A conservatory is a great way of extending your home, but how do you know you're making the right choice? We add space to our homes for numerous reasons, such as adding additional bedrooms, more living space, larger kitchens, etc.
In this guide to conservatory ideas, we will explore some of the options and designs available to you when choosing a conservatory, along with the benefits to help you decide if it's for you.
At Supreme Windows Ltd, we've been installing conservatories across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire for over 25 years. We have our own team of builders on hand with years of experience and can carry out virtually any project.
Which Design Ideas or Style Should I Choose For My Conservatory?
Every property is different from the next and may have an effect on how your conservatory will look. For example, low rooflines, boundaries, drains, and boiler flues can all change which style is the most suitable for you.
Something else to consider when choosing your design is: what are you using your new room for? Quite often, this is the main deciding factor on size.
Are you going for style or practicality? Various shapes and colours can add some real flair to your property but obviously come at a cost. Sometimes a simple design is needed to match a budget.
Various styles are available, and each carries a different set of pros and cons. Popular styles include Victorian, Edwardian, Lean-To, P-Shape, L-Shape, Gable, and the list goes on.
At Supreme Windows Ltd, we can arrange to visit you and help answer a lot of these questions. Quite often, there will be more than one way of achieving your desired goal, in which case we can price multiple options. You will receive an accurate 3D drawing with every free quotation.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
Conservatories can be exempt from planning permission if:
The floor area is no more than 30 square meters and built at ground level.
External quality walls, doors or windows separate the conservatory from the house.
The conservatory’s heating system is independent with its own temperature and on/off controls.
Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with building regulations requirements.
No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
No more than half the area of land around the ‘original house’ will be covered by additions or other buildings.
No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
The single-storey rear conservatory must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house. by more than three metres if an attached house or by four metres if a detached house.
Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than the existing house.
Side extensions to be single-storey with a maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match the existing house.
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
On designated land no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one story; no cladding of the exterior; no side extensions.
How Can I Customise My Conservatory?
Once you've decided on a size, style, and colour, you have a variety of materials available to choose from. uPVC or aluminum windows can have an effect on the final finish; sometimes you will be limited to one or the other as each has its own limitations.
Roofs probably make the biggest difference to both the look and feel of your room. If you're planning on having a year-round dining room, then maybe a lightweight tiled roof is your better option? For maximum light in both your conservatory and adjacent room, glass is the way to go.
Glass has seen impressive improvements over the past few years. Installing anti-sun glazing to your conservatory windows and doors can transform your room in the summer, giving you a much more usable space with 70% heat reflection. Triple glazing is worth considering for added thermal performance during the winter months.
Privacy can be a concern if you're overlooked by neighbours or if your conservatory is visible from the front elevation. You can make your conservatory more private with obscure glass, solid panels, or even a solid wall.
How Will Each Elevation Affect Your Conservatory?
As you'd expect, light will have a massive effect on your conservatory. The amount of light your glazed room will receive depends on which elevation it is installed. Too much or too little sun will have a natural effect on the temperature.
A south-facing room is the best location for maximum sun, but it also means you will be susceptible to excess heat, which can be a problem for a lot of people.
A north-facing conservatory will likely not get enough sun in the winter and will need an additional heat source.
East-facing conservatories will see some warmth from the morning light and cool down excessivley as the even approaches.
A west-facing room will be much cooler throughout the first part of the day and receive some heat in the afternoon.
Extend Your Home Today
Conservatory quotations are completely free. Design your space from the ground up and receive a full 3D design before you buy!
Contact our team at 01945 880091 or fill out our online contact form for more information.
For a more personal touch, visit our showroom. We welcome you 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 5 pm to receive expert advice and discover our range of Secured by Design products.