Solid Roof Orangeries

Many homeowners choose a solid roof orangery because they want the new space to become a regular part of the home.

A properly specified insulated roof can reduce heat transfer through the roof compared with older, poorly performing conservatory roof systems. The walls, floor, windows, doors and glazing also contribute to the thermal performance of the finished room.

This whole-room approach is particularly important for an orangery intended as a kitchen, dining room or main family living area.

Modern double or triple glazing can be specified for the windows and doors, while insulated wall and roof construction can help create a more consistent internal environment.

The correct specification will depend on the size of the room, amount of glazing, orientation and way the space will be used.

South Lakes Windows can incorporate Ultraframe UltraRoof into suitable solid roof orangery designs.

UltraRoof is a lightweight insulated roof system that provides a tiled external finish and a plastered appearance internally. It can be used for new structures as well as suitable replacement roof projects.

A tiled roof can help an orangery relate more closely to the main house, particularly where the roof covering is selected to work with the existing property.

The internal ceiling also provides scope for lighting and other electrical fittings.

Before recommending any roof system, we consider the dimensions and design of the proposed orangery alongside the existing property. For replacement projects, the existing structure needs to be assessed to establish whether it is suitable for the proposed new roof.

One of the most popular ways to introduce overhead light into an orangery is through a roof lantern.

Rather than glazing the entire roof, a central section can be opened up with a raised glazed structure. The surrounding roof remains solid and insulated, while the lantern allows daylight to enter from above.

South Lakes Windows can incorporate the Ultraframe UltraSKY Lantern into suitable orangery projects.

A lantern can work particularly well above a dining table, kitchen island or central seating area. In a larger open-plan room, it can also help visually define one part of the space without introducing internal walls.

The dimensions and position should be considered during the design process. A lantern that is proportioned to the room will generally look more integrated than one selected independently of the wider structure.

A raised lantern is not the only option for adding overhead glazing.

An UltraSKY Flat Skylight can provide natural light while maintaining a lower external roof profile. This may suit contemporary orangery designs or properties where available height needs careful consideration.

A flat skylight can be positioned above a kitchen, dining area, hallway connection or another part of the orangery where additional daylight is required.

Several roof glazing positions can also be considered on larger projects.

The decision between a lantern, flat skylight or fully solid roof depends on the architecture of the property, room layout and required amount of overhead light.

A solid roof orangery kitchen extension can provide additional space while retaining the wall and ceiling areas required by a working kitchen.

Solid walls create practical positions for cabinets, appliances, worktops and storage. The roof provides a conventional internal ceiling, while windows and doors can be concentrated towards the garden.

A roof lantern or skylight can introduce daylight above an island or dining area.

This combination can work particularly well for open-plan kitchen projects where the homeowner wants a substantial extension with more glass and garden connection than a conventional extension might provide.

Planning the kitchen and orangery together is important. The position of windows, doors, walls and roof glazing can then be determined by the proposed kitchen layout.

Solid roof orangeries also provide flexible space for dining and everyday living.

A dining room can combine a substantial internal ceiling with large garden-facing windows and French, sliding or bi-folding doors. Overhead glazing can bring additional light into the centre of the room.

For a family room, the increased amount of solid wall space provides practical positions for sofas, shelving, storage and other furniture.

Larger orangeries can accommodate several functions within one space. A kitchen might occupy the area closest to the existing house, with dining and seating areas positioned towards the garden.

The rectangular footprint commonly used for modern orangery designs can make these different areas relatively straightforward to arrange.

The reduced amount of roof glazing means the windows and doors become particularly important for natural light and garden views.

South Lakes Windows can supply UPVC, timber and aluminium windows depending on the style of the property and proposed orangery.

For a modern design, aluminium frames can provide slim sightlines and larger areas of glass. Traditional properties may suit timber windows, glazing bars or carefully selected UPVC systems.

There is also a wide choice of garden doors.

Bi-folding doors can create a wide opening onto a patio or garden. Sliding and triple track doors can provide large glass areas and broad views when closed. French doors can provide a more traditional appearance.

The windows and doors can be planned as part of the complete elevation so their positions relate to the solid walls and roof above.

Solid roof construction can work particularly well with traditional properties.

The external roof finish can help the orangery relate to the original house, while brick or stone elements can reference existing materials.

Windows and doors can then be selected to suit the architecture.

For cottages, farmhouses and period homes, timber windows, traditional casements or French doors may be appropriate. Glazing bars and suitable frame colours can further connect the new addition with the original property.

South Lakes Windows works across many areas containing traditional and historic properties, including the South Lakes and wider Cumbria.

Where a property is listed or located within a conservation area, planning and consent requirements should be considered before work progresses.

The same principle can also produce a very different result on a contemporary property.

Simple rooflines, rendered walls, large aluminium windows and wide sliding or bi-folding doors can create a modern garden-facing extension.

A flat skylight can introduce overhead daylight without creating a raised feature above the roof. Alternatively, a large central lantern can become a more prominent part of the design.

The amount of solid wall can also be adjusted. Some homeowners prefer large areas of glass across the garden elevation with solid side walls, while others want windows positioned between more substantial wall sections.

Our design process allows these elements to be developed around the house rather than relying on a fixed orangery format.

A solid roof can also be considered as part of an orangery or conservatory upgrade.

Older glazed or polycarbonate roofs may no longer provide the appearance or thermal performance a homeowner wants from the room.

Replacing the roof can significantly change how the space looks and feels.

The existing structure must first be inspected. Frames, supporting walls and other structural elements need to be suitable for the proposed replacement roof.

South Lakes Windows can survey the existing orangery or conservatory and discuss the available options, including solid, hybrid and modern glazed roof systems.

Adding a new orangery can involve planning and Building Regulations considerations.

The requirements depend on the size and position of the structure, the property and the extent of any alterations to the existing house.

Listed buildings and properties within conservation areas may require additional consideration, particularly where the new roof or external appearance changes the character of the building.

South Lakes Windows can help identify these issues during the design process and assist customers with the relevant requirements as part of our service.