Is an oak-framed conservatory the extension solution you've been seeking?

Is an oak-framed conservatory the extension solution you've been seeking?

In the world of home extensions, three popular choices stand out: oak frame conservatories, orangeries, and garden rooms. Each offers a unique blend of style, functionality, and cost, catering to different preferences and needs.

Oak frame conservatories, with their focus on light and garden views, are characterised by mainly glass walls and an oak frame. They provide a bright, panoramic perspective, ideal for summer or transitional seasons. The cost of these conservatories can be managed by carefully choosing materials, such as roof type and finish, joinery, face glazing, and internal finishes.

On the other hand, orangeries combine the elegance of oak framing with brick or masonry lower walls and a flat insulated roof topped with a glazed lantern. This mix provides a cosier, room-like feel that blends well with the main house architecture. Orangeries offer more thermal efficiency, making them suitable for all-year use as living, dining, or study spaces.

Garden rooms, meanwhile, feature oak frames with solid walls and insulated tiled or slate roofs, often with vaulted ceilings. These structures offer the highest thermal efficiency, making year-round use comfortable. They are designed as permanent garden living spaces with strong structural oak features.

The cost of these extensions varies depending on the size, specification, and detailing of the structure. Factors such as ground conditions for the footings and the roof tiles used will also impact costs.

In terms of planning, if you live in a designated zone such as a Conservation Area, planning permission is required for oak conservatories, orangeries, or garden rooms. However, a conservatory can be built without planning permission if the new extension follows certain rules.

The oak frame, a key element in all three types, adds timeless aesthetic appeal and durability. Notable features include face glazing, which allows for the natural movement of the frame and ensures a weathertight seal between the glass unit and the oak frame. Bi-fold doors that open to create large indoor-outdoor spaces are also popular in oak frame conservatories.

Solar gain can be used to heat the space in warmer months, but the specification of the glazing must be suitable. Underfloor heating may be a better solution for heating a conservatory.

In 2024, the average cost of an extension from Oakwrights, across all styles, including oak frame, glazing, and joinery, and roofing, was approximately £66,000.

In conclusion, the choice between oak frame conservatories, orangeries, and garden rooms depends on priorities: brightness and cost (conservatory), year-round usability and architectural integration (orangery), or a robust garden space with traditional oak character (garden room).

Fergus Stuart, who has spent his career in the timber industry and has worked at Carpenter Oak since 2008, provides insight into the process, ensuring that projects move from concept to realization with a focus on timber framing. Izzy Edey, who works on the initial stages of an oak frame design, encourages sales teams to sell and ensures the estimating team effectively and accurately prices all new projects.

[1] Fergus Stuart, Carpenter Oak [2] Izzy Edey, Carpenter Oak [3] Oakwrights, Extension Costs 2024 [4] Carpenter Oak, Oak Frame Conservatories, Orangeries, and Garden Rooms

1. In the realm of home extensions, oak frame conservatories, orangeries, and garden rooms are three popular choices, each offering a unique balance of style, functionality, and cost.
2. Oak frame conservatories, known for their light and garden views, are characterized by mainly glass walls and an oak frame, providing a panoramic perspective.
3. Orangeries combine elegance with practicality, featuring brick or masonry lower walls, a flat insulated roof, and a glazed lantern, offering a cosier, room-like feel.
4. Garden rooms, designed as permanent garden living spaces, offer the highest thermal efficiency with solid walls, insulated roofs, and vaulted ceilings.
5. The cost of these extensions depends on factors such as size, specification, ground conditions, and materials used.
6. Planning permission is typically required for oak conservatories, orangeries, and garden rooms in designated zones like Conservation Areas, but conservatories can be built without planning permission if certain rules are followed.
7. The oak frame, a key element in all three types, adds durability and aesthetic appeal, with face glazing ensuring a weathertight seal and bi-fold doors creating large indoor-outdoor spaces.
8. Solar gain can be utilized for heating in warmer months, but underfloor heating may be a better option for conservatories.
9. In 2024, the average cost of an extension from Oakwrights was approximately £66,000, encompassing oak frame, glazing, joinery, and roofing.
10. Fergus Stuart, working at Carpenter Oak since 2008, oversees projects from concept to realization, ensuring a focus on timber framing.
11. Izzy Edey, also from Carpenter Oak, works on the initial stages of an oak frame design and ensures accurate pricing of new projects.
12. This guide aims to provide ideas, designs, and budget considerations for homeowners planning extensions, including factors such as lighting, ventilation, and energy costs.
13. With proper planning, stylish finishes, and suitably insulated spaces, these extensions can become extensions of your lifestyle, blending fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden elements.
14. Whether you prioritize brightness and cost, year-round usability and architectural integration, or a robust garden space with traditional oak character, there's an extension to suit your needs and enhance your living space.

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