Initial Design Considerations

The process of designing your conservatory will naturally evolve from early sketch ideas to a final agreed layout suitable for a planning application and eventually to the working drawings that will be used to build the structure itself.

The first stage of any conservatory project is to find out if your home is suitable to extend and to obtain some initial design ideas on what may be possible.

Even for straightforward conservatories, it is important to be sure that you have looked at the options open to you and gathered as much information as possible before you proceed with a specific design. It will cost time and money to change your mind later on and, when all the work is completed, you should be satisfied that you have the best solution for your needs.

We would strongly recommend that you use an experienced architectural designer to carry out your initial scheme design as they will be familiar with the limitations that are imposed by planning and building regulations. They will also know how to make the most of the space available.

The main considerations you will need to think about at this stage are listed below.

A. Your Requirements

Often know as the 'Client Brief', your first task is to define what you actually require from the conservatory.  It is a good idea to involve the whole family in this process as people may have different priorities. It may also help to speak to someone you know who has had work completed recently as they will have gone through this process.

Conservatories are often multifunctional rooms and can be used as a place to relax as well as a breakfast room or kids play room.

Think carefully about how you intend to use the space.

Most designers like to have a clear Client Brief from you so that they can help you to create the space you need. If necessary, create a list of priorities, dividing it into essential works and desired, but not essential works.

B. Position and Size

One of the first decisions you will have to make is where to position your conservatory and how big it should be.
Conservatories have traditionally been built at the rear of properties as this is more private and it makes them more of a transitional space between the house and the garden.
They are almost always at ground floor level although, as shown in the example, they can be built at first floor level or, subject to planning permission,  to the side or front of a property if your house design allows for this.

You will need to consider the aspect of your conservatory as there are advantages and disadvantages of each.

• North-facing – this aspect will generally avoid the building overheating in the summer as the sun will not be directly overhead. You may need to provide additional heating in the winter months and you are also less likely to need roof blinds, especially if you choose the most efficient glazing options.
• South-facing - whilst excellent for catching the sun, south facing conservatories can be unbearably hot in the summer. You will almost certainly need blinds and lots of ventilation such as french doors and roof vents. You may wish to consider a traditional extension with rooflights rather than a conservatory.
• East-facing - you will get the sun in the morning so these rooms can be ideal for breakfast rooms. They will generally not overheat in the middle of the day or evening.

• West-facing – you will get the sun from late afternoon onwards and will be able to enjoy the sun for longer in the evenings. They may need some additional heating in the mornings and often provide good growing conditions for plants.

The overall size and position of your conservatory will be limited by boundaries, planning constraints and cost but if you are using the space for a specific reason such as a dining room, have you worked out how big the table will be and how many place settings you require?

Our best advice is to plot furniture on to your initial plans - if your designer is using a modern CAD package, this will be normally be easy to do or you could always use the cardboard cutout method!.

It is important to ensure that your conservatory blends well with the existing property so try and avoid dwarfing the original house by making it too big.

Give consideration to your neighbours and the effect your plans will have on them – they may lose sunlight or become overlooked. Try to minimize the impact and talk to them before you finalise your design to see if they have any concerns.

We would also recommend using a designer that can illustrate your proposal in 3D as this will help you (and your neighbours) to get a good understanding of how the proposal will look.

C. Style

There are a number of standard conservatory styles but a lot of inconsistency in how different suppliers describe them. We have summarized the three main types below although you will inevitably come across some other variations on the theme.

You will need to choose a style that blends well with your existing property, meets your budget and provides you with the space you require. 

Lean-to Conservatory (also called Mediterranean, Sunroom or Garden Room)

For those homeowners that prefer a clean simple look, a lean-to conservatory is the ideal choice.

The roof pitch can be reduced to a minimal level so that it can be positioned below an existing fascia to a single storey building.

This style is generally the least expensive and can be designed with full height panels as shown in the photo above or with a low level dwarf wall.

This style of conservatory was originally popular as a design borrowed from greenhouses which were built against south-facing walls so that the glass would maximise the heat from the sun, while the north-facing brick wall gave protection against cold winds.

Victorian

The Victorians were passionate about their conservatories and were fascinated by ferns and exotic plants. They experimented with new materials and their conservatories were embellished with graceful architectural details.

The Victorian is the most popular style of conservatory as it is versatile and suitable for many house styles.
This style includes an angled ‘bay type’ end which usually consists of 3 or 5 sections and a steeply pitched roof and ornate ridge. The design can be adapted to a ‘P’ shape or even a ‘B’ shape as shown in the illustrations below.

The combination of a traditional design with modern materials and comfort helps to encapsulate the spirit of the original.

Edwardian

The Edwardian conservatory is a flat fronted style that offers excellent use of floor space due to the square or rectangular internal shape.

Each side of the roof slopes back to the centre and the resulting contemporary style is suited to the majority of properties. The end section of roof can be either hipped or designed as a gable as shown below.

The Edwardian design can be adapted to an ‘L’ shape as shown in the illustration.

 

C. Materials and Glazing

There are three main choices of material for the conservatory framework which we have summarized below.

PVCu

This is undoubtedly the most common material as it is the least expensive and requires little or no maintenance. If it is of good quality, then it will not discolour and is better insulated than the other two choices.

PVCu is a thermoplastic which is moulded into shape and can be strengthened with aluminium when used for structural components such as the conservatory roof or main frame. The framework comes in a variety of thicknesses with cheaper suppliers generally using a smaller and thinner profile.

Traditionally it came only in a white finish but nowadays wood grain effects are popular such as mahogany or oak.

Aluminium

Aluminium (or sometimes steel) is a much stronger choice of frame material for your conservatory and is often used for large spans such as a swimming pool enclosure.

Although more expensive than PVCu, it comes in strong slim sections meaning that you are able to have more glass in your conservatory and is often thought to be more attractive.

The frames are generally powder coated or galvanized in order to avoid corrosion.

Timber

Timber is generally considered to be the most attractive of the materials as it is more natural and traditional. For older period properties or listed buildings, this may be only material that blends well with the existing property.

The wood is usually hardwood and you should check that it comes from sustainable sources.

Timber is likely to be the most expensive option and requires more maintenance than PVCu or aluminium. However, modern microporous stains reduce the work required and come in a variety of colours.

Glazing

For the roof, you will need to choose between glass and polycarbonate.

Glass will always look and feel more traditional and will provide you with a clear view of the outside.
Modern glass such as Pilkington K glass has very good insulation and solar reflective qualities helping to reduce the effect of solar gain inside the conservatory and heat loss from the building.

However glass is heavier and more expensive than polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate is available in a variety of thicknesses and finishes and is formed in a ‘honeycomb’ manner to produce strength and better insulation characteristics.

It is usually supplied in clear, bronze and opal tints but be aware that clear is not completely clear and will not provide you with the same uninterrupted view as glass.

It is lighter and cheaper than glass and generally considered to provide better thermal insulation. However, it can be very noisy in the rain.

D. Heating and Ventilation

Conservatories are generally exempt from building regulations control because the heat loss cannot be justified within the current thermal insulation standards. See our factsheet on Building Regulations for Conservatories for more information. This means that whatever system of framework or glazing you employ, a conservatory will never be as well insulated as a traditionally built extension.

However, conservatories maintain their popularity because they are bright and airy and If you want to be able to use your conservatory all year round, heating and ventilation are important elements to consider.

Heating Options

Standard Radiators – you may wish to extend your existing heating system and provide standard radiators in your conservatory. However, make sure that your boiler is able to cope with the additional output and fit thermostatic valves to provide better local control.

Electric Heaters – these come in a variety of styles and will generally be cheaper to install than extending your heating system. They can be quick to heat the room but are likely to be more expensive to run.

Under Floor Heating – this is available as either an electric system or a wet system which will be heated from your boiler and be an extension to your existing heating system. An electric system will be cheaper to install but both are likely to cost more than radiators. However, under floor heating gives excellent heat distribution and has the advantage that it does not use up any valuable wall space.

Ventilation

Roof vents are generally the easiest option to provide rapid ventilation when needed and can be opened manually or electric powered. They can be set up to open automatically at a certain temperature and close if it starts to rain. For south facing conservatories, these are likely to be a necessity.

You should also try and achieve cross ventilation by having windows or doors that open on opposite sides of the conservatory. Try and include as many openable windows as you can and we would always recommend the inclusion of at least one set of french doors.

Many roof systems include ridge ventilation and windows and doors can include permanent trickle vents which helps prevent the build up of heat so check if these are included in your design.

Roof fans are also worth considering and can add an attractive tropical feel to the room.

E. Landscaping

Will your proposal involve extensive landscaping works? We would always recommend that you consider the landscaping around the conservatory at the design stage as this may influence your choice on the position of the main doors and where the best views will be seen.

Some works such as the felling of trees or hedges may require planning permission so this should also be taken into consideration.

F. Budget/Value Considerations

There is sometimes a reluctance to talk about budgets at an early stage, but this can often be the single most important factor that determines your final design.

Whilst you will be building the space for yourselves, we would always recommend that you consider the resale value that your conservatory will add. It will need to blend in well with the existing building and the overall effect of the addition should enhance the whole property.

One of the main advantages of carrying out a feasibility study for a proposal is that it will provide you with an estimate of the cost for your proposal at an early stage so you can check this is within your budget. The last thing you want is to end up with a superb design with planning permission only to find that your builders quotations are twice your allowance. Most designers will find it helpful to know your budget so that they can design your extension within it.

Our section on Conservatory Costs provides lots of information on cost influences that you will need to consider.

We would always recommend that you allow a contingency (we would suggest 10-20%) for the unknown when working out your costs at the feasibility stage.

I. Planning and Other Approvals Considerations

Once you have decided to proceed with the design of a project, you will need to finalise the design details and to obtain any formal approvals required.

It is easy to get caught out thinking that you do not require planning permission or building regulations approval for your conservatory but in many cases you do.

Your designer should be able to advise you on this matter and, if planning permission is required, make sure you are aware of any local planning policies that may restrict what you can build.

Also make sure you have considered any Building Regulations implications that may impact on your design.
We have provided factsheets giving further information on these subjects below:

Planning Permission

Please refer to our factsheet on Planning Permission for Conservatories to find out more about whether or not your proposal is likely to require planning permission.

If planning permission is required, it is a good idea to have an informal discussion with your local planning office prior to making any submission as they will normally be pleased to give you guidance that could save you time and hassle in the long run.

Before making the application, check that the overall dimensions give you the sized rooms you require and make sure you are happy with the elevations and layout. Check that the proposed materials are clearly shown as the planners will need to be certain that the extension blends well with the existing property.

If you are planning on felling any trees or hedges, make sure these are shown on the plans.

Your designer will usually deal with the application for you, acting as your agent and will ensure that the plans are to the correct scale and include additional information required for the planning submission such as a location plan, block plan and a design or access statement.

For  more information on this subject, please refer to our factsheet on Making a Planning Application

Planning Permission Not Required

Where planning permission is not required, we would recommend that you obtain written confirmation of this from your local planning office as it may avoid any problems when you come to sell the property.
This can be done by obtaining a 'Certificate of Lawfulness' from the council and your designer should deal with this for you.

Further information on this subject is available in our factsheet on Permitted Development.

Building Regulations and Working Drawings

Conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations control when they meet a number of conditions. For more information on this, see our factsheet on Building Regulations Approval for Conservatories.

If building regulations approval is required, your designer will normally prepare building regulation drawings and submit these for approval to the council or to an approved inspector.

The drawings that are completed for building regulations approval are commonly known as the working drawings and these will contain all the information needed to ensure your proposal meets with the current regulations. They also need to be clear and have sufficient detail for your builder to be able to use to accurately to build your conservatory.

Other Approvals

You may need to obtain other approvals for your proposal and your designer will usually help you deal with these. You may need to involve your solicitor to check if there are any restrictive covenants and a party wall surveyor if your proposal is close to another property. We have provided factsheets on these issues below.
The Party Wall Act
Restrictive Covenants

Specification for Works

Once the working drawings are complete, we would also recommend that a written specification is also prepared for your project as this will minimize misunderstanding between you and your chosen builder/supplier.

There are many aspects of your project that will not necessarily be shown on your drawings (e.g. type of ironmongery, floor tiles, etc) but these need to be defined so that a builder can properly quote for the works. The specification will also usually form part of your agreement with the builder when works commence.

H. Finishes

There are many ways you can finish your conservatory internally – a lot of homeowners prefer a more rustic look by keeping the internal wall finishes in brickwork to match the existing house. You may wish to plaster the walls and make the room feel more like part of the house.

Whatever you choose, make sure you have allowed for the costs in your budget as they can have a significant impact on the final cost.

Blinds

Conservatory blinds help to keep the room cool, give privacy if you are overlooked and help to reduce furniture and fabrics fading from the sun's glare. Blinds can be fitted to both the roof and windows and come in a variety of materials and designs.

If you prefer a traditional and elegant look you should investigate French pinoleum blinds which are made from thin strips of hardwood woven together.

There are also fabrics such as Solar R which reflect up to 85% of the sun's energy. Window blinds can be roller or pleated and, no matter what shape your roof is, blinds can be made to measure.

Flooring

Your choice of flooring will depend to a great extent on what you are using your conservatory for. If you want an outdoors feel, then tiles or wooden flooring will probably suit you best.

If on the other hand you are using your conservatory as a dining room for instance and want it to feel a proper part of the house, then carpet may be a better bet.

Furniture

Furnishing a conservatory depends greatly on the function of the room and personal taste but be aware that the sun's rays have great potential to damage fabric. You will be better choosing a paler colour which also has the advantage of making the room seem bigger.

Wooden furniture such as dining tables can also suffer because of the rapid expansion and contraction caused by the extremes of temperature so try and avoid using valuable antique furniture