What Is an Orangery?

An orangery is a glazed extension, much like a conservatory but with more brickwork. Less than 75% of the roof and 50% of the walls are glazed. The rest is brickwork.

The brickwork of an orangery is usually brick, wood, aluminium or uPVC. The glazing is typically double glazing. The average orangery has large glass doors and windows with a solid, flat, pitched or lantern roof. A flat roof with a glass lantern is the most common choice.

There are a few more defining traits. We will discuss them later. Let’s take a history lesson first. Let’s explore the history of orangeries and glazed buildings in general.

Historical Background of Orangeries

Orangeries were invented in the 17th century. Most of the innovations came from Holland and Italy. Back then, people were experiencing advancements in glass technology. They also needed a way to protect citrus, vegetables and exotic plants from harsh winters.

So, they innovated what we now know as orangeries. For this to work (in the UK), the orangery must have large south-facing windows and a north-facing wall. This maximises sunlight supply (from the south) and stops cold from entering (from the north).

Some people also added wooden shutters and stoves to their orangeries. The shutters prevent heat loss, while the stoves add warmth.

However, orangeries weren’t just glorified greenhouses. With time, they soon became status symbols. The rich and powerful would build grand and intricate orangeries for their estates.

They also started using their orangeries for other purposes besides protecting delicate plants (during winter). So, when northern Europe finally found other means to get and protect fresh citrus and vegetables year-round, orangeries didn’t go extinct.

People found other uses for their orangeries. We still do that today. Many people use their orangery as a kitchen, home office, gym, playroom, etc. Some businesses also use their orangery as a restaurant, pub, lounge and dining area.

Orangery vs Conservatory: Key Differences

What is an orangery? The easiest way to answer this question is to discuss the differences between orangeries and conservatories. Modern conservatories and orangeries are similar. That’s why many people can’t differentiate one from the other. 

Plus, the conservatory is a variation of the orangery. The sunroom is another. All glazed buildings are children of the orangery. However, the conservatory is the most similar and most popular. There are only five main differences between them.

Amount of glazing

Less than 75% of an orangery’s roof and less than 50% of its walls are glazed. The rest is brickwork. Conservatories have a lot more glazing. The entire surface area of a conservatory can be made with glazing. This is called a frameless conservatory or glass box.

However, glass boxes are the exception. The average conservatory still has brickwork. It is just that a minimum of 75% of a conservatory’s roof and 50% of its walls must be glazed.  

Design and architecture

Orangeries are grander and more elegant. Remember that they used to be status symbols. That trait remains, even in the modern world.

Orangeries are also a lot more structurally secure and independent. The average conservatory is built into the wall of the house. This provides structural support. The wall might even have a door leading to the main house.

An orangery has more brickwork. So, it can stand alone. There is no need to attach it to the wall (of the main house) for support.

Insulation and energy efficiency

Orangeries have better insulation and energy efficiency than conservatories. Brick, wood, aluminium and uPVC are better insulators than glass. Orangeries have more brickwork. Therefore, they have better insulation and energy efficiency.

Lighting

Conservatories are better with natural light, while orangeries are better with artificial light. This is because of their structural differences, aka the amount of glazing and brickwork involved.

Conservatories have more glazing. Therefore, the sunlight supply is better. However, the brickwork on an orangery provides ample opportunities to install artificial light fixtures. Roof lanterns on orangeries also provide a lighting advantage.

Cost​

Orangeries cost more than conservatories. You can build a conservatory for as little as £5,000. You need at least £8,000 to build an orangery.

Conservatory

Benefits of an Orangery

Here are five big benefits of orangeries

Versatile living space

You can use an orangery for almost anything. We made a list of commercial and residential uses earlier. Here is a reminder.

You can use an orangery as a gym, home office, playroom, kitchen, restaurant, pub, lounge, dining area, etc. You can even use it as a living space.

Plenty of natural light

Orangeries have enough glazing to let you enjoy lots of natural light and ventilation. Conservatories are better at this, but orangeries are incredible, too.

Year-round usability

You can use an orangery year-round. You don’t have to worry about temperature fluctuation. An orangery doesn’t get too cold in winter or too warm in summer.

Increased property value

An orangery can increase the value of your property by up to 15%. That’s a solid investment.

Highly customisable

Orangeries are highly customisable. You can build a bespoke orangery that fits your taste and budget. You can design it to match the aesthetics of your property.

Conclusion

An orangery is a glass structure with a wall that is less than 50% glazed and a roof that is less than 75% glazed. This is not a very specific definition, right? That’s the point.

Orangeries are highly customisable. They are also very similar to conservatories. However, as you now know, there are some clear differences.