As housing across the UK becomes more expensive, and living spaces grow smaller, many homeowners are looking for ways to expand without undergoing costly renovations or moving house. This has led to a surge in popularity for conservatory additions which provide affordable extra room and a closer connection to nature.
What is a Conservatory Addition?
A conservatory is a glass garden room attached to an existing house. Conservatories have glazed windows and roofs allowing natural light to flood the space while also providing views of the outdoors. They are semi-permanent structures typically built with brick, PVC, or wood bases and windows, polycarbonate or glass roofs, and tile, laminate or carpet floors.
Conservatories range dramatically in size and style – from small, contemporary glass box extensions to sweeping, Victorian-inspired garden rooms. They can be standalone constructions or more integrated into the architecture of the home via linking doors, tiled pathways, and shared wall features.
Expanding Living Space
The number one incentive spurring the addition of conservatories across the UK is the desire for more liveable space. With rising property rates, the average British home has shrunk in size over recent decades. Families and homeowners are seeking affordable ways to gain extra legroom.
Conservatories provide light-filled areas for family activities, dining, working from home or hosting guests. The glazed surrounds dissolve barriers between indoors and outdoors, making conservatory living areas feel more spacious and airy. Home offices, playrooms, lounge areas and dining spaces are all popular conservatory uses.
Construction is minimally invasive to existing homes, avoiding lengthy alterations or expensive large-scale renovations. Prefabricated conservatory units make the process even more straightforward, allowing homeowners to erect beautiful, functional glass extensions in a matter of days.
Connecting to Nature
The other element conservatories add to homes is an increased sense of connection to nature. Surrounded by glass and daylight, plants thrive in conservatory environments. Owners enjoy nurturing pot plants and garden greenery around them as they inhabit the space.
Conservatories foster a seamless transition zone between house walls and the home’s outdoor gardens. On nice days doors can be flung open fully, or conservatory roof windows tilted wide, bringing the outdoors viscerally indoors. The lines between internal furnishings and external garden designs blur. Outdoor entertaining, especially sun-soaked afternoon teas or al fresco dining extend gracefully into the conservatory’s interior.
On wetter or colder days, families relish a sheltered spot bathed in natural light to appreciate neighbourhood vistas. Watching storms, seasonal snow, or frosted winter gardens from the toasty enclosure of a conservatory is a homely pleasure. The cycles of nature feel more present and noticeable from within a room so dominated by glass.
Conservatories therefore allow homeowners to satisfy parallel desires for extra living space and closer communion with gardens and vistas surrounding their home.
Customisation Options
While conservatories suit many British home styles, they are also highly customisable to match individual aesthetics. Homeowners can select their preferred conservatory shapes, sizes, fixture styles and building materials to coordinate with existing architecture. Check the design options available from a reputable company like The Home Design Group.
Classic conservatory models like the lean-to, Victorian or Edwardian designs have an old-worldly allure but contemporary box-frame and P-shaped builds are also rising conservatory trends. The interior fitout similarly allows for great variety through chosen floors, blinds, ceiling fans and whether in-built seating, storage or utilities connections are included.
This versatility in design options means homeowners can craft beautifully personalised extensions marrying extra living space with outdoor connection.
Conservatory Benefits
Along with expanding living zones, conservatories impart innumerable lifestyle perks. As sun-trapping structures they provide natural warmth reducing household heating bills. As mutable glass enclosures they allow rapid ventilation circulation when desired. Sheltered gardening pockets allow the showcasing of prized plants. And enhanced time amidst verdant life and daylight fosters improved mood, health and wellbeing outcomes.
Perhaps most importantly, conservatories enhance opportunities for meaningful relaxation, family time and connection to the natural rhythms surrounding one’s home.
Keeping Conservatories Warm and Cool
Adding a conservatory to your home is a great way to expand your living space. However, regulating temperatures in conservatories can pose some unique challenges given large surface areas made of glass. Here are some key ways to keep your conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer:
Heating Tips
Consider installing a dedicated heating system like an energy-efficient electric heater or ducted hot air system rather than relying solely on radiated heat from the main house. Underfloor heating can be a good choice for tile floors. Strategically place heaters near seating areas or popular zones rather than heating the entire space. Ensure roof vents and windows are closed to trap rising heat. Warm the flooring adding rugs or tile heating to retain comfort underfoot.
Cooling Tips
Utilise blinds, awning and shade sails to block intense sunlight in summer. For rapid cooling, open windows or roof vents to encourage cross ventilation breezes. Evaporative air coolers supplement natural cooling without extensive noise or energy drain. Fans accelerate air movement for a wind chill effect during the hottest periods. Choose furniture, fittings and flooring made of breathable natural fibres rather than materials trapping heat.
With some savvy heating and cooling adaptations, conservatories can deliver comfortable spaces for enjoying nature’s spectacle all year round.
Choosing a Reputable Conservatory Installer
Selecting the right conservatory installer is key to ensuring your new extension is constructed safely, legally and to your desired specifications. Seek recommendations from friends and neighbours who have had work done.
Ensure the company is registered, insured and accredited by recognised trade bodies like the Glass & Glazing Federation or TrustMark scheme. Meet with shortlisted installers in person to assess their experience with projects matching yours in scale and style. Review sample portfolios and ask detailed questions about their construction methods, materials, warranties and protections should anything go wrong.
Investing time in choosing the right conservatory installation team pays dividends in the structural integrity and functionality of your customised space for many years to come.
The conservatory trend spiking across the UK looks set to continue as homeowners seek out these myriad benefits. Straddling indoors and outdoors, Conservatories satisfy dual human needs for shelter and proximity to the vitalising nature just outside.
