Conservatories and orangeries are a popular choice for an extension to increase your living space and provide a room for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the weather from the comfort of your home.
A conservatory is pretty much straight forward to understand – a room made of glass panes that allows in the sunlight without exposing you to the nastier elements such as wind and rain. These days there is little room for misinterpretation, when someone says conservatory, you know what they are talking about.
However, like many people, you may be left scratching your head at the mention of the word orangery.
So where does the word Orangery come from?
The term orangery was coined in the 17th century when it was fashionable to have an inside room with a solid masonry wall used for growing citrus fruits, hence the name orangery. This single wall of masonry is the defining feature that sets apart the orangery from a conservatory, which is normally built with all walls made of glass (with PVC or aluminium framework).
The orangery originated from the of Italy, when advancements in glass-making allowed larger panes of clear glass to be produced.
Which came first, the orangery or the conservatory?
Answer: The orangery.
Conservatories are thought to have developed from orangeries, when orange and lime trees fell out of Victorian home fashion in place of shrubs and herb plants that needed to be protected over the winter months.
What exactly makes an orangery?
In contrast to a conservatory, orangeries are more like a typical house extension, featuring more brickwork that subtly blends in with the masonry of the house itself, creating an elegant and stylish addition to the home.
The best way to remember the difference is to think of an orangery as an extension with a little bit of conservatory thrown in for good measure. Orangeries have more brickwork but large windows and a glass roof are still present.
Orangeries and Conservatories from Window Wise
The Window Wise team has a vast range of experience when it comes to building and installing conservatories. We work with each of our clients to create the perfect extension to their living space. For more ideas and inspiration take a look at orangeries and conservatories home extensions we have built.
For more information about orangeries, conservatories and which would be right for your home, contact our friendly advisors who would be happy to go through everything with you and help you plan your ideal extension.
You can call the team directly on 01923 260636
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