Orangery vs Extension: Which Is Right for Your Home?

An orangery suits homeowners who want a bright, garden-facing room with a lighter feel than brick. A house extension suits those who want a fully solid, seamlessly integrated room. The right choice depends on how much light you want and how the space connects to the rest of the house. 

In this guide, we’ll compare the two and help you work out which is right for your home. 

What Is an Orangery? 

An orangery extension sits between a conservatory and a full extension, combining brick piers with glazed sections and a glass roof lantern. Modern orangery designs often use slimline aluminium framing, although timber and uPVC remain popular. They can work particularly well when you want a room that feels connected to the garden without making the whole space feel like a conservatory. Most work well as dining rooms, garden rooms or open-plan kitchen spaces. 

What Is a House Extension? 

A house extension is a fully solid structure with insulated cavity walls, a conventional roof and windows sized to suit the room. Using standard construction throughout, it typically offers the most flexibility for kitchens, bedrooms or multi-room additions. In other words, if you want the new space to feel like a natural part of the existing house, an extension gives you more freedom over the design and layout. 

Orangery vs Extension: Key Differences 

So, what really separates the two? The main differences come down to glazing, cost and how the new space connects to the rest of your home. 

Feature	Orangery	House Extension
Structure	Brick piers with glass roof lantern	Solid insulated walls and roof
Natural light	High	Moderate, depends on window size
Typical cost	Generally lower than a full extension of the same size	Generally higher, due to more solid construction
Planning	Often permitted development	Often permitted development, larger scope

Orangery or Conservatory: How Do They Compare? 

An orangery is not the same as a conservatory. A conservatory is mostly glass with a lightweight frame, while an orangery uses solid masonry and insulated columns, giving it a sturdier feel and better year-round comfort. 

Which Should You Choose? 

The right choice depends on how you plan to use the room and how much of your home you want open to the garden. 

Choose an Orangery If 

• You want a bright, garden-connected room. 

• You like the look of a roof lantern and glazed walls. 

• You’re planning a kitchen orangery extension for family dining. 

Choose a House Extension If 

• You need a fully solid, multi-purpose room. 

• You want maximum flexibility for kitchens or bedrooms. 

• You’re exploring house extension ideas that reshape more of your home. 

Get Expert Advice From Doran Bros Construction 

Not sure whether an orangery or a house extension is the better fit for your home? As specialists in house extensions South West London homeowners trust, our team at Doran Bros Construction can assess your property and recommend the right approach. Rather than guessing which option will work best, get advice based on your property, space, and plans. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the difference between an orangery and an extension?  

An orangery combines brick piers with a glazed roof lantern for extra light, while a house extension is a fully solid, insulated structure that integrates completely with your home. Orangeries typically feel brighter, while extensions offer more layout flexibility. 

Is an orangery the same as a conservatory?  

No. A conservatory is mostly glazed with a lightweight frame, while an orangery uses solid masonry and insulated columns, giving it a sturdier feel and better year-round comfort, closer to a traditional extension. 

How much does an orangery cost?  

Orangery cost in the UK generally sits below the cost of a comparable single-storey house extension since it uses less brickwork and a lighter roof structure. The exact figure depends on size, materials, and glazing specifications, so it is worth getting a tailored quote for your project. 

Do I need planning permission for an orangery?  

Usually not. Most orangeries fall under permitted development rights if they meet size and height limits, though building regulations may still apply because of the solid brickwork. Check the Planning Portal’s conservatory and orangery planning guidance and its building regulations guidance, or speak to your local authority before starting work. 

Does an orangery add as much value as a house extension?  

It depends on quality and use. A well-designed orangery can add meaningful value, especially as a kitchen or dining space, though a larger house extension that adds more usable floor area often adds more overall. 

Which is better for a kitchen extension, an orangery or a traditional extension?  

It depends on how much light and openness you want. A kitchen orangery extension brings in significantly more natural light through its roof lantern, while a traditional kitchen extension offers a more solid, seamlessly integrated finish.