It’s a common misconception that orangery extensions with a lot of glass are cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. But the reality is, modern orangeries are engineered for all-year-round comfort, making them fully functional living spaces. The secret lies in the advanced thermal performance of today’s materials and designs.
High-Performance Glazing
The most significant factor in an orangery’s thermal efficiency is the glazing. Harveys Windows uses high-performance glazing options that are a world away from the single-pane glass of old conservatories. These modern units have a low U-value, which is a measure of how quickly heat transfers through a material. A lower U-value means better insulation, so heat stays in during winter and is kept out during summer. Our glass is also self-cleaning and has solar rejection properties that minimize intense glare and block UV rays, protecting your furnishings from fading.
The Insulated Structure
Unlike a traditional conservatory, an orangery features a substantial, insulated structural framework and brick walls, which significantly boosts its thermal performance. Our Ultraframe orangery roofs, for example, have a fully insulated structural beam, hips, and ridge, preventing condensation and creating a true warm roof system. We also offer super-insulated columns that are up to five times more thermally efficient than traditional brick pillars. This blend of a solid, insulated structure and large glazed areas is what gives an orangery its unique ability to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
A Solid Roof with a Glazed Lantern
The roof is the most critical element for an orangery’s thermal performance. Many of our orangery roofs combine an insulated flat roof with a striking glazed roof lantern. This design provides the best of both worlds: the solid, insulated roof offers exceptional thermal performance, while the glass lantern draws in an incredible amount of natural light. The glazed lanterns themselves are designed with thermally broken ridges and bars to reduce the risk of condensation and have fewer bars for a cleaner look and superior strength.
Ultimately, modern orangery extensions is not a seasonal room. It’s a highly insulated, year-round living space designed to seamlessly integrate with your home while providing exceptional thermal performance, comfort, and style.
