These days, the kitchen is one of the focal points of the home, so it should be both practical and pleasant to be in. In older houses, however, these once purely functional rooms can be a bit cramped and dingy. That’s why orangery kitchen extensions are one of the most popular home renovation trends to transform the space and add value to your property. 

But what exactly is an orangery kitchen extension?   

Orangery Kitchen Extension

An orangery is a cross between a traditional extension and a conservatory. Originally used to shelter delicate fruit trees over winter, orangeries have large expanses of glass in the walls and roof combined with a semi-solid brick or concrete frame. They let more light in than a traditional extension, but better insulation and thermal performance make them more suitable for year-round living than a conservatory. When used to house a kitchen, the inclusion of roof vents also allows heat to escape, keeping it cooler in summer.  

Benefits of an Orangery Kitchen Extension

1. More space and light

The reason for building any extension is to gain more space. Orangery kitchen extensions tick that box while also allowing light to flood into your home and creating a connection between indoors and outdoors.

2. More privacy

Located at the back of the house, glazed walls create clear sightlines to the garden; include sliding or folding patio doors and you can open it up in warm weather while staying under cover. Perfect for the changeable British weather. The semi-solid construction of an orangery also offers a bit more privacy than a conservatory. 

3. Rethink and upgrade

An orangery kitchen extension also allows you to completely rethink and upgrade your kitchen. If the current layout works, you can keep wiring and plumbing for major fixtures in place and create a lounge or dining area in the extension.

4. Enjoy your garden

Great for enjoying views of the garden while you relax or eat. Open plan living space is a hugely popular home renovation trend right now for the more sociable living it affords. All trends come and go, though, so an orangery kitchen extension future proofs your home by providing open plan in one area while retaining dividing walls across the rest of the ground floor.   

If, however, your kitchen needs a major rethink, an orangery kitchen extension gives you the space to do that. You can re-site elements and appliances and add desirable features like a breakfast bar, peninsula countertop or an island. I recommend keeping cabinets and appliances backed onto solid walls, though, and making the most of the glazed area for eating or socialising.  

Orangery Kitchen Extension Cost and Timing 

Like all home renovations, orangery kitchen extension costs and timings vary greatly. Your budget will depend on the square footage, the quality of fixtures and fittings and whether you’re completely remodelling the kitchen. As a rough guide, expect to pay £18,000 to £26,000 for a 6 to 8 week build.  

Bear in mind that you may not be able to use your kitchen during this home renovation, so you’ll need to make alternative arrangements to cook and store food for the duration.  

Does an Orangery Kitchen Extension Need Planning Permission?

Small orangery kitchen extensions at the rear of your house do not normally need planning permission. As long as you stay under 4m high and 4m deep for a detached house (3m deep for other types of home), you can usually build an orangery kitchen extension under Permitted Development Rights (PDRs). PDRs are an automatic grant of planning permission for certain home renovations, so you don’t need to apply. However, no extension or combination of outbuildings can occupy more than half the land around your home and you must use materials compatible with the original house. 

The rules for PDRs and planning permission are different for listed buildings and designated land like conversation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or World Heritage Sites, etc. Always check with your local planning authority before starting work. 

Even if you don’t need planning permission, you will need Building Regulations approval to ensure your orangery kitchen extension is safe and legal. You can save on the inspection fees by hiring a contractor registered with the Competent Person Scheme who can self-certify the work. 

Article cover image "Open Plan Kitchen - Conservatory" by lizzie.datify is licensed with CC BY 2.0.