How can you make sure a conservatory will be a welcome extension to your home, a welcoming area that can be used year-round? Rather than a dumping place for half-dead plants and boxes, which is too hot in summer and too cold in winter?
Planned carefully, a conservatory can be a comfortable living space throughout the year. But how do you achieve that?
We talked to Mozolowski & Murray who will be exhibiting at The Scottish GameFair this summer and asked them a few questions about the right (and wrong way) to choose a conservatory.
Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?
In many cases planning permission and a building warrant are required, so factor time in for this (allow six to 12 weeks). A reputable company will apply and obtain the relevant permissions.
How can you create a conservatory that can be used year-round?
It’s all down to using high quality materials. Features such as hardwood frames, energy efficient glass and proper ventilation systems. This will ensure a comfortable temperature inside, whatever the weather is like outside.
Planned carefully, an extension will be a real asset
Do you need blinds?
Blinds are a key part of modern conservatories, keeping the right levels of brightness and temperature. Nowadays they can be remotely controlled, black-out or with thermal protection.
Today’s glass technology allows different tints in glass, which respond to the intensity of sunlight.
What about flooring? Underfloor heating?
Give yourself plenty of time to choose the right flooring. Underfloor heating systems distribute heat evenly and create an inviting atmosphere. They work well with tiles or natural stone, which retain heat well. Hardwood flooring is durable, stylish and warm and a popular choice for flooring a conservatory or extension.
Think about where your extension will ‘fit’ best
Which is the best side of a house for a conservatory?
The common assumption is that a south-facing aspect is best, as it captures maximum light and warmth. However, other orientations offer different advantages.
Adding a conservatory or extension to a north or east elevation can create what is known as a ‘thermal bubble.’ This protects the home from harsh weather while maximising natural light in areas that are typically shaded and diffuses light during the peak of summer, ensuring the area remains a comfortable and inviting space throughout the year.
However every direction has benefits. Designs tailored to north or east elevations can illuminate parts of the home and garden that traditionally receive less light, especially during the shorter days of winter. They allow you to experience a range of natural lighting conditions, from the soft glow of early winter sunsets to the vibrant light of morning spring sunrises and even the beauty of the night sky.
Your garden
Remember that the area around your new extension will need to be cleared. You don’t want to be looking out on a wasteland afterwards, so plan the landscaping in advance so you create a flow between the conservatory and the garden.
How have extensions and conservatories changed in the last 30 years?
Extensions and conservatories have undergone a significant transformation over the past 30 years. The mid-90s saw a surge in the popularity of plastic and Perspex structures due to their affordability. However, these materials have not stood the test of time, often leading to spaces that are too hot in summer and too cold in winter, and consequently, they can negatively affect property values.
Today’s homeowners are looking for more of an extension to the home, constructed from durable and thermally efficient materials offering a comfortable environment which can be enjoyed all year round.
Innovations such as thermally efficient glass have become standard, ensuring that modern conservatories and extensions are comfortable and usable throughout the year. These advancements make for a worthwhile investment, enhancing a property’s value and the homeowner’s lifestyle.
What is your advice for building a successful extension?
Begin with thoughtful planning that aligns with your lifestyle and style preferences. A detailed vision for the new space is crucial—it should not only meet your immediate needs but also be adaptable for future use.
When selecting materials consider how they will integrate with the existing structure and design of your home.
Collaboration with experienced architects or designers can be invaluable. They can help translate your vision into a practical design, considering factors like natural light, flow between rooms, and the extension’s relationship with outdoor spaces.
Sustainability is another key consideration. Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs can reduce your carbon footprint and potentially lower future energy costs, making your extension an investment in both your property and the environment.
Finally, choose a company with a track record of success in similar projects. The right team will bring craftsmanship, attention to detail, and project management skills that are essential for the extension to be completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction.
Should you consider the purpose of other rooms in your house before building an extension/conservatory?
It’s essential to think about how your new conservatory or extension will interact with existing spaces. A well-considered design will flow naturally from the rest of the house, increasing the usability and enjoyment of the entire home. It can also serve as a versatile space, adaptable to various activities and changing needs over time.
How much does a conservatory cost?
A comprehensive design, manufacture and build package for a bespoke conservatory, orangery or extension that includes full project management and installation, will cost around £4,000 – £5,000 per square metre, including VAT, depending on the overall size and the complexity of the design.
How long will building a conservatory take?
Allow around three to six months for obtaining the relevant consents and six to 12 weeks for construction, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
What are the most popular types of extensions?
More and more people are aspiring to inclusive living where cooking, relaxing, family interaction and socialising are at the centre of the desire to extend their homes. There are also those who want to create a haven for reading, admiring the garden or listening to music somewhere away from the main hub of the home.
Orangeries have become a popular choice for those looking to extend their homes, offering a light-filled space that combines the beauty of extensive glazing with the practicality of a partially solid roof, often incorporating a glazed cupola. Similarly, sun lounge extensions are favoured for their solid roofs, which offer added insulation, while their glazed elevations maximise garden views.
It is key when designing any space that you consider how the space will be used, how you want this to compliment your existing home, how you intend to furnish it and seek professional advice on how your design can accommodate all that you aim to achieve.
You can buy tickets for The Scottish Game Fair here.
