Conservatory

A conservatory is a structure typically affixed to a building, such as a house, characterised by low-level brick walls and glazed framing above. In the UK, a space is classified as a conservatory if it features glazing covering at least 50% of its side wall area and a minimum of 75% of its roof.

Originally, conservatories emerged in European cities during the 19th century, serving horticultural and entertainment purposes. However, the concept traces back even further to the 16th century, when affluent landowners constructed similar spaces for cultivating citrus fruits. The construction of conservatories in Britain experienced a hiatus during the Second World War, only to be revitalised in the 1970s. Today, conservatories remain a sought-after solution for expanding existing properties, especially as the costs associated with relocating to new homes continue to rise.

Types of Conservatories

Lean-to

This style of conservatory earns its name from its appearance of leaning against the house. Lean-to conservatories typically feature a simple rectangular or square shape with a gently sloping roof that is lower in height compared to other conservatory designs. They are particularly suitable for homes with limited garden space and bungalows.

Lean-to conservatories usually have dwarf walls, typically around 60 cm high, with glazing on all three sides and a glazed roof. An alternative, more affordable option involves using raised uPVC panels at the base of the conservatory and polycarbonate for the roof, making it the simplest and most economical conservatory option.

Victorian

The Victorian conservatory is characterised by its rounded bay front and apex roof with a ridge along the top. The bay front can feature a varying number of facets—3, 5, or 7—depending on preference. Typically, Victorian conservatories have a dwarf wall upon which the glazing frames sit, although floor-to-ceiling glazing can also be used.

Due to its slightly larger footprint resulting from the faceted front, the Victorian conservatory tends to be more expensive than other options.

Edwardian

Similar to the Victorian style, the Edwardian conservatory has a square or rectangular shape and a pitched roof. The roof can take one of two common forms: a gable end design, where the end wall is flat, or a double-hipped design, with each side featuring a sloping roof that includes the end sloping into the house.

P-shaped

As its name suggests, a P-shaped conservatory features one end that is smaller than the other, with the larger end having a rounded effect with facets. This design often combines elements of both Victorian and Edwardian styles, offering more space that can be divided for different uses if needed.

Planning Permission

In general, constructing a conservatory falls under permitted development, meaning that planning permission may not be required.

However, there are certain conditions and limitations to consider:

• A conservatory cannot be built in front of the principal or side elevation or where it would front a highway.
• The width of a side conservatory cannot exceed half the width of the original house (as it was initially constructed or stood on July 1, 1948).
• Side and rear conservatories must be single-story with a maximum height of 4 m.
• For a single-story rear conservatory, it must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 m (if attached) or 4 m (if detached).
• Side and rear conservatories must have a maximum eaves height of 3 m if they are within 2 m of a boundary.
• The maximum eaves height should not exceed the eaves of the existing house.

Building Regulations

While building regulations typically apply to house extensions and any new structural openings between the existing house and the conservatory, the conservatory itself often falls under exemption criteria. This exemption applies if the conservatories:

• Are constructed at ground level. Have a floor area of less than 30 sq. m.
• Are separated from the house by walls, doors, or windows.
• Are equipped with an independent heating system.
• Incorporate glazing and electrical installations compliant with relevant building regulations.
• Generally, conservatories should not obstruct ladder access to windows intended for escape or rescue.

Conservatories may struggle to retain heat efficiently. This issue can be addressed by using energy-rated glazing and an external insulated door to separate the conservatory from the rest of the house.

If the intention is to integrate the conservatory space into the rest of the building, it may be necessary to enhance insulation and reduce the amount of glazing.