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Build an orangery.
Brick piers, glazed roof lantern, full-height windows — the architectural step up from a conservatory.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any conservatories starts on orangery.
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Top tips
Hiring a conservatories, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Cold bridging at pillar bases
Where the brick pillar meets the floor slab, thermal continuity must be maintained. Cheap builds leave a cold spot here.
Lantern leaks
The roof lantern is the most leak-prone element. Specify Korniche or Atlas (premium brands) with 15-year warranty.
Overheating in summer
Large lantern over a south-facing orangery turns it into a greenhouse. Specify solar-control glass and roof vents.
Pricing creep
"From £25,000" rarely accounts for foundations, electrical and decoration — total often £40,000+.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and a typical week-by-week schedule.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Small orangery (3m × 4m)uPVC, basic lantern
£22k–£38k
Medium orangery (4m × 5m)Aluminium, premium lantern
£30k–£55k
Large orangery (5m × 6m)Bespoke design
£45k–£85k
Korniche lantern (3m × 2m)Premium roof lantern brand
£3.5k–£6.5k
Foundations (1m deep)Trench fill
£3k–£8.5k
Brick pillars + cavityEngineering bricks
£5.5k–£15k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
Timeline
Mid-size conservatory · week by week
Typical
5 phases · 5 wk
5 phases · 5 wk
W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
Foundations + dwarf wall
Frame + glazing
Roof + ridge
Electrics + flooring
Snags + handover
!
Schedule slips on dependencies — pad each phase by 10–20% for real-world delays.
At a glance
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Conservatories explained
Orangeries are the premium step up from a conservatory — masonry brick pillars between glazed walls, a flat-roof perimeter with a glazed lantern in the centre, and a more "house-feels" interior. They bridge the gap between a conservatory and a true brick extension. Expect to pay £25,000–£70,000 fitted in the UK.
What Does the Work Involve?
The work starts with proper foundations to extension specification — usually 1m deep concrete trench fill. Brick pillars rise from the foundations between glazed walls. The flat roof perimeter is a warm-roof construction (EPDM or felt on timber rafters with insulation) with a glazed roof lantern in the centre — typically Korniche or Atlas brand aluminium framework with self-cleaning glass. The interior gets full plastered finish, ceiling cornicing and electrical work.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small orangery (3m × 4m) | 22,000 | 38,000 | uPVC, basic lantern |
| Medium orangery (4m × 5m) | 30,000 | 55,000 | Aluminium, premium lantern |
| Large orangery (5m × 6m) | 45,000 | 85,000 | Bespoke design |
| Korniche lantern (3m × 2m) | 3,500 | 6,500 | Premium roof lantern brand |
| Foundations (1m deep) | 3,000 | 8,500 | Trench fill |
| Brick pillars + cavity | 5,500 | 15,000 | Engineering bricks |
| Internal plaster, electrics, decor | 4,500 | 14,000 | True extension finish |
How Long Does It Take?
Typical orangery build: 8–14 weeks. Foundations 1–2 weeks, brickwork 2–3 weeks, frame and lantern 1–2 weeks, internal finishes 2–4 weeks, decoration 1–2 weeks.
DIY or Professional?
Professional only. Orangeries are full Building Regs notifiable (they're not separated by external doors in most modern designs) and need full Part L thermal compliance. Multi-trade coordination required: groundworks, bricklayers, frame fitters, lantern specialists, electricians, plasterers, decorators.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A general builder with extension experience, sub-contracting the lantern install to a specialist (Korniche, Atlas Roof Lanterns). Get a project manager who coordinates the trades. Insist on a fixed-price contract not "estimate plus extras". DGCOS membership for the conservatory side; FMB membership for the builder side.
UK Regulations
Orangeries are NOT exempt from Building Regs — they're typically open-plan to the kitchen or living room. Full Part L thermal compliance, Part B fire safety, Part F ventilation, Part P electrical certification. Planning permission needed if over permitted development limits (3m depth rear extension, 4m for detached, plus 4m height). Many orangeries need planning even when conservatories of the same size wouldn't.
Common Problems
- Cold bridging at pillar bases: Where the brick pillar meets the floor slab, thermal continuity must be maintained. Cheap builds leave a cold spot here.
- Lantern leaks: The roof lantern is the most leak-prone element. Specify Korniche or Atlas (premium brands) with 15-year warranty.
- Overheating in summer: Large lantern over a south-facing orangery turns it into a greenhouse. Specify solar-control glass and roof vents.
- Pricing creep: "From £25,000" rarely accounts for foundations, electrical and decoration — total often £40,000+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orangery or conservatory — what's the difference?
Conservatory: predominantly glazed walls and roof, externally rooved. Orangery: brick pillars between glazed walls, flat-roof perimeter with a glazed central lantern, plastered interior. Orangery feels more like a "real" room.
Is an orangery a Building-Regs-notifiable extension?
Yes — almost always. The flat roof perimeter and the open-plan nature to the house means it's not exempt. Full Part L compliance is needed.
Will an orangery add more value than a conservatory?
Yes — typically 10–15% property value gain vs 5–10% for a conservatory. Surveyors value orangeries closer to brick extensions (60–80%) vs conservatories (40–60%).
What's a roof lantern?
A glazed rectangular pyramid-shape structure that sits on a flat-roofed structure, bringing natural light to the centre. Korniche and Atlas are the UK premium brands.
Can I use an orangery year-round?
Yes — with proper thermal compliance (which is mandatory) and a heated floor or radiators, an orangery is comfortable 365 days a year.
How long does an orangery take to build?
8–14 weeks typical. Faster builds at the lower end cut corners — be wary of "4-week orangery" claims.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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