Orangery guides
Orangery roof options explained.
The roof is what makes an orangery an orangery — the balance between solid roof and glazed lantern shapes both how bright the room feels and how well it performs thermally.
Lantern size and position
A larger lantern brings in more light but increases both cost and heat loss/gain if not properly specified. Positioning it centrally over a kitchen island or seating area is a common approach, though it can also be offset depending on the room's layout and where you want the light to fall.
Pitch and perimeter roof
The solid perimeter roof around the lantern is usually flat or shallow-pitched, finished with a warm roof construction that includes proper insulation above the rafters. This is what gives an orangery its year-round usability, compared with a conservatory's fully glazed roof.
Glazing specification
Double or triple glazing, low-emissivity coatings and solar control glass all affect how much heat the lantern lets in during summer and retains in winter. Higher-spec glazing costs more upfront but makes a real difference to comfort, particularly on south-facing rooms.
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Frequently asked questions
FAQs.
Should an orangery lantern be centred or offset?
It depends on your room layout — a centred lantern suits a symmetrical design, while an offset lantern can direct light towards a specific feature such as a kitchen island or seating area.
Does a bigger lantern mean a colder room in winter?
Not necessarily, provided the glazing specification is high enough, but it is a factor we account for at design stage.