POLL: Conservatory or extension?

Comments (190)

PRO
IM Electrical
Have you considered home automation as part of your extension ?
16 November, 2016
PRO
Dye Tabrett Architects
An extension would be better than a conservatory for year round use.
17 November, 2016
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POLL: Conservatories and garden rooms - yay or nay?
Q
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I inherited a conservatory when I moved to my current house. I was thrilled with an extra room off the kitchen. I have a south facing garden and soon found out that the conservatory's temperature rose to 40 + degrees in the summer, and faded everything, and we had to move a tv and Wii box as they were being fried. In the winter it was too cold to use. The spring days were ok, but would never purchase one. I have recently removed it and am in the process of having a brick extension built. Absolutely no idea why anyone would buy a conservatory!
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Yes, thank you for your comment. We have spent so long trying to decide whether to try and use the old kitchen and extend it into the new bit. Suppose we would use it as a side entrance and with your idea would be able to close it off even further.
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That is very nice I must say, nice to see some different from the norm grey rectangular and wooden clad rectangle.
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Q
Comments (1)
Hi, I've got a conservatory that faces SE and it does get very hot, not just in the summer but also in spring when the sun is low and shines directly in. It is lovely in there on the right day though. What I've done to manage the temperature is: kept the exterior-quality doors between the conservatory and the house so the house can be kept cool even when the conservatory is oven-like, the roof has a reflective surface to reduce some of the rays, the windows have both blinds and blackout curtains which I close on the sunniest days, the furniture is heat and fade resistant, plants have to be moved out on the hottest days. The above makes it sound like the worst room in the house but actually it is lovely so long as it is carefully managed. Good luck, whatever you decide.
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PRO
MTA Chartered Architects Ltd
Always an extension as this can be used all year round.
17 November, 2016
PRO
Architects Office
Extension allows for more varied design options.
18 November, 2016
PRO
Damian Sheerin Architects
Conservatories give very poor heat management. In My experience most tend to be freezing in winter and uncomfortably hot in summer.
18 November, 2016
PRO
Evergreen Windows
A conservatory with a hi spec glass roof would be much brighter as well as being able to retain heat and deflect heat for example celsius glass
21 November, 2016
PRO
Delta Roof Systems
We agree a high spec glass roof can be very good but even an excellent overall U value achieved of somewhere in the order of 1.2 is almost 7 times the heat loss of the minimum 0.18 required with a solid roof meeting building regs
22 November, 2016
PRO
Westbury Windows & Joinery
We find that the majority of our clients opt for a semi glazed extension rather than fully glazed. This has practicalities in terms of temperature and year round use, but also in the placement of lighting, furniture, wall art etc. We find that the right balance of masonry and glass provides a fantastic and functional living space and, done right, will add value to the property and, more importantly, the homeowners lifestyle.
22 November, 2016
PRO
PWJ Architects Ltd
Both have their merits, however given the requirements for Building Regulations and the limits therefore imposed on levels of glazing, providing a Conservatory / glass extension would be difficult to achieve within u-values etc. This means a conservatory would need to be a separate room and not what clients are looking for. To open it up to the house, SAPs would likely be needed and costs could escalate anyway. It also depends on the use as conservatories really only offer seating areas, whereas extensions offer a wider choice of use. Therefore we would recommend extensions for function and performance.
22 November, 2016
PRO
Firman Reece Ltd
Over time I have always found an extension more useful throughout the full 4 seasons, where a conservatory is prone to both over heating, or being rather cold/hard to heat. Good luck though, whatever you choose.
22 November, 2016
PRO
Delta Roof Systems
Interesting recent comments! We believe solid roof extensions with substantially glazed walls are better for many of the reasons recently posted and will increase in value along with the home. Although we like conservatories and understand how they can allow light to an adjoining room and have a different 'feel'. Unfortunately long term they generally do not add value and indeed can be seen as something in need of upgrade therefore adding very little or no value at all.
22 November, 2016
PRO
Evergreen Windows
If you like the feel of a sunroom and to help keep cost down it is certainly worth looking at the Celsius solid roof which gives a great U Value and the appearance of a tiled roof at the same time
22 November, 2016
PRO
Delta Roof Systems
The Delta roof system for either lightweight or concrete tiles can offer a U value as low as 0.11
22 November, 2016
PRO
A&D Period Rennovations
The look and feel of a traditional Oak Conservatory or Orangery cant be beaten!
23 November, 2016
PRO
fiftypointeight Architecture + Interiors
Voting is currently 5:1 extension to conservatory ...

Extension every time for us
23 November, 2016
PRO
Thompson + Baroni Architects
Extension is actually usable space
23 November, 2016
PRO
TALUD
Extension will enhance your living area!

http://talud.eu/portfolio/fran/
24 November, 2016last modified: 24 November, 2016
Craig Fyvie
The extension is more usable all year around.
24 November, 2016
PRO
Hunter Associates
Here at Hunter Associates we would definatly prefer the extension, much more usable year round and much less heat loss..
24 November, 2016
PRO
UTLL
More flexibility and design potential with an extension
24 November, 2016
PRO
Tuttle Architectural Services
We find our clients prefer extensions forl modern day living.
25 November, 2016
PRO
Richard Smith. Architect
Avoid PVC at all costs!. Many of my projects involve replacing conservatories with properly built constructions
25 November, 2016
PRO
Richmond Oak Conservatories Ltd
Our vote goes to a real oak conservatory - there's nothing nicer than basking in that warm glow of sunlight. Preferably with a nice cup of tea (or mulled wine since it's Christmas!)
2 December, 2016
PRO
Richmond Oak Conservatories Ltd
It's a common assumption that a conservatory will be too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. This can be true! Regardless of frame material, if there is inadequate ventilation or incorrect glass used, it is just as true today, as it was in the 1980's when Solar Control Glass wasn't available.

Many people will have experienced problems with older conservatories because of the materials available at the time. However, there is no reason for a conservatory or orangery to experience this now... it's all about FITNESS FOR PURPOSE.

The main reason many conservatories are still being built which are "Too Hot in the Summer and Too Cold in the Winter", is the poor quality advice, design & knowledge of products available to provide a solution; often the case at the lower end of the market where making a sale at any cost is often more important than having an interest in the clients needs. As a result often a conservatory or orangery is designed with inadequate ventilation, no roof vents and the lowest specification glazing.

Contemporary Oak Conservatories · More Info

Another key factor to consider when having a well-designed conservatory or orangery is sufficient natural light not just within the room itself but that of ensuring it is also provided to the adjoining existing room; something that is often forgotten about or not advised about at the design stage.

Kendrick Oak Orangery · More Info

Richmond Oak specialise in oak conservatories & orangeries that are designed & built to ensure they are a habitable living environment all year round as a result of using high specification glazing 0.9 U value in the roof glass 1.0 U value in the frame glass, sensible ventilation and under flooring heating.

Read more on this topic HERE
5 December, 2016last modified: 7 December, 2016
Sophie Clarke
Extensions are great all year round. They keep heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer, adding a roof a lantern means you still get plenty of light in your new rooms.
5 December, 2016
PRO
Paramount Construction HV Ltd
Extensions are usually preferable because in Scotland a conservatory is classed as temporary and is not allowed to be connected to the main heating system
6 December, 2016
PRO
Delta Roof Systems
Richmond Oak make very valid points for a well specified conservatory or orangery and in many situations these are great options However even modern high spec glass and frames combined is unlikely to give a U value (heat loss) better than 1. 0- at least 6 times the heat loss or heat gain of a Delta solid roof.
6 December, 2016
PRO
Cj Architects
Extensions are great all year round, less heat gain in the summer, less heat loss in the winter. Rooflights can offer a good way of introducing natural light rather than a completely glazed roof.
7 December, 2016
PRO
Design Haus Architecture
Extensions are longer lasting
8 December, 2016
PRO
Premier Roof Systems
Conservatories with Guardian Warm Roof are great for all year round use which comes in different styles and exterior colour and designs. Also they are not as expensive as extensions.
Guardian Warm Roofs · More Info

Guardian Warm Roof by Premier Roof Systems
8 December, 2016
PRO
John Kinsley Architects
Ultimately it comes down to how you want to use the space. If you need extra floor area for all round use then a conventional solid insulated roof is essential. But there is something about the quality of sitting in a warm sunlit conservatory in spring and autumn when it's too cold to sit outside that can't be beaten! A nice inside/outside table that lets you move completely outside when it's warm enough allows you to seamlessly adapt to the seasons throughout the year...
9 December, 2016last modified: 9 December, 2016
PRO
friedlanderdesign
It is usually more energy-efficient to build an extension, although orientation and other siting factors will play a part in each individual situation.
12 December, 2016
PRO
Olive Grove Home Ltd
An extension offers a much more integrated addition to a house, usually reflected in the uplift in price that can be achieved.
12 December, 2016
PRO
Catia Interiors
Definitely Extension! It is a more modern option and you will get out of it specially on the valuation of the property.
12 December, 2016
PRO
Neil Pike Architect
Definitely prefer Extension! More modern option
13 December, 2016
PRO
Metre Squared Architecture
Building an extension will always allow you to integrate the new space into the existing rooms when you want to have an open plan kitchen/dining/sitting area. Conservatories need to remain as a separate space due to the hit loss in winter or over heating in summer time. Creating an orangery is the best option in case you want the glazed space to be part of the house.
13 December, 2016last modified: 13 December, 2016
PRO
Carol Yates Design
As a Designer I would also choose an extension as you can always create a "Garden Room " style if need be...
13 December, 2016
PRO
Sterlingbuild
I once had a conservatory - far too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. I hardly used it, which was a shame as it had a nice view.

^Emma
13 December, 2016
PRO
Merlin Fibreglass Flat Roofing
I would recommend an extension allowing you to open up your living space indoors.

Thanks
20 December, 2016
PRO
Delta Roof Systems
Tiled roof with some roof lights and glazed walls - best of both worlds! Bright and warm in winter - cool and bright in summer - perfect!
22 December, 2016
PRO
KJC Architects
Definitely an extension, conservatories are too extreme with heat gain and heat loss and not in keeping with the existing building.
22 December, 2016
PRO
Create Building Contractors
Create have previously built both Extensions & Conservatories, Over 70% of clients who have had conservatories built have since been back in touch to transform their conservatory into a summer room. Removing the glass/polycarb roof and replacing with tile etc. Extension every time.
5 January, 2017
PRO
PJC London
Conservatories are fantastic but an extension will add value to the property in more ways and provide a year round solution with the added space.
6 January, 2017
PRO
Delta Roof Systems
Replacing conservatory roofs with tiled roofs will generally need building control approval although a minority of local authorities say not. Be safe and always apply or use a company with JHAI certification to ensure a quality job and no problems if selling property.

Solid tiled roofs are definitely usable all year round provided they are properly insulated to meet or exceed building regulations

Many ' cladover' jobs would not meet regs or get approval so beware
9 January, 2017
PRO
CIF Builders Group
we believe a house extension will be better due to heat optimisation and durability in time
10 January, 2017
PRO
Michael Nicholas Design

If you were our client, we would first assess which way the house faces in order to understand the direction of the sun and the likely impact on the space in terms of light and heat, plus we would ask what use you intend to place on the new space. It is also the case that with whatever heating - a fully glazed conservatory can seem an inhospitable space in the winter months.

Even in the UK heat gain during our short summer is a major consideration and whilst roof blinds can be added - these can spoil the original design intent. A part solid / part glazed roof with fully glazed walls may be the most successful.

Attached image of a garden room with a large strategically placed roof light and two fully glazed walls.
12 January, 2017last modified: 17 January, 2017
PRO
Ernest Tsui Architects + Partners
Extensions are the way to go. Conservatory is a less energy efficient solution
12 January, 2017
PRO
NDM Architects
Extensions are the way forward to create an all year round additional family living space
13 January, 2017last modified: 13 January, 2017
PRO
Leicestershire Gardens Design Co.
Lots of our customers chose to have an extension with bi folding doors so they can extend their living area to outside!
13 January, 2017
lincoln18
Depends on the house. An extension with bi fold doors and lantern to the flat roof, appears the way forward. For many houses this is the correct decision, providing a large light filled room.

But a conservatory gives the ability to sit in the garden. To hear the rain. A room not filled with light but to sit in the light. Modern glass roofs and windows are so different to the early conservatories. We use ours 12 months a year. It can also be used to bring heat back into a house.

A conservatory, even to modern standards, is so much cheaper than an extension. So small extension or large conservatory? Large conservatory every time.
29 October, 2017

United Kingdom

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POLL: Conservatory or extension?

Comments (190)

Related Discussions