Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?

If you are in the market for a conservatory it is no surprise if you are confused about which style to opt for. Conservatories differ wildly from the humble lean-to to the most elaborate of Victorian gothic designs.

Before you shop for your conservatory, it is worth knowing what you are looking at.

Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian Styles

Period style conservatories refer to a wide time span that started with the arrival of the first wave of conservatories and orangeries in the mid- to late 17th Century right up to the pre-war period.

The Georgian period (1700-1840) is recognisable by the classic symmetry of its structures. Designers at this time followed the Classical Orders of Architecture with everything from floor plans and windows designed to strict proportions. The classic Georgian orangery can be distinguished from a conservatory by its prominent colonnades and is usually set back behind a perimeter wall.

The Victorian Period (circa 1850-1900) was marked by an increase in ornate conservatories which reached their most extreme in Victorian gothic architecture. With the introduction of steel into the mix, frames could be more lightweight and malleable. If the conservatory you are looking at has highly decorative eaves and/or columns with ornate finials and latticework it is almost certainly following a Victorian style.

Edwardian period conservatories (circa 1900-1910) saw a transition to a cleaner, more modern look while retaining classical elegance. The emphasis was on creating light and space and the hallmark of an Edwardian conservatory is its high, pitched roof.

Modern Conservatory Styles

When we think about a modern conservatory, we usually imagine a simple lean-to structure with clean lines and no fussy embellishments. State-of-the-art glass technology also means that there can be a lot of glazing incorporated into a contemporary conservatory design. However, no matter which conservatory style you prefer, you will find that it can be brought to life using modern materials – if you have the requisite budget of course. So just because you want a bespoke conservatory, don’t think that you have to go for something contemporary.

Conservatory Roof Conversions

If you are restricted in your budget and are just looking to refresh the look of an existing conservatory then a conservatory roof conversion can work wonders. This involves replacing your existing glazed or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight solid roof with inbuilt insulation. As well as updating the style of your conservatory it will regulate the temperature all year round.

No matter which conservatory style you eventually decide on, be sure to check it falls within permitted development guidelines and that your contractor can handle the Building Regulations requirements.

Main image for ‘Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?’ article shows Kensington orangery with its distinctive colonnades. Copyright: sirijinda / 123RF Stock Photo

Can I Convert my Conservatory into an Extension ?

Have you ever asked yourself the question: ‘Can I convert my conservatory into an extension?’

It may seem just a case of extending some walls and replacing the roof but, as with many construction projects, things are a little bit more involved than that. On a positive note, there is a lot of flexibility in planning these days and you are unlikely to need planning permission providing you are generally keeping within the envelope of the existing structure.

Be Prepared for a Project

However, to oversee a conservatory to extension project you – or the person you appoint for the job – should have a good grasp of planning procedures, insurance, law, design and building regulations. Without that, there is scope for major expense.

The first step is to find out if you are actually allowed to convert.

Conservatory Conversions and Permitted Development

As long as your property definitely does exist within a Permitted Development (PD) area then your conservatory conversion is almost certainly covered. However, if you are planning to do anything extreme (e.g. converting to a multi-storey extension) or of encroaching on to more of your land – especially if the conservatory is already at its maximum allowable length under PD – then you are likely to require planning permission. If you think you are in a grey area or are converting to sell, obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development is wise to give future buyers piece of mind.

Conservatory Conversions and Building Regulations

Unless you are planning to turn your conservatory into a basic

Another consideration to make is insurance. Make sure you give your insurance company a call and check whether the converted building will still be covered and whether you can claim for any damage that occurs during the work itself.

What About Conservatory Roof Conversions

Instead of asking, ‘can I convert my conservatory into an extension,’ you could instead consider replacing the glass or polycarbonate roof  with a lightweight, insulated roof designed just for that purpose.

Even though the Building Regulations have changed regarding conservatories, with the amount of glazing no longer as important, it is still a grey area. Building Control will still want to inspect the roof and the underlying structure but there is a lot less involved than with a full-scale extension.

Image for ‘Can I convert my conservatory into an extension?’ – Copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo