Orangeries

UK, Ireland, Europe & North America

Orangeries

Orangeries are one of the most sought-after home extension types in the UK and around the world today. Not only do they serve as a sanctuary of light and tranquillity, but they also seamlessly blend the indoors with the natural world outside.

For inspiration, please browse through our orangery projects.

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Popular orangeries

Orangery kitchen extensions

Listed buildings with orangeries

Orangeries with stone & masonry

Useful information

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What sets our orangeries apart?

Our exceptional orangeries blend the very best of modern technologies with classical design to ensure your extension is truly unique and luxurious. We only use the highest quality timber, glass, stone and masonry and our bespoke approach precisely balances scale and proportion. We bring these elements into the modern day, creating structures that are not only compliant with current building standards but also elegant and timeless.

Inspired by a method originally devised for bridge construction, our in-house engineering team has created a revolutionary new roof system. It represents a breakthrough in orangery design as it is strong but lightweight. This means that our designers have greater flexibility and can be truer to the desirable proportions of classical architecture.

We have decades of experience in designing orangeries to suit all property types. Whether the building is Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian, something listed, or more modern, our bespoke orangeries typically incorporate architectural features, materials and colours from the host property to ensure the new extension is wholly complementary. However, orangeries can also be consciously designed to contrast with a building’s existing look and feel. It is our ability to exactly replicate features from the host property, as well as our precise attention to detail, which distinguishes a bespoke Hampton project from a run-of-the-mill orangery.

Whatever size, shape, or style you envisage, whether simple or complex in its configuration, a Hampton orangery is fully bespoke. Whether you’re looking to add significant value to your home; simply need a more practical space; or desire a conduit between the indoors and out, our expert designers will listen to your requirements and work with you to design a room that exceeds your expectations.

A brief history of orangeries

Originally a decadent display of status and prestige, orangeries were used by wealthy households as a space to protect exotic plants, especially citrus trees, from the cold British weather. Central to achieving such a harmonious design is the adherence to aesthetic principles, particularly those originating from classical Greek architecture. The inherent beauty of these structures, often recognised even by the untrained eye, lies in their architectural excellence. The subconscious effect of a well-balanced design elicits feelings of comfort, ease, and well-being.

What makes an orangery an orangery?

An orangery incorporates vertical pilasters (columns) and glass walls below an entablature (a horizontal structure) supporting a glazed roof lantern. Substantial base walls and pilasters provide definition to the structure, giving the orangery its striking visual identity. You can read more about what is meant by the term orangery in our blog post.

Uses of orangeries

While some homeowners still use their orangeries to showcase prized plant collections, the majority now transform their extensions into additional living spaces; either as a standalone room or to create a larger multi-functional open plan space.

Orangeries typically lend themselves to growing families, providing a solution where everyone can gather to cook, play, work and most importantly, be together. They also lend themselves to creating elegant entertainment spaces with a well-designed indoor/outdoor connection, making cooking and socialising effortless. Or, if it’s space for relaxation that you need, then an orangery can also be designed to soothe both body and soul. For some inspiration, see our post on how to use your new glazed extension.

We will custom design your orangery to suit the needs of all your family members, whether they are young or young at heart.

A bespoke orangery extension for your home

At Hampton we understand that design and functionality are not mutually exclusive. Our approach to bespoke orangery design is rooted in a deep appreciation for classical architecture.

You can be confident that our team of designers will listen carefully to your aspirations and make suggestions based on their years of experience and expertise. If you’re looking to add wow factor to your home, both inside and out, then look no further than an orangery extension from Hampton.

We understand what is required to create a really special room.

Do orangeries require planning permission?

Whether or not planning permission is required for an orangery will depend on the size, orientation, aspect, location and whether there are any specific considerations regarding the property itself, specifically about whether it is listed.

Your Local Planning Authority (LPA) will be able to advise you about whether or not planning permission is needed and if so, how to go about submitting your request. For more information, please see our blog post on whether planning permission is needed for an orangery.

We’ve been designing and manufacturing orangeries for over 40 years, so we understand what LPAs look for in applications. If required, we are more than happy to work alongside our clients in acquiring all the relevant permissions.

Can I add an orangery to my listed house?

The short answer is ‘probably yes’ but you will need to consult your Local Planning Authority. We’ve written an in-depth guide to adding an orangery to a listed property which is a good place to start.

You might also benefit from looking at recent planning applications in your area to see what has and what has not been approved. Ultimatley, it may be a little more complex than adding an orangery to a standard home but we, at Hampton, have a long track record of working with the owners of listed properties, so you’re in good hands.

Is there any orangery terminology that I should be familiar with?

If you want to become an expert in your new glazed extension then you can get up to speed by reading our blog post on key design decisions for an orangery. But honestly, you don’t need to know any of the specifics like finials and clerestories. We’re the experts and we’ll help you design an orangery that’s perfectly in harmony with your home – you just need to know what you like and what you don’t.

It may also be useful to have a browse through our case studies and see which of these images of orangeries you find most appealing.