What are Orangeries? Orangeries are similar to greenhouses in that they are designed to hold plants during the winter. Even so, they are somewhat taller so they can accommodate citrus trees and also contain quite a bit more glass. They can consist of walls made of brick, stone, wood, or steel along with large glass panels; roofs may be solid glass or contain panels of this material. They may be attached to the home or freestanding structures and often contain their own heating and cooling system as well. Many contain unique features such as a ventilation system, water misting unit and adjustable shelves to name a few.
Orangeries vs. Conservatories: Orangeries and conservatories are often built in much the same way, but an orangery is more like a greenhouse in that it's designed to accommodate plants instead of people. They are typically shorter in length than traditional greenhouses, but much taller in height so they can support a variety of fruit trees that would not normally fruit in the UK climate. Orangeries may be designed to hold only plants, but they may also feature sitting areas and other fixtures, such as fountains, making them great places to entertain.
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Uses for Orangeries: Although Barland orangeries are ideal for growing citrus fruit, they can be used for a variety of other purposes as well. They could be used to grow vegetables, flowers, or herbs in addition to housing citrus trees. These structures can also double as sun porches during the summer months, which could effectively increase the amount of living space a home has. Some people may also elect to use freestanding orangeries as guest cottages whenever there are no plants inside them. Freestanding orangeries could also double as tool sheds, with one half being devoted to storage and the other providing a place for plants to grow.
Care and Maintenance: It's generally very easy to maintain most Barland orangeries. Homeowners simply need to pressure wash the exterior of the structure once or twice a year in order to remove dirt and grime. When doing so, it is important to check inside the orangery to see if any leaks are present. Interior windows can easily be cleaned with a long-handled squeegee in order to keep them sparkling. Most structures have vinyl or engineered wood floors that can be cleaned with a dust mop as needed. In most cases, an orangery can be expected to last a lifetime with only minor repairs being needed from time to time.
Factors that Influence the Cost: The cost of orangeries Barland depends on a number of things, and a few of them are:
• Size of the structure
• Pitch of the roof – a steeper roof generally costs more to construct
• Whether it is attached to a home or a freestanding building – fewer walls may be needed if the unit is attached to a home, thereby making it more affordable
• Type of heating used to control the temperature
• Whether or not a ventilation system is also being added
• Material used to frame the outer walls –wood is the most expensive
• Thickness of glass used on the walls and roof
Affordability vs. Conservatories and Greenhouses: Orangeries are typically taller than conservatories and greenhouses, which can add to the labour and material costs involved in building them. Otherwise, the materials used in the process are very much the same; glass, polycarbonate, vinyl, and wood are the most common options. Another factor to consider is the need to carefully control the heat if you'll use your orangery for growing citrus fruits; you'll need to supply constant heat for them to fruit, which requires the installation of heating appliances and adequate ventilation. These aren't always necessary in conservatories and greenhouses.
Choosing a Bespoke Orangery: There are several advantages to having a bespoke orangery designed. Homeowners who do can be sure the structure will have enough space to fit their needs without being too large. They can also choose the type of materials that will complement the exterior of their home the best. If the room is intended to pull double-duty, precisely the right features can be added in the beginning so it can be as functional as possible after the construction is completed. There are numerous contractors in our network of providers who are experts at designing orangeries Barland while still staying within the client's budget.
Orangeries to Improve Home Value: An orangery is more than just a space that allows you to grow citrus fruit in a cool, mild European climate where it wouldn't otherwise grow. It also provides an opportunity to enjoy a popular hobby, a place to escape from the stresses of home, and a way to improve your home's curb appeal through careful design and architecture. Although an orangery may not directly improve your home's value, it could appeal to the right buyer who is an avid gardener or horticulturist. For the most part, though, homeowners build orangeries because they're interested in growing their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Orangeries can brighten nearly any property regardless of whether or not they are used to grow citrus fruit. Those who choose one of these structures will see their investment pay off with years of enjoyment and increased property values.
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Your Barland Orangery questions answered
- What is an Orangery? Orangeries were large buildings with expansive glass windows that originated in the 17th century in Italy. They got their name from the fact that they were used to shield citrus trees from the harsh European winters.
- Do orangeries still have a place in modern architecture? While there were orangeries built as recently as the 1970s, they have fallen out of fashion with newbuilds. The ones that are still in existence are still being used; many of them for their original purpose. Nowadays most people prefer to combine the orangery look and purpose with either a greenhouse or a conservatory.
- How much does it cost to build orangeries? The cost of building an orangery will vary depending on the size of the building once it is completed. In general, you will be paying between £18,000 and £30,000 for a completed orangery.
- Can I build one as an extension of my existing home? You can build one that has a door that attaches to your existing home, so you do not have to walk outdoors to visit your orangery, but beyond that, it will be an independent outbuilding.
- What is the difference between Barland orangeries and conservatories? An orangery uses slightly less glass, and also contains lighter uPVC window frames. Orangeries also tend to have half brick walls rather than having walls that mostly consist of glass.
- How large can my orangery be? One of the best things about an orangery is that there's no real limit on size other than the limits imposed by building codes and your budget. You could build an orangery large enough to house dozens of fruit trees and other plants, or it could be the size of a small bedroom. The choice is up to you.
- Can an orangery be located anywhere in my garden? As long as your orangery meets all local building regulations, you should be able to locate it anywhere on your property. Some choose to build it abutting their homes so they do not have to go outdoors to visit, but others place orangeries in the back of their yards near garden areas to separate them from the other living spaces.
- What can I grow in my orangery? With a properly-located orangery that receives heat throughout the year, it's possible to grow almost any tropical fruit inside an orangery. This includes oranges, of course, but may also include everything from peaches to lemons and even bananas!
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