The essential guide for conservatories
When a family has outgrown the house, adding a conservatory can be a more cost-effective solution than moving. Also, in the inclement weather of the British Isles, greenhouses allow us to make the most of the garden rain or shine, so it’s easy to understand their popularity.
Today, the growing trend for larger kitchens with a dining table or casual living room has had an impact on how conservatories and conservatories tie in with the home. If the conservatory is to accommodate a new open plan kitchen or living room then the access provided by a single door will be inadequate. The opening of the back of the house to the winter garden requires substantial structural modifications that, although perfectly feasible, will require the application of urban regulations.
The glass technology that was pioneered during the Victorian era continues to develop today; now it is possible to have self-cleaning glass, such as Pilkington Active, or one that offers greater thermal insulation, such as low-e glass. According to Jeffrey Gold of Glass Houses, self-cleaning glass is “definitely worth considering as it doesn’t come with a huge additional cost. We tend to specify it for the roof rather than the elevation walls.”
Before you begin your project, it’s worth considering the conservatory styles on offer. The most effective are those that are compatible with the style or period of your home. You must also define a use for the new room and decide how it will be accessed from the house. Above all, you need to find a designer or contractor you feel comfortable with and set a realistic budget.
conservatory styles
Traditional
Conservatories in the Victorian or Edwardian style, and semi-detached versions, remain popular and obviously follow older properties. Variations include structures with full-height glass walls or glass-enclosed dwarf walls. You could also consider an orangery greenhouse; these were originally developed for growing orange trees and have solid inset walls with glass panels or full length doors and a glass roof. Jeremy Uglow explains: “An orangery has heavier joinery than the usual conservatory and a lantern in the ceiling surrounded by a plaster ceiling to create a more solid structure.”
Modern
Adding a light and modern space to your home is an increasingly popular option. Contemporary conservatories are typically custom built, so prices tend to range from the mid to upper end of the scale, but there is a wide variety of materials and styles available. Trombé’s Alan West points out that since English Heritage frequently uses modern conservatories alongside period buildings, it’s fair to say that sympathetically designed structures will work if well planned and executed.
pro tip
A conservatory is a significant financial investment and the cost will vary depending on the building materials, whether from a standard range or bespoke, and the extent to which the building work is managed. Kit or DIY greenhouses are initially less expensive, but the labor costs to prepare the site and carry out the installation work must be factored into the equation. Unless you are prepared to oversee construction work, it is wise to use a specialized greenhouse company that will manage all aspects of the project, including handling planning or construction regulations. At the higher end, companies offering a bespoke service will design the conservatory to suit individual requirements and will oversee the construction work to completion.
Practical considerations
Heating
A conservatory can be heated with water or with electric underfloor heating. Alternatively, central heating can be extended with radiators placed against low walls or by channeling heat through decorative grilles installed around the edge of the floor. It is advisable to run the greenhouse heating on a separate circuit and thermostat from the main boiler.
Floors
The placement of practical and durable floors is recommended; For best results, choose ceramic tile or natural stone flooring.
Blinds
Use blinds to protect furniture, help maintain an even temperature year-round, and provide privacy. There is a wide variety: retractable pleated shades, fabric roller shades, and Pinoleum shades, which are made from wood slats. Blinds should be expertly made and fitted to ensure they are securely fastened and it is also advisable to install an operating system for tall windows.
Yard
Allow a budget to repair areas of the garden damaged by construction work and plan and install effective garden lighting.
Other considerations
Glazing and Roofing
Double glazing is recommended, as well as low-E glass. It has a metal cladding that allows sunlight (short-wave radiation) to pass through, but reflects the heat from the radiators (long-wave radiation) back into the greenhouse. Safety glazing is mandatory for windows and walls within 800mm of the floor and must comply with BS6206. The roof can be made of glass or polycarbonate, which is a lighter but durable material and may be necessary in some structures that will not support the weight of glass.
maintenance conservatory
The installer should advise you on maintenance; As a guide, wash heavy grime from windows, aluminum and uPVC frames with a soap and water solution every few months. Solvent-based or abrasive cleaners should not be used and wood surfaces should also be washed regularly to remove surface contamination.
Environmental issues
It is also important to choose the right material for the frame of the greenhouse. Hardwood, aluminum or uPVC are traditionally used. However, Charles Turner of Richmond Oak says: “There is a growing concern about the building materials used for greenhouses. Some councils now insist that only wooden greenhouses are used on new-build properties.” This relates to the energy used to make the materials, with wood requiring much less. But the wood must come from a safe source and that it is not in danger. Check out the Friends of the Earth website, foe.co.uk, which grades woods so you can make an environmentally friendly choice.
useful contacts
The Conservatory Association is a division of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), an independent organization that promotes high standards within the industry. To find a GGF approved greenhouse company, visit ggf.org.uk or call 0870 042 4255. Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), 0870 042 4255; ggf.org.uk.
Planning Permit and Construction Regulations
According to The Conservatory Association, planning permission and building regulations are often confused. “Planning permission is concerned with the visual impact and size of the structure and not the technical integrity.” Building regulations, on the other hand, cover all aspects of building construction and are constantly being revised; see odpm.gov.uk for more details. It is important to check that your contractor or designer is aware of the new regulations. According to The Conservatory Association, planning permission is generally not required for small home conservatories, as long as they meet the building regulations listed below. It is advisable to check with your local planning department as rules may vary.
Cases where planning permission will be required include:
“The house is located in a conservation area, national park, or designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“The conservatory is not at ground level.
“It’s a semi-detached house.
“The volume of the house will increase by more than 15 percent or 70 cubic meters, whichever is greater.
“The house has already been enlarged.
The Association of Conservatories advises that a conservatory is generally exempt from building regulations as long as:
Built on a domestic dwelling and separated from the rest of the dwelling by a door that meets the requirements of an exterior door.
” Less than 30 m2 of constructed area.
“A single plant.
“Built on the ground floor.
” Glazed in accordance with the safety glazing requirements of the approved Document N of the Building Regulations and BS6262 Part 4 1994.
“Not within 1m of the boundary.
” Equipped with a 75 percent glazed roof and 50 percent glazed walls.