Georgian Orangeries

Proportion is particularly important when designing a Georgian orangery.

Window widths, door positions, roof dimensions and the amount of solid wall space should relate to one another. Where possible, these features can also reference the proportions of the existing property.

For example, a pair of French doors can provide a central focal point with matching windows positioned on either side. On another property, a series of equally sized windows may provide the balanced appearance required.

The square or rectangular footprint also makes efficient use of the available internal floor area.

There are fewer angled sections than in a Victorian-style structure, making it easier to arrange sofas, dining tables, kitchen units and other furniture against the walls.

This makes Georgian orangeries suitable for homeowners who want traditional external styling without compromising how the new room can be used.

The roof can become one of the main architectural features of a Georgian orangery.

A popular approach is to use a predominantly solid insulated roof with a central glazed lantern. Internally, the solid perimeter creates a plastered ceiling, while the lantern introduces daylight into the centre of the room.

The symmetrical character of a Georgian design lends itself particularly well to a centrally positioned roof lantern.

South Lakes Windows can incorporate the Ultraframe UltraSKY Lantern into suitable orangery projects. The dimensions and position of the lantern can be planned around the size of the room and how the space will be used.

An UltraSKY Flat Skylight can provide an alternative where a lower roof profile is preferred.

Other configurations can also be considered. A LivinROOF system, for example, allows solid insulated roof sections to be combined with selected areas of glazing.

Windows are an important part of Georgian architecture and need careful consideration when designing a Georgian orangery.

Traditional Georgian properties are commonly associated with vertically proportioned windows and regularly arranged panes. Glazing bars can be used within a new orangery to reference this appearance without relying on old single glazing.

South Lakes Windows can supply timber and UPVC windows suitable for traditional projects, with different configurations available depending on the property.

For some projects, sash-style windows may provide the appropriate appearance. Traditionally proportioned casement windows can work well on others.

The size and position of the windows can be planned alongside the solid sections of the orangery so that neither element dominates the design.

Modern double glazing can provide the thermal performance expected from a new installation while allowing traditional window details to be retained.

French doors are a natural partner for Georgian orangery design.

Their symmetrical arrangement complements the balanced proportions of the structure and provides a clear central entrance to the garden.

The doors can be positioned within the main garden elevation, often with matching windows on either side. This creates a strong central line through the room and can work particularly well when the orangery looks onto a patio, lawn or landscaped garden.

French doors can also be selected in timber or other suitable materials to coordinate with the windows.

A traditional appearance does not mean homeowners are restricted to French doors. Larger sliding or bi-folding doors can also be considered where a wider garden opening is a priority.

The choice depends on the architecture of the house, the size of the orangery and the way the homeowner wants to use the connection with the garden.

The straightforward footprint of a Georgian orangery makes it particularly suitable for a kitchen extension.

Straight walls provide useful positions for kitchen units, tall storage and appliances. The centre of the room can then accommodate an island or dining table without having to work around angled walls.

A roof lantern can introduce daylight above the kitchen island or dining area, while windows and glazed doors provide further light from the external elevations.

For an open-plan kitchen and dining room, the orangery can extend the original kitchen into a much larger space.

Planning the kitchen and orangery together allows the position of solid walls, windows, doors and roof glazing to reflect the proposed layout. This avoids creating a beautiful new structure that subsequently restricts where kitchen furniture and appliances can be positioned.

Georgian orangeries also work well as dedicated dining rooms or additional living areas.

Their regular shape provides flexibility when arranging furniture, while the combination of windows and roof glazing maintains a connection with the outdoors.

A central dining table positioned beneath a roof lantern can provide a strong focal point. Alternatively, the orangery can accommodate a seating area overlooking the garden.

Larger designs can combine several uses within the same room. A kitchen may occupy the section closest to the existing house, with dining and seating areas extending towards the garden.

The layout can be planned around how the household actually intends to use the space rather than designing the structure first and deciding its purpose afterwards.

A Georgian orangery is an obvious consideration for a Georgian property, but the style can work with many other traditional homes.

The restrained proportions can complement stone-built houses, cottages, farmhouses and other period properties found throughout Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Materials and colours can be selected with the original building in mind.

On a stone property, for example, carefully chosen masonry can help connect the orangery with the house. Window frame colours can reference existing joinery, while glazing bars can repeat details found elsewhere on the building.

The scale of the orangery is equally important. A large structure can overwhelm a smaller property, while an addition that is too small may look out of proportion with a substantial house.

Our design process considers the orangery in relation to the complete property.

Georgian design can also work with newer properties where the homeowner prefers a more traditional style.

The simple rectangular footprint and balanced elevations mean the underlying design does not need to be heavily decorative.

A cleaner interpretation can use fewer glazing bars, larger panes and simpler internal finishes while retaining the symmetry that defines the Georgian influence.

This provides an option for homeowners who want something more traditional than a highly contemporary glazed extension without creating a structure that feels overly ornate.

Windows, doors, roof design and frame finishes can all be adjusted to establish the right balance for the property.

Georgian and other period properties are frequently found within conservation areas, and some individual buildings may be listed.

This can affect the type of orangery that can be added and the materials, size, position and design that may be acceptable.

Listed buildings can require listed building consent for alterations that affect their special architectural or historic interest. Planning controls can also be stricter within conservation areas, particularly where permitted development rights have been restricted.

South Lakes Windows has experience working with traditional properties and can help customers consider potential planning and conservation requirements during the early stages of their project.

Our founders, Steven and Jacqueline Lancaster, are legally trained and have worked within the legal system. This provides additional knowledge within our wider team when projects involve planning, conservation or listed building matters.

Where formal permission or separate specialist advice is required, this can be identified before the project progresses too far.