At Hampton, we have over 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing orangeries and conservatories for a wide variety of properties. Our expert design team works closely with the client throughout every project to support their journey to a bespoke orangery or conservatory, understanding their wants, needs, and preferences to help curate the perfect extension.
Under the stewardship of our experienced team, our clients can enjoy their new glazed room all year round, safe in the knowledge that our designs are as elegant as they are practical. We know the potential pitfalls that can arise during a project and tactfully steer our clients towards making decisions that lead to favourable outcomes.
However, when visiting clients with older glazed extensions or those created by less reputable manufacturers, we regularly see some common mistakes which we’re happy to share to prevent others from doing the same.
Common orangery and conservatory design mistakes, and how to resolve them
While it’s unlikely that any of these mistakes would render your extension inhabitable, they can have a large impact on the quality and usability of the space. When investing in something as valuable as a bespoke orangery or conservatory, it’s important to take the time to get the design just right.
No consideration of the orientation
Since an orangery or conservatory is so heavily glazed, the orientation of the room should heavily influence its positioning on the property.
For some properties, there will be an obvious infill or space for the extension but where there are several options, a designer will help weigh up the pros and cons of each location.
Orientation affects both warmth and light, so getting this right is hugely important. It’s a common misnomer that south is best. An east-facing room can become a breakfast room sun trap or a north-facing extension can bestow light on a darker area of a property.
Overlooking glare issues
Another vital concern when designing a glazed extension is the impact of direct sunlight.
This excessive brightness may be appealing on a dull winter’s day, but glare can make it difficult to see screens, work comfortably, watch television or enjoy the room all year round.
Glare may be reduced when shade is provided by nearby buildings or overhanging trees at certain times of day, so a designer will also take these factors into consideration alongside orientation.
As a general rule, an orangery will offer better shade than a conservatory and installing low-e, tinted, or solar glass can also help to reduce direct sunlight exposure, as well as triple glazing with built-in blinds.
Miscalculating heating and ventilation
The old days of a conservatory that is uncomfortably cold during the winter but scorching in the summer are thankfully gone, but even with modern design techniques, inadequate heating and ventilation can make the space uncomfortable, especially if used for cooking or as a winter retreat.
Consider underfloor heating for consistent warmth, a log burner for ambience, and electronically controlled roof vents for optimal air circulation. Properly insulated walls finished in plasterboard help keep warmth in the room, and cavity closers and foam seals eliminate draughts.
Not prioritising bi-fold door options
It’s also important not to leave your selection of door-type too late, particularly if you’re specifying bi-fold doors. The split of the doors, whether they fold in or outside of the room, and the stack of the doors once open must all be thought through otherwise the balance and proportion of the room will be compromised.
Bi-fold doors are a beautiful addition to a glazed extension, seamlessly bridging the indoors to the out, but factor this decision in as early as possible during the design process – especially before choosing built-in furniture such as kitchen cabinetry.
Wasting space without purpose
A bespoke glazed extension is a large investment into your property, but a room without a clear purpose may remain unused, making the investment less worthwhile. Yes, many homeowners opt for a glazed extension to create more space within the home, but the key to a balanced design is avoiding large, empty spaces that serve no purpose or small areas of no use.
One solution is to consider a knock-through to connect the extension to the main property, offering better space utilisation without the need to make the physical extension any larger.
Selecting the wrong type of hardwood
Not all hardwood types offer the same structural properties. Different woods will be used for different purposes, such as the external joinery, mouldings and internal woodwork, and using incorrect wood types in specific areas can compromise durability and aesthetics.
Modified woods such as Accoya and Triocya sheets offer supreme stability as does Sapele Mahogany. Investigating and understanding the types of wood and their features is vital to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the finished product.
Neglecting a maintenance plan
No matter how high-quality the materials used are or how experienced your manufacturer is, natural wood will degrade over time if not suitably maintained. It’s important to care for your investment to reduce the risk of damage, increase the longevity of the structure, and keep it looking its best.
Homeowners should:
- Regularly manage climbing plants
- Clear gutters three times a year (particularly in wooded areas)
- Wash down the exterior of the structure twice a year
- Keep up with the filling and painting of open joints
Always ask your manufacturer for their personal maintenance recommendations; they will know their extensions best.
Choosing a reputable supplier means choosing peace of mind
It’s vital to ensure your chosen supplier is reputable and able to give sound advice during the planning stages of a new orangery or conservatory. You may have the knowledge of how you want your glazed extension to look, but the right supplier can advise you on the best methods to reach this end goal.
A good designer will know to ask the right questions about the intended use of the room and will assess any logistical considerations of the site. Homeowners should also challenge the designer about the plans for their new glazed extension to be sure that it will deliver in terms of both form and function.
Are you considering a new bespoke glazed extension? See more of our designs by requesting our brochure, or contact our expert team today to kickstart your journey.