1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION FOR YOUR ORANGERY
'The first thing to consider is the location of your proposed orangery. How it will connect to your existing house and importantly which way it faces,' explains Sophie. 'East facing orangeries will catch the sun in the morning, whereas westerly placed extensions will catch the sun in the afternoon and the evenings. Therefore, the ideal positioning is in the south-east or the south-west as it will be bathed in sunlight for a portion of the day and will then have time to cool off.'
2. CHECK WHETHER YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR AN ORANGERY
'Depending on the size and location of the proposed orangery you may need planning permission. It’s good to check with your local authority or work with an architect who will be able to advise,' says Sophie. If you're about to plan a kitchen extension, always make sure you're clued up on everything from planning permission and building control to windows and lighting.
3. ASSESS IF YOU NEED TO LAY FOUNDATIONS
This modern kitchen overlooks a double-height orangery style extension that brings in heaps of lights into an otherwise dark space. Shaker units and antique glass island pendant lighting tone down the contemporary nature of the vast glazing.
4. DECIDE ON WHAT WILL YOUR ORANGERY BE USED FOR
This orangery-style living room extension has been incorporated into the existing space rather than built as a separate room, which is what an original orangery would have been, making it feel connected and part of the home.
5. USE AN ORANGERY EXTENSION TO MAXIMISE LIGHT
'Maximising daylight and views over the garden is vital,' stresses Sophie. 'Think carefully about the type of glazing you want to have. Do you want full-height panels or smaller ones to frame a particular view. Also thinking about the type of doors you have is key. Do you want to open up one facade in the summer? Thinking about the thresholds is also important. How and where do you want the new space to meet your garden, and so on.'
6. GET THE HEATING RIGHT
'Getting your heating system and cooling right is high on the checklist,' says Sophie. 'The room will need to have good heating for the winter months, and that's where underfloor heating can work so well. Ventilation is key for the summer so having high-level openings for natural ventilation works well. We would always suggest working with a service engineer who can advise and model the different environmental conditions and advise on a strategy.'
7. FILL YOUR ORANGERY WITH GREENERY
'The fun bit is dressing in your new space at the end. We often work with plant stylists and designers who can advise on the best type of plants and species that will work best in the new space,' says Sophie. 'Historically an orangery was a room on the grounds of high-end residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries where orange and other fruit trees were protected during the winter so filling it with greenery seems very fitting.'