RENOVATION have to be checked by your local authority for building regulations approval. Similarly, conservatories that are more than one storey high or are larger than 30 square metres in floor area will also need to comply with building regulations.
CONSERVATORY HEATING
Maintaining an even temperature in a conservatory can be tricky. At the height of summer, they may be overly hot because of the direct sunlight and the rest of the time, they can feel very cold. Thermally efficient glass can help with loss of heat and is worth looking into if you haven’t yet had your structure built. Consider the aspect of your conservatory; a south-facing extension may be too hot and too bright for comfort. You can, however, reduce glare and control temperature with blinds. Some manufacturers offer blinds with coatings that help reflect heat and glare in summer and retain warmth in winter. Ventilation is also important. Do consider automatic opening roof lights, so that your room never gets too warm, even on a hot summer’s day. It’s important to bear in mind that heating in a traditional conservatory should not be connected to the main central heating in your house, due to building regulations. So a separate system, such as underfloor heating, or fan and electric heaters, is necessary. One of the most effective methods of heating a glass-walled room is by installing underfloor heating.
A grand house with a large garden requires an orangery with solid plastered walls and several sets of doors opening out onto gracious lawns.
ADD A USEFUL EXTRA ROOM On a smaller scale, a flat-roofed garden room will increase useable space in the house as well as making garden access easier all year round.
MARCH 2022
148 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
FEATURE JENNIFER EBERT PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
THINK ABOUT SIZE AND SCALE
