the best solutions at the best prices to provide a conservatory that fits your taste and lifestyle.