Conservatory Design

A conservatory extension to any dwelling is an excellent way to both enlarge your dwelling providing additional floor space and as an investment. Care should be taken to place the conservatory in the right location to maximise the benefit from additional use, heat and views. The conservatory must integrate into the dwelling if it is to enhance the appearance of the dwelling. This design guide will look at the options that are available and the pitfalls that you need to avoid.

Conservatory Designs

The Edwardian range utilises square wall construction - meaning maximum space for your conservatory furniture. In effect, you get another full size room; ideal when you are entertaining guests or just want space to relax after a busy day. Another advantage of square wall construction is that you can add the conservatory to any external wall. The only limit on the position of your Edwardian conservatory is the ground available around your house.
The Lean-to can be constructed virtually anywhere and will immediately add that extra touch of distinction to your home. The Lean-to is so versatile, whether you simply desire an extension to your entrance way or want somewhere to sit and read the morning papers. You could use it as an all-seasons home for sensitive plants. It could even be a place to eat your meals on a warm summer's day.
Traditional or contemporary, this style is ideal for properties with limited space under the eaves or an awkward area in which to fit a conservatory. The pitch of the roof is variable, so that a shallow pitch could fit under a low bungalow roof, whilst a steeper pitch would match the roof of a terraced house. The L shaped conservatory is similar to the P shaped conservatory, but with a larger floor area.
The P shaped conservatory combines the Victorian and Lean-to conservatories together to form two separate living areas. This is a link type conservatory, typically located to the rear of a dwelling where both the kitchen and dining room have separate access to the conservatory.
This is the most popular style of conservatory and has distinguishing architectural features such as a bay front, steeply pitched roof and ornate ridge details. Victorian conservatories are renowned for being the most versatile design available, being suited to any type of bungalow, semi-detached or detached house. It will give you the impression of plenty of internal space, without unduly imposing upon the exterior of your home.

Which style of conservatory is right for your house?

A conservatory should always enhance your home as much as possible, whether it be from the outside or from inside. That's why location and size of the conservatory are very important. A conservatory should fit in with your room plan. For example, if the kitchen is at the back of the house, a conservatory that doubles up as a dining room or a breakfast room is ideal to be positioned off the kitchen area. If your living room faces the garden, a sun lounge could easily be added to enhance the use of the garden and get more light into your living area.

Of course, a conservatory is a bright, airy environment, but did you realise that the adjoining room in your home will also benefit from extra light? This effect can be maximised by choosing a conservatory featuring a glass roof such as those shown on this page. This will allow the maximum amount of light into your home, adding to the sense of space.

We all know that a conservatory can be a great addition to your home and a relaxing, peaceful environment.

An alternative room to entertain family and friends, a separate room to relax on your own away from the hustle and bustle of family life, or simply an extension to your existing living room, adding a conservatory to your home offers you the extra space you have always dreamed of.

It is inevitable that as families grow and children get older, more space in the home is needed. However, moving to a bigger home can be expensive and stressful and many people are choosing add a conservatory to their home for a cost effective and problem-free alternative to adding an extra room to your home.

Taking shape and size into consideration, farmhouses and cottages usually have a very low roof. Conservatories therefore cannot be connected in a straightforward way, as the overall roof would be too low. A solution here is to use a box gutter to ensure a higher roof pitch in the conservatory, or to place the conservatory at the side of the house.

Large detached houses have the most scope for conservatory design. Conservatories can either be completely connected to the house or made to look separate from the house by using a little corridor or lobby to connect conservatory and house, whichever design is more appropriate.

A conservatory will provide a versatile space that can be used in so many ways and can also be the least expensive and easiest way of adding space to your home. Incredibly versatile, a conservatory can be anything you want it to be - create a relaxing living area where you can shut off from the hustle and bustle of family life; a dining room to entertain friends and family; a play area for the children; a private home office or even a luxury kitchen.

And don't forget the outdoors - a conservatory can also allow you to get the most out your garden. Even on a cold day you can still enjoy being closer to nature, extending your summer throughout the year. With a conservatory, the possibilities are endless.

Top tips to ensure the conservatory and your home are a good match:

• Lead your conservatory off a room that you use much, like your kitchen or living room
• Don't compromise on the size of your conservatory
• Don't let the shape of your house be disturbed by your conservatory
• Decide on a conservatory shape that will enhance the outlook of your home
• Try to match the construction materials of your conservatory with the ones used for your home
• Try to match the colour of your conservatory with the colours used for your home
• Take interesting details like barge boards and unusually shaped windows into the design of your conservatory