A conservatory is a fabulous addition to any home: a light and airy retreat that provides a visual link to your garden and additional space for anything from a family room for relaxing to a formal dining area. It's an attractive idea and, when a family has outgrown the house, the addition of a conservatory can be a more cost-effective solution than moving. A separate garden room or summer house is another way to gain extra space and, like a conservatory, it provides the opportunity to enjoy the garden in comfort for much longer periods of the year.
In the inclement climate of the British Isles, conservatories enable us to make the most of the garden whether it's raining or not, so it's easy to understand their popularity. The earliest glasshouses were developed by gardeners of the 17th century to nurture tropical plants brought back by explorers. The creation of the grand private conservatories and the exhibition galleries of the Victorian era was only made possible with the advent of mass-produced glass. These structures then inspired the building of the smaller, domestic conservatories, which are still so popular today.
Glass technology continues to develop and now it is possible to have glass that is self-cleaning, such as Pilkington Activ, or one that offers greater thermal insulation, such as low emissivity glass. According to Jeffrey Gold, of Glass Houses, self-cleaning glass is “definitely worth considering as it does not involve much additional cost. We tend to specify it for the roof rather than the elevation walls.

OPEN-PLAN LIVING
Nowadays, a growing trend for larger kitchens with a dining table or informal living area has had an impact on the way conservatories and orangeries are linked to the home. If the conservatory is to accommodate a new kitchen or open-plan living area, then access provided by a single door will be inadequate. Opening up the back of the house into the conservatory requires substantial structural alterations, which, although perfectly feasible, will mean planning regulations apply (see the Planning Permission box on page 181). Jeremy Uglow of Jeremy Uglow Conservatories agrees: “People are definitely spending more on their kitchens with the aim of creating a living-cum-eating area and we work with a lot of kitchen companies to enable our clients to do this. Structural work is required to make the kitchen 'flow' into the conservatory, which is, of course, more costly. The work will also need to comply with the building regulations that deal with heat and energy conservation.”
As Jeremy Uglow points out, if a house has already been extended, “a conservatory is often a good option as it avoids compromising the light reaching the central part of the house which would otherwise be dark”.
Also worth considering are the styles of conservatory on offer. The most effective are those that are sympathetic to the style or period of your home. You should 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.

TRADITIONAL
Conservatories in Victorian or Edwardian styles, and lean-to versions, remain popular and obviously suit older properties. Variations include structures with either full-height glass walls or dwarf walls with glass. You could also consider an orangery; these were originally developed for the cultivation of orange trees and have solid walls inset with glazed panels or full-length doors and a glazed roof. Jeremy Uglow explains, “An orangery has heavier joinery than the usual conservatory, and a roof lantern surrounded by a plaster ceiling in order to make a more substantial structure.”

MODERN
Adding a light, modern space to your home is an increasingly popular option. Contemporary conservatories are generally bespoke, so prices tend to range from the mid to top end of the scale, but there is a wide variety of materials and styles available. Alan West at Trombé points out that, as English Heritage frequently use modern conservatories alongside period buildings, it's fair to say that sympathetically designed structures will work if well planned and executed.

GARDEN ROOMS
A garden room can be substantial enough to be an office with electricity and water or a simple gazebo offering shelter from the sun. As the structures are usually prefabricated off site, they are less complicated to install than a conservatory. They also cause less disruption because they are not attached to the house. Planning permission is required if they are positioned between the house and a road; take up more than half the garden and are not built at least five metres from the house. However it is always advisable to check with your local authority and, as a courtesy, consult your neighbours.

FIND OUT MORE

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
A conservatory is a major financial investment and the cost will vary depending on the construction materials, whether it is from a standard range or bespoke, and the extent that the building work is managed. Kit or DIY conservatories are initially less expensive but the labour costs of preparing the site and carrying out the installation work should be factored into the equation. Unless you are prepared to oversee the building work, it is sensible to use a specialist conservatory company that will manage all aspects of the project, including dealing with any planning or building regulations. At the top end, companies that offer a bespoke service will design the conservatory to suit individual requirements and oversee the building work through to completion.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

HEATING
A conservatory can be heated by water or electrical underfloor heating. Alternatively, the central heating can be extended with radiators fitted against low walls or by ducting the heat through decorative grilles installed around the edge of the floor. It is advisable to operate the conservatory's heating on a separate circuit and thermostat to the main boiler.

FLOORS
Laying practical, durable floors is advisable; for best results choose ceramic-tile or natural stone flooring.

BLINDS
Use blinds to protect furnishings, help maintain an even temperature throughout the year and provide privacy. There is a wide choice: retractable pleated blinds, fabric roller blinds and Pinoleum blinds, which are made from strips of wood. The blinds need to be made and fitted by an expert to ensure that they are properly supported and it is also advisable to fit an operating system for high windows.

GARDEN
Allow a budget for making-good areas of the garden damaged by building work and plan and install effective garden lighting.

GLAZING AND ROOFING
Double glazing is advisable, as is low-emissivity glass. This has a metal coating that allows sunlight (short wave radiation) through but reflects heat from radiators (long wave radiation) back into the conservatory. Safety glazing is mandatory for windows and walls within 800 mm of the floor and must comply to BS6206. Roofing can be either glass or polycarbonate, which is a lighter but durable material and may be required in some structures which will not support the weight of glass. In addition to Activ self-cleaning glass, Pilkington has recently introduced Activ Blue, which offers solar control.

CONSERVATORY MAINTENANCE
The installer should advise you on maintenance; as a guide, wash heavy grime on windows, aluminium and uPVC frames with a solution of soap and water every few months. Solvent-based or abrasive cleaners should not be used and timber surfaces should also be regularly washed down to remove surface pollution.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Choosing the right material for the conservatory frame is also important. Traditionally, hardwood, aluminium or uPVC are used. However, Charles Turner of Richmond Oak says, “There is an increase in concern about the building materials used for conservatories. Some councils now insist that only timber conservatories are used on new-build properties.” This relates to the energy used to manufacture the materials, and timber requires substantially less. But the timber must come from a safe, not endangered source. Consult the Friends of the Earth website, www.foe.co.uk, which classifies timbers so you can make an
environmentally friendly choice.

PLANNING PERMISSION AND BUILDING 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 – see www.odpm.gov.uk for further details. Building regulations are being constantly reviewed and there are changes due in April 2006 to place more stringent regulations on the performance of glass and building materials for conservatories. It is important to check that your contractor or designer is aware of the new regulations. According to The Conservatory Association, planning permission is not usually required for small domestic conservatories, provided they comply with the building regulations listed below, which applied at the time of going to press. However, it is advisable to consult your local planning department as rules vary.

Instances when planning permission will be required include:
• The house is in a conservation area, national park or designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• The conservatory is not at ground level.
• It is a terraced house.
• The volume of the house will be increased by more than 15 per cent or 70 cubic metres, whichever is the greater.
• The house has already been extended.

The Conservatory Association advises that a conservatory is usually exempt from building regulations provided it is:
• Built on to a domestic dwelling and divided from the rest of the house by a door that complies with the requirements for an exterior door.
• Under 30 m sq in floor area.
• A single storey.
• Built at ground floor level.
• Glazed in compliance with safety glazing requirements of approved Document N of the Building Regulations and BS6262 Part 4 1994.
• Not within 1 m of the boundary.
• Fitted with a roof that is 75 per cent glazed and with walls that are 50 per cent glazed.

USEFUL CONTACTS
The Conservatory Association is a division of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF),
an independent organisation which promotes high standards within the industry. To find
a GGF-approved conservatory company visit www.ggf.org.uk or call 0870 042 4255.
Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF),


USEFUL ORGANISATIONS
Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI), 0870 401 2200; www.corgi-gas.co.uk.

Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), (020) 7313 4800.

Federation of Master Builders, (020) 7242 2583; www.fmb.org.uk.

Marchwood, (0118) 947 5266; www.marchwood.com, offers a special conservatory maintenance service for bespoke timber conservatories.

Ultraframe, 0500 822340, works in partnership with the Guild of Master Craftsmen and will recommend a contractor in your area. Contact the company for its publication, Essential Guide to Conservatories.

DIRECTORY
Alitex, (01730) 826900; www.alitex.co.uk. Victorian-style bespoke greenhouses and plant conservatories.

Amdega, 0800 591523; www.amdega.com. Founded in 1874, Amdega produces bespoke conservatories, orangeries and summer houses in timber.

Anglian Conservatories, (01483) 755752; www.anglianconservatories.com. Established supplier of purpose-built conservatories primarily in uPVC.

Apropos, 0870 777 0326; www.clearspan.co.uk. Precision-engineered garden rooms, conservatories and skylights in aluminium and glass.

Ascot Timber Buildings, (01428) 654334; www.ascot-timber.co.uk. Pool and Jacuzzi buildings, outbuildings and summer houses in five styles, all in hardwood. From £4,000.

B&Q, 0845 850 0175; www.diy.com. B&Q offers help with the design, site survey, preparation and installation. Self-build conservatories start from £1,499.

Bartholomew Conservatories, (01428) 742800; www.bartholomew-conservatories.co.uk. Bespoke hardwood conservatories in classic or contemporary styles. From £15,000.

Brightwood, (01264) 771900; www.brightwood-conservatories.co.uk.
A specialist conservatory division of Input Joinery making individually designed hardwood conservatories.

Broadleaf Timber, (01269) 851910; www.broadleaftimber.com. Oak framing and joinery for traditional timber structures.

Cantifix, (020) 8203 6203; www.cantifix.co.uk. Specialist in architectural and frameless glazing as a bespoke service. From £12,000 to £36,000.

David Salisbury, 0844 800 8808; www.davidsalisbury.com. Bespoke orangeries and conservatories.

Fawsley, (02476) 669166; www.fawsley.com. Red cedar and aluminium-framed garden rooms, conservatories and orangeries. From £15,000.

Gabriel Ash, 0800 085 1652; www.gabrielash.com. Elegant greenhouses and garden rooms in western red cedar. Summer houses from £6,000.

The Garden House, (01843) 821851; www.thegardenhouse.ltd.uk. Self-contained buildings in eight standard sizes for home offices, studios or self-contained accommodation. From £9,500.

Glass Houses, (020) 7607 6071; www.glass-houses.com. Conservatories, orangeries and garden houses designed specifically for each client and environment. From £25,000.

Glass Houses by Jeremy Uglow, 01420 520009; www.glass-houses.co.uk. Bespoke conservatories, orangeries and glazed extensions, specialists in designs for listed and period buildings.

Hampton Conservatories, 0870 240 6093; www.hamptonconservatories.co.uk. Bespoke mahogany conservatories from a company with 20 years' experience. From £30,000.

Hartley Botanic, 0800 783 8083; www.hartley-botanic.co.uk. Specialist in greenhouses with a standard range from £1,500 and bespoke service starting from £8,000 to £9,000.

Hillary's Blinds, 0800 916 3524; www.hillarys.co.uk. Made-to-measure blinds for conservatories.

The Home Office from Temple Co, (01233) 712710; www.homeofficecompany.co.uk. Modular, timber-framed and insulated garden rooms and offices, installed and ready to use in under three days. From £10,500.

Jeremy Uglow, (01420) 520009; www.jeremyuglow.com. Bespoke orangeries and conservatories. From £20,000.

J R Willoughby, (01865) 487151; www.willoughby-cons.co.uk. Individually designed hardwood orangeries and conservatories with full project management service. From £25,000.

Litespace by Ultraframe, 0800 195 1631; www.litespace.co.uk. Litespace is an innovative glass extension designed to create a light and bright space. Available with the option of a glass or polycarbonate roof. From £1,999.

Machin, (01325) 360776; machin-conservatories.com. A unique system with an ogee-shaped profile for conservatories, glasshouses and swimming pool houses. From £20,000.

Malbrook Conservatories, (020) 8780 5522; www.malbrook.com. Individually designed conservatories and orangeries in hardwood. From £15,000.

Marston & Langinger, (020) 7881 5700; www.marston-and-langinger.com.
Conservatory prices start from £25,000 not including VAT or builders' costs.

National Trust Conservatories, (01476) 564433; www.nationaltrust
conservatories.com. Unique collection of modular conservatories, designed by Vale Garden Houses. From £20,000.

Norwegian Log Buildings, (0118) 966 9236; www.norwegianlog.co.uk. Made to order log buildings for use as home offices, games rooms, garden studios and pool enclosures. From £13,000.

Oak Leaf, (01904) 690401; www.oakleafconservatories.co.uk. Bespoke hardwood conservatories, garden rooms and orangeries.

Opus Conservatories, (01494) 445558; www.opusconservatories.co.uk. Timber conservatories in classic styles. From £30,000.

Portland Conservatories, 0800 294 9040; www.portland-direct-conservatories.co.uk. Affordable timber styles.

Prime Oak, (01384) 296611; primeoak.co.uk. Oak framed garages, conservatories and garden rooms. From £10,000 to £100,000.

Priory Conservatories, 0800 783 4034; www.priory-lifestyle.com. Made-to-order conservatories and orangeries, constructed from hardwood.

Richmond Oak, (01908) 511434; www.oakconservatories.co.uk. Individually designed conservatories and orangeries in naturally seasoned oak.

Rutland County, (01572) 787797; www.rutland-county.co.uk. Bespoke conservatories in grade A hardwood offering a unique lifting ridge system for ventilation. From £30,000.

Sanctuary Garden Offices and Summer Houses, (01363) 772061; www.sanctuarygardenoffices.com. Made-to-order, self-contained garden offices and summer houses. From £7,000.

Scotts of Thrapston; (01832) 732366; www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk. Designs and manufactures traditional gazebos and summer houses. From £2,400.

Town & Country Masterworks in Glass, (01328) 700565; www.townandcountryuk.com. Traditional bespoke hardwood conservatories, orangeries and roof lanterns. From £18,000 (roof lanterns from £3,000).

Trombé Conservatories, (020) 7684 1065; www.trombe.co.uk. Contemporary and traditional timber conservatories.

Vale Garden Houses, (01476) 564433; www.valegardenhouses.com. Individually designed timber-framed orangeries, conservatories and pavilions. From £30,000 including installation.

Westbury Conservatories, (01371) 876576; www.conservatoriesbywestbury.com. Bespoke conservatories and garden rooms, plus accessories and furnishings. From £23,000.

Westleigh Garden Room, (01933) 680086; www.ajsectional.com. Fully insulated garden rooms with flexible sizes and specifications.

Woodcraft, 0845 603 0969; www.woodcrafthomesuk.com. Designs and builds to any requirements from garden rooms to family homes. From £12,000.

FEATURE WENDY UREN

MAY 2006