The orangery was introduced during the Renaissance as a way for Italian nobility to grow citrus trees on their land. These large rooms offered protection from the harsh winter climate and ensured the trees would survive the winter. Conservatories evolved from orangeries to protect shrubs, herbs and other smaller plants. Many homeowners are building orangeries in Altrincham as a way to add an elegant extension and improve property value.

An orangery typically has large windows and a glass roof. Traditional construction methods feature brick walls with less glass than the average conservatory. Window frames may be made of uPVC, wood, or aluminium to suit the home’s architectural style and the homeowner’s personal taste.

Many homeowners choose uPVC because it requires minimal upkeep to maintain its appearance throughout its lifetime. It will not peel, fade, rot, or corrode. Occasionally wiping down the surface with warm, soapy water is all the maintenance this material requires.

Wood requires more maintenance to retain its appearance but nothing else beats it for natural warmth and rustic charm. Staining or painting the wood helps protect it against the elements. Oak and mahogany are among the most popular hardwoods suitable for this application.

Aluminium is lightweight but strong enough to support the glass needed to make an orangery light and airy. This is often the best material to preserve the look and feel of a contemporary structure. Aluminium is easy to maintain and is available in various shades of white, grey, black, and brown.

The typical orangery roof has a plastered flat roof and a roof lantern located centrally. An alternative design is the lean-to with the lantern slanting down from an exterior wall. The flat roof provides stability and allows the orangery to connect seamlessly with an interior room.

Low-emissivity panes minimise heat transfer to improve energy efficiency. An invisible coating on the surface of the glass reflects interior heat back into the room. This keeps wear and tear on the home’s heating system to a minimum during the cold winter months. Homeowners can use their extended living space all year round because the room stays comfortable.

Keeping the glass clean and free of water spots used to be one of the most challenging aspects of keeping up with an orangery. Modern window manufacturers now offer self-cleaning glass. This eliminates the hassle of finding time to wash windows and the expense of hiring someone to do it.

Self-cleaning glass has a special coating on the exterior surface that requires ultraviolet light for activation. Once activated, the coating breaks down any organic dirt that sticks to the surface and collects inorganic dirt. Water droplets form a sheet on contact and wash away all the dirt particles.

Adding an orangery is a home improvement project that is practical and functional. This type of home improvement project expands the home’s living space and adds an elegant touch to any existing structure. A qualified local contractor can answer any questions and review all the options for building an orangery on any residential property.