The classical orangery
Historically an orangery was a building in the grounds of fashionable residences from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries, and given a classical architectural form. In England orangeries were typically Georgian in style (examples include Kensington Palace and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew).
The term ‘orangery’ reflects the original use of these buildings as a place where citrus trees were often over wintered in tubs.
The term ‘orangery’ reflects the original use of these buildings as a place where citrus trees were often over wintered in tubs.
How to describe the modern orangery
The simplest description of an orangery, is a room with a glazed lantern set into a flat roof.
- The plastered flat roof with down lighters provides the feel of a ‘proper room’.
- The room is bathed in light from the glazed lantern.
- Although the ceiling height is only just above the door height, the lantern adds visual height and an open spacious feel
Wall construction for an orangery
The modern orangery may have any configuration of masonry or windows and doors
How does an orangery differ from a conservatory?
Whilst an orangery has an inset glazed roof lantern, a conservatory will always have roof beams going right to the edge and therefore be fully glazed.
Orangery design considerations
An orangery extension is very versatile. Each elevation of an orangery may have any combination of masonry, windows, French doors or bifolding door sets.
