What’s the Difference Between a Conservatory & Orangery?

Conservatories and orangeries both offer a stunning way to connect your home with the outdoors, but they come from very different architectural roots. One was born to cultivate exotic plants, the other as a stately structure to protect citrus trees. These origins shaped their unique designs in ways that are still relevant today. So, what is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery? The answer is written in their construction—from their glass-to-solid ratios to their rooflines. Understanding their heritage helps you choose the right light-filled space that truly complements how you want to live.

Key Takeaways

Look to the Roof for the Key Difference: A conservatory is defined by its glass-dominant roof (over 75% glass), creating a bright, open-air experience. An orangery, in contrast, has a solid perimeter roof with a central glass lantern, giving it a more substantial, room-like feel.
Consider How Structure Impacts Use and Budget: An orangery’s solid construction generally means a higher cost but provides better natural insulation for comfortable, year-round living. A conservatory is typically more budget-friendly and relies on modern glazing technology to regulate temperature.
A Custom Build Offers the Best of Both: You don’t have to stick to traditional definitions. A bespoke glass structure allows you to combine your favorite elements, like the expansive glass of a conservatory with the solid permanence of an orangery, to create a space that perfectly suits your home and lifestyle.

Clearing Up the Terminology

Conservatory, Orangery, or Sunroom?

It’s easy to get these terms mixed up, but the key differences lie in their structure and historical purpose. A conservatory is what most people picture as a classic glass house. It features a roof made almost entirely of glass, designed to capture maximum sunlight—a beautiful nod to its Victorian origins for showcasing exotic plants. An orangery, by contrast, feels more like a substantial extension of the home. It has a solid perimeter roof with a central glass lantern and often incorporates brick or stone pillars. This design provides better natural insulation, making it a comfortable, light-filled room you can enjoy throughout the year.

So where does a sunroom fit in? Think of it as a more modern, simplified version. A sunroom typically has a conventional solid roof and large windows, but it doesn’t have the same all-glass character as a conservatory or the architectural grandeur of an orangery. While these definitions provide a great starting point, they don’t have to be restrictive. The beauty of a custom-designed glass structure is that you can blend your favorite elements from each style. You might love the expansive glass of a conservatory but want the solid, permanent feel of an orangery. When you design a bespoke space, you get to create a room that perfectly reflects your home’s architecture and your personal style.

What Makes a Conservatory a Conservatory?

Before we compare conservatories and orangeries, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about. When you picture a classic conservatory, you probably imagine a sun-drenched room filled with plants, a cozy reading chair, and beautiful views of the garden. You’re not wrong. At its heart, a conservatory is a structure designed to bring as much natural light and outdoor scenery into your home as possible.

Unlike a traditional home extension, a conservatory blurs the line between inside and out, creating a bright, airy space that feels connected to nature year-round. It’s a simple concept, but the architectural details are what truly set it apart. Let’s look at the specific features that make a conservatory a conservatory.

The Defining Features of a Conservatory

The easiest way to identify a conservatory is by looking at its roof and walls. A true conservatory has a roof made of at least 75% glass and walls that are at least 50% glass. This glass-heavy design is what gives the structure its signature open and luminous feel. These structures are often built on a low brick base, which provides a solid foundation while maximizing the glazed area above. The result is an elegant room that floods your home with light and offers panoramic views. You can see some stunning examples in our portfolio of work.

The History of the Conservatory

The conservatory wasn’t always the elegant living space we know today. Its story begins with a practical purpose: protecting delicate, exotic plants from harsh weather. Think of them as the original greenhouses, born out of a growing fascination with botany and horticulture. By the mid-19th century, these glass structures became a popular feature for the homes of the upper class, evolving from simple plant shelters into grand, attached rooms that showcased both rare flora and the owner’s status. This shift marked the beginning of the conservatory’s journey from a purely functional garden building to an architectural statement, a tradition that continues in the bespoke designs we create today.

From Dutch Greenhouses to the 1980s PVC Boom

The conservatory’s design and materials have changed dramatically over time. While early structures were often elaborate creations of wood and iron, the 1980s brought a major shift. The introduction of uPVC (a type of plastic) made conservatories more affordable and accessible to a wider audience, leading to a surge in their popularity. However, this boom came with a downside. Many of these older, mass-produced models struggled with temperature control, becoming uncomfortably hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. This common complaint drove the innovation of modern glazing and engineering, paving the way for the high-performance, climate-controlled glass structures that can be enjoyed year-round.

How Are Conservatories Used Today?

So, what do you do with all that beautiful, light-filled space? The possibilities are endless. Homeowners often use conservatories as extra living rooms, serene sitting areas, or formal dining spaces that make every meal feel special. It can be a home office with an inspiring view, a playroom for the kids, or a quiet studio for your hobbies. A conservatory is more than just an addition; it’s a versatile space that enhances your lifestyle. When you’re ready to explore what a custom glass structure could look like for your home, you can start the design process with our team.

So, What Is an Orangery?

While a conservatory is all about maximizing glass, an orangery offers a beautiful balance between a traditional extension and a light-filled glass room. It feels more like a permanent, integrated part of your home, thanks to its more substantial structure. Let’s get into the details that give the orangery its distinct character and timeless appeal, from its signature architecture to its fascinating history.

Key Architectural Hallmarks

What truly sets an orangery apart are its classic, solid architectural features. Think wide, stately pillars and a solid roof perimeter, which create a sense of grandeur and permanence. Unlike a conservatory, an orangery’s roof is less than 75% glass. It typically features a stunning central glass panel, known as a roof lantern, set within a flat roof. This design floods the room with natural light from above while maintaining a more enclosed, room-like feel. This blend of solid construction and glass is what gives an orangery its signature elegant appearance, making it a seamless addition to your home’s architecture when you design with Serreva.

The Origins of the Orangery

Protecting Citrus in 17th Century Italy

The orangery’s story starts in 17th-century Italy, born from a desire to blend practicality with prestige. Wealthy landowners wanted to grow exotic citrus trees, which were not just a delicacy but a powerful symbol of status. To shield these fragile, sun-loving plants from harsh winters, they built stunning structures that were part grand hall, part garden sanctuary. These weren’t just functional greenhouses; they were architectural showpieces designed to display the owner’s wealth and sophisticated taste. This history is why the orangery remains synonymous with luxury and a thoughtful integration of architecture and nature.

This need for protection directly influenced the orangery’s architecture. Unlike the all-glass conservatories of the era, orangeries were constructed with solid brick or stone walls and large windows for better insulation against the cold. The roof was also more substantial, typically featuring a solid perimeter with a central glass lantern that let sunlight stream in without losing precious warmth. This robust design made the orangery feel like a permanent, stately room rather than a simple garden shelter. It’s this classic blend of solid construction and light-focused design that still defines the orangery as a substantial, elegant extension of the home.

How Orangeries Evolved for Modern Homes

The story of the orangery begins in 17th-century Italy. Wealthy families built these grand structures to protect their prized orange and lemon trees from the cold winter months. But they were more than just practical greenhouses; they were symbols of status and sophistication, places for strolling and entertaining. Today, that legacy of elegance continues. Modern orangeries have evolved from their agricultural roots into stunning, versatile living spaces. They blend that historical charm with contemporary design and functionality, offering a light-filled room that feels both luxurious and completely integrated with your home. It’s a nod to history, reimagined for the way we live now, a philosophy we embrace in all our custom projects.

Conservatory vs. Orangery: The Key Structural Differences

At first glance, conservatories and orangeries might seem like two names for the same beautiful, light-filled space. While they both connect you to the outdoors, their architectural DNA is quite different. The distinction comes down to their core construction, from the foundation up to the roof. Understanding these structural differences is key to choosing the right design for your home and lifestyle. Let’s break down the main telltale signs that separate these two stunning glass structures.

It’s All in the Roof and Glass

The easiest way to tell a conservatory from an orangery is to look up. The roof design is the biggest giveaway. A conservatory is defined by its glass-dominant roof, with more than 75% of its surface made of glass panels, creating an immersive, open-sky feeling. An orangery, on the other hand, features a solid, flat roof around the perimeter with a central glazed section, known as a roof lantern. This design provides a beautiful focal point for light while giving the room a more enclosed and stately feel. The choice often comes down to the aesthetic you’re aiming for in your custom glass structure.

Comparing Walls and Building Materials

Moving down from the roof, the walls also tell a distinct story. A classic conservatory has walls that are mostly glass, often from floor to ceiling, to maximize views and create a true indoor-outdoor experience. An orangery feels more like a traditional extension of your home. It typically features more solid construction, like brick or stone pillars, set between large windows. This blend of solid walls and expansive glass gives the orangery a sense of permanence and grandeur. These elements are a core part of our turnkey services, ensuring the new space blends perfectly with your home.

The 50% Glass Rule

Beyond the roof, another key guideline helps define a conservatory: the 50% glass rule for its walls. This principle states that at least half of the wall surface area should be glazed. This design choice is fundamental to the conservatory’s purpose, which is to create a seamless transition between your home and garden. By prioritizing glass over solid walls, a conservatory invites in the maximum amount of sunlight and offers unobstructed views of the landscape. This is a stark contrast to an orangery, where the balance shifts toward more substantial, solid wall sections, creating a cozier, more room-like atmosphere. You can see this principle in action across our portfolio of custom projects.

Distinctive Orangery Details: Pilasters and Interior Pelmets

The grandeur of an orangery often lies in its details. One of its most defining features is the use of pilasters—wide, decorative columns that frame the windows and support the roof structure. These elements add a classical, architectural weight that makes the orangery feel like a timeless, integral part of the home. Inside, the solid roof perimeter creates what’s known as an interior pelmet or bulkhead. This feature not only frames the central roof lantern beautifully but also provides a practical space to conceal lighting, speakers, or blinds, further enhancing the room’s sophisticated, finished feel. These are the kinds of bespoke details we explore when you design a glasshouse with our team.

Understanding the Foundation Differences

Because of their different wall structures, the foundations also vary. An orangery, with its heavier brickwork and solid roof, requires a substantial foundation, much like a conventional home extension. This ensures it has robust support for the long haul. While a modern conservatory is also a permanent structure requiring a proper foundation, its lighter design can mean different engineering requirements. At Serreva, we treat every project as a feat of architectural engineering, ensuring the foundation is perfectly matched to the design. Our engineering and fabrication process guarantees structural integrity from the ground up.

Conservatory vs. Orangery: Which Costs More?

When you’re planning a significant addition to your home or business, the budget is always a central part of the conversation. While both conservatories and orangeries are beautiful investments, their costs can differ based on a few key factors. The final price tag isn’t just about materials; it also involves the complexity of the build, local regulations, and the long-term value you’re looking to create. Understanding these elements will help you make a choice that feels right for both your vision and your finances. Let’s break down what goes into the cost of each structure.

What Factors Influence the Price?

The primary difference in cost comes down to materials and structural complexity. Generally, a conservatory is the more budget-friendly option because its design relies heavily on glass for both the walls and roof. With less brickwork or masonry involved, the material and labor costs are often lower. An orangery, on the other hand, typically carries a higher price tag. Its construction is more like a traditional home extension, featuring solid pillars, a perimeter roof, and a central glass lantern. This robust build requires more materials like brick or stone and a more intricate roof design, which contributes to the higher overall cost. The best way to understand the investment for your unique vision is to start the design process and get a detailed quote.

Don’t Forget Permits and Planning Permission

It’s easy to think of conservatories and orangeries as similar structures, but local planning departments often see them differently. Because an orangery is more substantial and integrated into the main property, it may face different planning permission requirements than a conservatory. These regulations vary by location, and managing them can add time and cost to your project. This is where having an experienced partner becomes invaluable. A turnkey provider handles the complexities of permitting for you, ensuring your project meets all local codes without causing you headaches. This step is a crucial part of the initial budgeting phase and shouldn’t be overlooked.

When Building Regulations Apply

Separate from planning permission, building regulations are the technical rulebook for your project. They cover everything from structural safety and fire resistance to energy efficiency and ventilation. Because an orangery is built more like a traditional extension with its solid walls and substantial roof, it usually has to meet the same strict building codes as the main house. This is where the engineering details become critical. We handle all of these technical requirements as part of our turnkey services, managing everything from foundation specs to climate control systems. Our goal is to ensure your glass structure is not just stunning, but also perfectly safe and built to last.

Which Holds Its Value Better?

The initial investment is only part of the financial picture; it’s also important to consider long-term value. Thanks to their solid walls and insulated roofs, orangeries generally offer better temperature control and energy efficiency. This can make them more comfortable for year-round use and potentially lead to savings on heating and cooling costs over time. Both structures can certainly add value to your property, but the seamless integration and four-season usability of a well-built orangery are often seen as a premium feature by potential buyers. When you invest in a high-performance glass structure with advanced climate control systems, you’re not just adding a room, you’re enhancing your property’s overall worth and appeal.

Potential Return on Investment

Thinking about return on investment goes beyond just the resale value of your home. While a beautifully integrated orangery is often seen as a premium feature by buyers, its energy efficiency also offers a tangible return through lower heating and cooling costs over time. A conservatory, with its lower initial cost, provides an immediate lifestyle return by adding a stunning, light-filled room to your home. The key to maximizing your investment, regardless of which style you choose, is the quality of the build. A bespoke, high-performance glass structure, engineered with advanced climate control, adds lasting appeal and usability to your property. This focus on long-term value is at the core of our turnkey services, ensuring your new space is a sound investment in both your home and your quality of life.

Which Is More Comfortable for Year-Round Use?

One of the main reasons to add a glass extension to your home is to enjoy a connection to the outdoors through every season. But what’s the point if it’s freezing in the winter and sweltering in the summer? The comfort of your new space is paramount, and this is where the architectural differences between a conservatory and an orangery really come into play. Their distinct structures handle temperature, insulation, and sunlight in very different ways.

Historically, conservatories earned a reputation for being “three-season rooms” because their all-glass construction made temperature control a challenge. Orangeries, with their more substantial build, were naturally better insulated. Today, however, advanced engineering and materials have dramatically improved the year-round usability of both. While the fundamental design of each still influences its thermal performance, a well-designed, modern glass structure can be a comfortable retreat no matter the weather. The key is understanding how each design works with the elements so you can make the best choice for your home and climate.

How Insulation and Heating Differ

When it comes to maintaining a pleasant temperature, an orangery generally has a natural advantage. Because it’s built with solid walls and a perimeter flat roof, an orangery has better inherent insulation. Think of it as a traditional home extension that happens to have large windows and a glass roof lantern. This substantial structure is simply more effective at retaining heat during cold months and keeping the space cool when it’s hot outside.

A conservatory, with its walls and roof made almost entirely of glass, is more directly exposed to the elements. While this creates an incredible feeling of being outdoors, it also means the space can lose heat more quickly in the winter and gain it rapidly in the summer.

A Quick Look at Energy Efficiency

Regardless of which style you lean toward, modern technology has made both structures far more energy-efficient than their predecessors. You’re no longer limited to single panes of glass that offer little insulation. High-performance materials like thermally broken steel frames and double or even triple-paned glazed units with low-emissivity coatings can make a huge difference in temperature regulation.

The right combination of materials and engineering is crucial for creating a space that is both beautiful and sustainable. A bespoke design process allows you to incorporate advanced climate control systems, ventilation, and energy-efficient glazing tailored specifically to your property’s orientation and your local climate, ensuring your glasshouse is a comfortable oasis all year long.

How to Manage Sunlight and Temperature

The amount of direct sunlight a room receives is a major factor in its overall comfort. A classic conservatory, with a roof that is at least 75% glass, is designed to maximize sun exposure. This floods the space with brilliant, natural light, which is perfect for growing plants or simply basking in the sun. However, this can also lead to overheating and intense glare on bright days.

An orangery offers a more controlled light environment. Its solid roof perimeter provides shade and a sense of enclosure, while the central glass lantern still allows plenty of sunlight to pour in from above. This design strikes a beautiful balance, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that feels more like a conventional room and is less prone to the temperature swings of a full glass roof.

Modern Hybrids and Alternatives

The classic definitions of conservatory and orangery are a great starting point, but modern design has beautifully blurred the lines between them. Today, you’re not limited to a strict historical template. Instead, you can create a hybrid structure that pulls the best features from each style to perfectly match your home’s architecture and your lifestyle. This flexibility has also given rise to related structures, like the garden room, which offers another way to connect with the outdoors. The focus is less on rigid labels and more on creating a functional, beautiful space that works for you, whether that means blending styles or reimagining an existing structure.

The Garden Room: A Solid-Roofed Cousin

If an orangery is a step toward a traditional extension, a garden room completes the journey. Think of it as a home extension that prioritizes light and views, featuring large windows and glass doors but with a fully solid, tiled roof. It lacks the central glass lantern of an orangery, giving it the feel of a conventional room that just happens to open up beautifully to the outdoors. Because of its solid roof and walls, a garden room offers excellent thermal insulation, making it a comfortable and energy-efficient space for year-round use. Its construction requires a substantial foundation, much like an orangery, ensuring it is a permanent and seamless part of your home’s structure.

Blurring the Lines: The Modern Orangery

Modern orangeries have evolved far beyond their 17th-century origins. While they keep the spirit of their stately ancestors, contemporary designs often play with the classic rules. You might see a modern orangery with more expansive glass panels than a traditional one, or a conservatory that incorporates solid pillars for a more robust feel. The goal is to create a stunning, versatile living space that blends historical charm with modern performance. This approach allows you to design a structure that feels both luxurious and completely integrated with your home, tailored to your exact aesthetic and functional needs rather than a textbook definition.

Upgrading an Existing Conservatory

You don’t have to start from scratch to get the glass room of your dreams. Many homeowners choose to upgrade an existing conservatory, especially if it’s an older model that lacks modern energy efficiency. A common and transformative upgrade is replacing an old polycarbonate or all-glass roof with a solid, insulated roof featuring a beautiful glass lantern. This effectively converts the conservatory into a more usable, orangery-style space that stays comfortable all year. A bespoke approach allows you to combine your favorite elements, creating a custom structure that perfectly suits your home. Exploring our portfolio of work can give you inspiration for what’s possible when you reimagine an existing space.

How to Choose the Right One for You

Deciding between a conservatory and an orangery comes down to your home’s character, your budget, and how you envision using the space. Both options create a beautiful connection to the outdoors, but they do so with distinct personalities. Thinking through your architectural style and daily lifestyle will help you land on the perfect choice for your home.

Matching the Style to Your Home

Your home’s existing architecture is a great starting point. Orangeries tend to have a more substantial, classic feel, with wide pillars and a solid roof structure that features a central glass lantern. This design often feels like a natural, seamless extension of the main house, making it an excellent match for older, more traditional properties. On the other hand, a conservatory offers a lighter, more delicate look. With a roof made almost entirely of glass, it creates an incredibly bright and open atmosphere. If you want to add a distinct, sun-drenched space that feels more like a garden room, a conservatory is a fantastic option. You can explore how these structures integrate with different homes in our portfolio of work.

Popular Conservatory Shapes and Sizes

While the sky’s the limit in a custom build, it helps to know the classic shapes that have defined conservatory architecture for centuries. The Victorian style is known for its ornate, multi-faceted front, creating a romantic, rounded appearance. In contrast, the Edwardian style offers a more practical, rectangular footprint that maximizes usable floor space with clean, simple lines. For a more minimalist aesthetic, the Lean-to conservatory features a simple, sloping roof that works beautifully with modern homes. Larger properties can accommodate more complex designs like P-shaped or T-shaped conservatories, which combine elements of other styles to create expansive, multi-functional rooms. These traditional shapes serve as a great starting point, but the real magic happens when you begin the design process to create a structure that is entirely your own.

Considering Your Budget and Lifestyle

Budget and lifestyle are just as important as aesthetics. Generally, conservatories are a more affordable way to add space to your home because their construction relies more on glass and less on complex masonry. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to create a sunny reading nook or a plant-filled sanctuary, this could be the ideal path. Orangeries typically require a larger investment. Their brick or stone walls and more intricate roof design contribute to a higher cost, but they also create a space that feels more like a permanent, fully-integrated room you can use all year. The first step is to design with our team to see how your vision aligns with your budget.

What Is the Best Use for Each Space?

How you plan to live in your new space is the most important factor. A conservatory, with its expansive glass walls and roof, is perfect for creating a room that feels completely immersed in nature. It’s an ideal spot for a sun-drenched breakfast nook, a vibrant art studio, or a serene home office with an inspiring view of your garden. If you want a space that truly blurs the line between indoors and out, a conservatory is hard to beat. An orangery, with its solid pillars and grand roof lantern, offers a different kind of experience. It feels more like a formal, integrated part of your home. This makes it a wonderful choice for a sophisticated dining room, a cozy family room, or an elegant entertaining space that seamlessly connects to your main living areas.

Comparing Long-Term Maintenance

A beautiful glass structure is an investment that should bring you joy for years to come, so thinking about long-term care is a smart move. While both conservatories and orangeries are built to last, their different designs mean they have slightly different maintenance needs. The good news is that modern engineering and high-quality materials have made both options more durable and easier to care for than ever before. The key differences come down to how their structures interact with the elements over time, from cleaning the glass to maintaining a comfortable temperature. Understanding these nuances will help you feel confident in your choice and prepared for the simple upkeep required to keep your space looking pristine.

Caring for a Conservatory

Because a conservatory is made almost entirely of glass, its primary maintenance task is keeping those glass panels clean to enjoy the unobstructed views. Its direct exposure to the elements also means it can gain and lose heat more quickly than a more solid structure. While today’s advanced glazing and thermally broken frames make a huge difference, the all-glass design makes a high-performance climate control system essential for year-round comfort. Regular checks of seals and joints are also a good practice to ensure everything remains weathertight. Essentially, caring for a conservatory is all about preserving the clarity and performance of its beautiful glass shell.

Caring for an Orangery

An orangery’s maintenance profile is a bit different, thanks to its more substantial construction. The solid walls and perimeter roof require the same care as any other part of your home’s exterior, such as occasional cleaning of the masonry. The central glass lantern will need regular cleaning, but there is significantly less glass to maintain overall compared to a conservatory. The inherent insulation from its solid components makes an orangery naturally better at retaining a stable temperature, which can reduce the strain on heating and cooling systems over time. This robust design makes its long-term care feel very similar to that of a traditional home extension, a core part of the turnkey services we provide.

Thinking Custom? The Beauty of a Bespoke Glass Room

While the historic differences between a conservatory and an orangery are clear, modern design has beautifully blurred the lines. You no longer have to choose between one or the other. Instead, you can create a bespoke glass structure that captures the exact elements you love, tailored perfectly to your home and how you want to live in it. This is about moving beyond pre-set styles and crafting a space that is uniquely yours.

A custom approach means your new space is a true architectural extension of your home, not just an addition. Imagine floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer uninterrupted views of your garden, creating a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor living areas. Whether your home is classic or contemporary, a bespoke design ensures every detail, from the frame to the roofline, complements its existing style. It’s an opportunity to create a stunning focal point that floods your home with natural light.

This is where artful design meets modern engineering. Today’s glass structures can be built with advanced, energy-efficient glazing and insulated columns, making them comfortable and usable throughout the year. It’s about creating a light-filled room that feels just as integral to your home as a living room or kitchen. When you design a custom glasshouse, you have the freedom to integrate these high-performance features, ensuring your space is as functional as it is beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the quickest way to tell a conservatory from an orangery? Look up at the roof. A conservatory has a roof made almost entirely of glass (more than 75%), creating a very open, sun-filled feel. An orangery, however, has a solid, flat roof around the edges with a beautiful glass panel, called a roof lantern, in the center. This is the most immediate and defining difference between the two classic styles.

Is one truly better for year-round use? Historically, orangeries had an edge because their solid walls and perimeter roof offered better natural insulation. This made them more comfortable in both hot and cold weather. However, modern engineering has changed the game. With high-performance materials like thermally broken steel frames and advanced glazing, a well-designed conservatory can be just as comfortable for year-round living. The key is a custom design that considers your specific climate and needs.

Why does an orangery typically cost more than a conservatory? The price difference comes down to the materials and the complexity of the build. An orangery is constructed more like a traditional home extension, with substantial brick or stone pillars and a more intricate roof system. This requires more materials and labor. A conservatory’s design is simpler, relying primarily on glass panels for its walls and roof, which generally makes it a more straightforward and less costly project.

How do I decide which style is right for my home? Think about your home’s existing architecture and how you want the new space to feel. Orangeries often blend seamlessly with traditional homes, feeling like a grand, permanent part of the house. Conservatories offer a lighter, more distinct look that feels more like a garden room. Consider whether you want a seamless extension or a bright, glass-centric feature room, and let that guide your initial thoughts.

Do I have to stick to a traditional conservatory or orangery design? Not at all. While these classic definitions are helpful, modern design allows for incredible flexibility. You can create a custom glass structure that combines your favorite elements from both styles. For example, you might love the solid, integrated feel of an orangery’s walls but want the expansive glass roof of a conservatory. A bespoke approach lets you design a space that is perfectly tailored to your home’s style and your personal vision.