The short answer
An orangery is a glazed garden room defined by solid brick or rendered piers, a flat perimeter roof and a central glazed roof lantern — a hybrid that sits between a conservatory and a full extension. Compared with a conservatory it has more solid wall and less glass, which makes it feel more like a permanent room of the house and helps it stay usable through the year. It typically costs £20,000–£40,000 in 2026. See how it differs from a conservatory and a full extension.
The word “orangery” comes from the grand glazed buildings once used to overwinter citrus trees, but today it describes a particular style of home addition. An orangery blends masonry and glazing: solid load-bearing piers at the corners and between openings, large windows or glazed doors in between, and a flat roof around the edge with a glass lantern set into the middle to flood the room with overhead light. This guide explains the defining features, how an orangery is built, what it typically costs, and where it fits between a conservatory and an extension. All figures are typical illustrations rather than quotes, and the glazing should be fitted by an orangery specialist who is FENSA or CERTASS registered.
An orangery at a glance
- Roof Flat perimeter with a glazed lantern
- Walls Solid brick piers plus glazing
- Glass Roughly 25–50% of a conservatory
- Feel More like a permanent room
- Typical cost £20,000–£40,000
- Position Between conservatory & extension
The defining features of an orangery
What sets an orangery apart is the balance of solid structure and glass. Brick or rendered piers carry the load and frame the windows, so the room has substantial walls rather than full-height glazing on every side. The roof is the other signature: instead of a fully glazed pitched roof, an orangery has a flat or slightly pitched perimeter roof — often with a plastered internal ceiling and a deep cornice — with a glazed lantern in the centre to bring in light from above. The result reads as a permanent room with a striking rooflight, rather than a glass box bolted onto the house.
How an orangery is built
An orangery is a small building project. It usually starts with foundations and a damp-proof course, then masonry piers and a dwarf wall, window and door openings, a flat roof structure with the lantern opening framed in, and internal finishes such as plastered walls and ceiling, flooring, lighting and heating. Because there is more masonry and a built roof than in a conservatory, an orangery typically takes longer to build and involves more trades. The glazing — windows, glazed doors and the lantern — is notifiable work that should be handled by a FENSA or CERTASS registered installer, while the structure is covered by building regulations and your local Building Control where they apply.
| Feature | Orangery | Conservatory |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Flat perimeter with glazed lantern | Fully glazed or solid pitched roof |
| Walls | Solid piers plus glazing | Mostly glazed, dwarf wall |
| Feel | Permanent room | Garden room |
| Typical cost | £20,000–£40,000 | £8,000–£25,000 |
What an orangery is used for
Because it has more solid wall and a partly solid roof, an orangery tends to hold a more even temperature than a fully glazed conservatory, which makes it popular as a year-round kitchen-diner, family room, garden room or home office. The central lantern keeps the space bright while the surrounding flat roof allows for downlights, a plastered ceiling and concealed services. Many homeowners choose an orangery specifically because it feels like an integrated part of the house rather than an add-on — see is an orangery worth it for how that translates into everyday use and value.
Cost and what affects it
An orangery typically costs £20,000–£40,000 in 2026, supplied and built, with the figure driven by size, the amount of masonry, the lantern and glazing specification, foundations, and internal finishes such as underfloor heating, plastering and flooring. A compact orangery sits at the lower end, while a large kitchen-diner orangery with bi-fold doors and a high specification can exceed the range. For a fuller breakdown see how much an orangery costs and the cost per square metre guide. These are typical illustrations, not quotes; costs vary with your home, design and chosen specialist.
Compare orangery quotes
Prices vary significantly between specialists for the same design and job. Use our service to compare quotes from orangery specialists in your area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has more solid wall — brick or rendered piers — and a flat perimeter roof with a central glazed lantern, while a conservatory is mostly glazed with a fully glazed or solid pitched roof. The orangery feels more like a permanent room and typically costs more. See orangery vs conservatory.
Is an orangery a type of extension?
An orangery sits between a conservatory and a full brick extension. It is a small building project with masonry piers and a built roof, but it keeps a high glazing content and the signature roof lantern, so it is usually quicker and cheaper than a full extension. See orangery vs extension.
How much does an orangery cost?
An orangery typically costs £20,000–£40,000 in 2026, supplied and built, depending on size, glazing and lantern specification, foundations and internal finishes. These are typical illustrations, not quotes — get at least three itemised estimates for your property.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery?
Like a conservatory, an orangery is often classed as permitted development if it stays within size and height limits, but planning permission can be required — for example on larger builds, in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Building regulations may also apply. See planning permission for an orangery.
Sources & further reading
- Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) — consumer guidance on orangeries, conservatories and glazing specifications
- FENSA / CERTASS — registered installer schemes and Building Regulations compliance for glazing
- Planning Portal — conservatories, orangeries and permitted development
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Documents — standards for extensions and glazed structures
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or build. Costs, timescales and outcomes vary with your home, the design you choose and your chosen specialist. The glazing should be fitted by a FENSA or CERTASS registered installer. We are an independent information and introduction service, not an installer.