What's the difference between conservatory and orangery?

An orangery is primarily a brick structure with large glass windows, offering superior insulation. In contrast, a conservatory is predominantly made of glass, making it more susceptible to temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Is an orangery cheaper than an extension?

Whilst orangeries typically cost more than conservatories, they are generally more cost-effective than traditional extensions. For precise pricing, we recommend contacting us for a bespoke quote tailored to your specific requirements.

Are orangeries worth it?

Orangeries are considered a worthwhile investment due to their energy efficiency and enhanced functionality compared to conservatories. Their brick construction and substantial roof design contribute to better insulation and versatility.

Highly Skilled & Friendly Installation Team

SupaLite Approved Installer

Authority on Building Regulations

Well-Established Name Throughout Devon

Highly Rated Conservatory Specialists

Luxury Orangeries for Older Homes

Traditional homes deserve extensions that complement their character rather than compete with it. At Renaissance Conservatories, we understand the delicate balance required when adding an orangery to older properties. Our orangery designs respect the existing structure while creating bright, practical spaces for modern living.

Orangeries offer a substantial feel with their combination of solid elements and glazing. This makes them particularly well-suited to traditional properties, where they can echo architectural features of the main house and provide a beautiful, light-filled space.

We have extensive experience with period properties across Devon. Whether your home is a listed property, an older cottage, or simply a house with traditional style, we can design an orangery that feels like it has always belonged.

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Designing orangeries for traditional homes

When creating an orangery for an older home, we pay particular attention to the existing property’s architectural style. From the proportion and placement of windows to the selection of materials and colours, every element is carefully considered to ensure your new orangery complements rather than clashes with your original house.

Many traditional orangery designs incorporate features such as decorative cornices, pilasters (columns), and French doors. These elements help maintain period authenticity while providing still providing great functionality.

The most successful orangeries for traditional homes often use materials that match or complement the existing structure. This might mean matching stonework, using complementary bricks, or selecting colours like soft greys that work with period features. We can advise on the best approach for your specific property and work together to design a perfect bespoke orangery.

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Roof options for traditional orangeries

Choosing the right roof for your orangery is one of the most critical design decisions you'll make. For traditional homes, the roof design must strike a delicate balance – respecting the architectural heritage of your existing property while providing the modern performance needed for practical living. Each option offers different benefits in terms of light, insulation, ventilation, and aesthetic appeal, so it's worth considering how each might complement your home.

Tiled Roofs

Glass Roofs

Lantern Roofs

Tiled Roofs

For the most authentic period appearance, our tiled roof system provides exceptional performance with a U-value of just 0.18W/m²K – far superior to conventional glazed roofs. The tiled roof also eliminates noise from rain and wind.

Available in various tile styles and colours, these roofs can perfectly complement your existing structure, whether that means matching traditional stone or brickwork, Tiled roofs can include roof windows or a central lantern to ensure you still get plenty of natural light.

For listed properties or homes in conservation areas, a tiled roof often proves easiest to gain planning approval for, as it tends to be most sympathetic to the original house.

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Orangery interior with a full glass roof

Glass Roofs

For those seeking a modern take on an orangery, our Liniar Glass Roofing system offers outstanding performance with an A+ energy efficiency rating. These roofs feature precision-engineered, rigid construction that eliminates leaks and ensures long-term weatherproofing.

We use high-performance climate glass that helps regulate temperature – preventing overheating in summer while maintaining warmth during winter. The advanced glazing also minimizes glare by up to 68%, particularly valuable in south-facing orangeries where too much sun can be problematic.

With a typical lifespan of 20 years when installed with quality frames, these glass roofs provide excellent durability.

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Large white uPVC lantern roof interior view

Lantern Roofs

The roof lantern can be a distinctive feature of a traditional orangery design. Our Liniar Elevate lantern roofs offer remarkable modern performance, featuring thermally broken aluminium construction that’s over 500 times more efficient than standard aluminium systems.

These glass structures allow abundant natural light to flood into the space while creating an elegant architectural feature that draws the eye upward. Available in both rectangular and square designs, they can span up to 3m x 6m to suit large areas, with a ridge that’s 66% smaller than competing systems for cleaner sightlines and better views.

For traditional homes, a lantern roof provides the perfect way to enjoy sky views from your orangery.

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Aerial shot of lantern roof on an extension

View a Traditional Orangery Project

We recently completed a project at The Lodge Care Home in Exeter, which demonstrates our approach to designing for older buildings. The existing structure had traditional elements that needed to be respected in the new orangery design.

The client wanted a substantial orangery that would serve as a functional family room for residents and visitors. Given the size of the space and the need for it to work with the existing property, careful design consideration was essential.

The finished orangery provides a stunning, light-filled space that complements the original building while offering modern performance.

View the full project here.

Case Studies

High quality installations across Devon

Windows, doors, and conservatories for south west homeowners

At Renaissance Conservatories, we have worked on a wide variety of property upgrade projects across Devon. From installing stylish new conservatories in Torquay to replacing windows and doors in Exeter, all our work is to the highest possible standard. If you’d like some inspiration for your next home improvement project, click on the boxes below to see some of our recently completed projects.

CASE STUDY: A SUPALITE FLAT ROOF ORANGERY IN TEIGNMOUTH

CASE STUDY: A NEW ORGANGERY IN BARNSTAPLE

CASE STUDY: SUPALITE FLAT ROOF ORANGERY IN PLYMOUTH

Case Study: Lodge Care Home in Exeter

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Frequently Asked Questions About Orangeries

Considering an orangery for your period property? Below are answers to some common questions about designing orangeries that complement traditional homes.

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

An orangery typically features more solid construction elements than a conservatory, with brick or stone pillars, a perimeter flat roof, and a central glass lantern. This more substantial construction makes orangeries particularly suitable for traditional homes, as they can better match the solidity of older buildings while still providing a light-filled space.

Why are they called orangeries?

Orangeries derive their name from 17th century Britain, where wealthy landowners used these structures to house orange and other citrus trees during winter months, protecting them from harsh weather.

Will an orangery look out of place on my period home?

When properly designed, an orangery should complement your existing property rather than look like an obvious addition. The key is in the details – matching materials, appropriate proportions, and design elements that fit with the original house.

Are orangeries cold in winter?

Modern orangeries are designed to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. We utilise advanced technology to ensure they remain as warm as any other room in your home during colder months.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Have a read of some of our glowing customer reviews

I cannot recommend them highly enough. They were professional and efficient providing a top quality service. Our build was complex. An Edwardian conservatory on cast iron legs. The design and installation went without a hitch. It looks fabulous and at a great price.

Peter Dendle

Ben and the team at Renaissance have done a fantastic job replacing our old polycarbonate conservatory roof with a well-insulated tiled roof. It looks superb, is warm and cosy and is now a usable room, no longer freezing in winter or boiling in summer. Well done and thank you Renaissance!

Letitia Monnelly

An amazing transformation! We are so happy with our new conservatory roof. The solid, super insulated design has converted our leaky, old conservatory into a proper, useable room and we are looking forward to making use of the space all year round. Thank you to Ben and his professional, friendly team who provided a top-rate service. We would 100% recommend Renaissance Conservatories to anyone looking to upgrade.

Amir Toorneini

From the moment Ben first visited until the final farewell, the entire team has been nothing short of spectacular. I’d go as far as to call them ‘the best in the business.’ Their work is characterized by its swift execution and meticulous attention to detail, and their willingness to go the extra mile is simply remarkable. I would enthusiastically recommend this company to anyone without a moment’s hesitation—truly outstanding in every regard.

Caroline Beazley

Renaissance replaced our old timber framed conservatory with a new pvc one, which incorporated a solid roof with velux windows. Ben ensured that the work was well project managed (including electricians and plasterers) and delivered in a timely manner. We are really pleased with the quality of the work and we now have a year round, fully useable family space.

Duncan Grant

Totally and utterly thrilled with the whole process and end result

Mr Brewer

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Quality Products That Meet All of the Latest Industry Standards

Help and advice planning your home improvement project

Book a free design consultation

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Serving Homeowners Across South Devon

From our location in Newton Abbot, we can easily travel across the whole of South Devon to enhance your homes efficiency as well as improve your kerb appeal. From the beautiful English Riviera to the rolling hills of Dartmoor.

Where to find us

48 Hamilton Drive

Newton Abbot

TQ12 2TL

Orangery Designs for Traditional Homes

Highly Skilled & Friendly Installation Team

SupaLite Approved Installer

Authority on Building Regulations

Well-Established Name Throughout Devon

Highly Rated Conservatory Specialists

Luxury Orangeries for Older Homes

Designing orangeries for traditional homes

Roof options for traditional orangeries

Tiled Roofs

Glass Roofs

Lantern Roofs

View a Traditional Orangery Project

High quality installations across Devon

CASE STUDY: A SUPALITE FLAT ROOF ORANGERY IN TEIGNMOUTH

CASE STUDY: A NEW ORGANGERY IN BARNSTAPLE

CASE STUDY: SUPALITE FLAT ROOF ORANGERY IN PLYMOUTH

Case Study: Lodge Care Home in Exeter

Frequently Asked Questions About Orangeries

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

Why are they called orangeries?

Will an orangery look out of place on my period home?

Are orangeries cold in winter?

What Our Customers Are Saying

Quality Products That Meet All of the Latest Industry Standards

Book a free design consultation

Serving Homeowners Across South Devon