| In the current Economic downturn and low return on | | | | The colour chosen for the conservatory often |
| savings held in the bank, Is there a better way to | | | | depends on the style. Many conservatories are painted |
| invest your hard earned money? Well yes- spend it | | | | the classic white which looks good in every setting. |
| wisely on your house and you could reap the rewards. | | | | Also popular is the matt green colour which blends into |
| We all know that house prices have fluctuated | | | | the garden or for a more modern and contemporary |
| recently but in the long term bricks and mortar will | | | | twist- grey or black are very striking choices. |
| always be a sound investment. What better than a | | | | If you prefer more subtle tones then a cream colour |
| brand new timber conservatory to relax in or use as a | | | | may be the may to go. If a timber such as Oak is |
| entertaining space. | | | | chosen then a natural stain or finish is more likely, as it |
| There are lots of choices when it comes to | | | | would be a terrible shame to cover the richly grained |
| conservatories and orangeries. Style, timber, colour, | | | | Oak with a layer of paint. |
| glass and ironmongery. | | | | GLASS |
| STYLE | | | | The glass options are also increasing on a yearly |
| There are a large number of different options for | | | | basis- self cleaning glass for hard to reach areas, solar |
| conservatories, orangeries and sun rooms. They will | | | | control glass- which reflects heat back inside but |
| have varying amounts of glass to the walls and roof | | | | allows heat from the sun to penetrate the room- |
| area, some have full glass roofs and others a lantern | | | | passive solar gain. Double glazed units with warm |
| light, which is usually part of a flat roof. | | | | edge spacers and Argon gas filling will bring significant |
| Many have dwarf walls on 3 sides, with double doors | | | | reductions in "U" values over traditional glass. |
| leading to the garden or patio. In recent years, sliding | | | | Manufacturers are introducing new products on a |
| folding doors have become very popular allowing an | | | | regular basis so always ask about current trends. |
| entire wall of glass to be opened up and blurring the | | | | IRONMONGERY |
| transition between outside and inside spaces. | | | | The choice of fittings for doors and windows will |
| Georgian,Victorian and increasingly modern designs are | | | | probably be a meeting of design wishes and |
| available, categorised by the style of windows and | | | | practicality. For more formal and traditional |
| doors chosen and detailing to the roof and internal | | | | conservatories- brass or perhaps antique black |
| areas. | | | | ironwork, oil rubbed bronze, there are lots of choices |
| Orangeries and conservatories are now a blend of | | | | and styles. If you want more contemporary then the |
| styles and ideas, whereas original orangeries were | | | | minimalist look in brushed steel or satin chrome may be |
| separate structures in the garden, with large sliding | | | | the choice. |
| sash windows and full of exotic citrus fruits like lemons | | | | Other options include glass handles, wood or even |
| and oranges. Today we tend to use the conservatory | | | | leather. Locks should be either multi point locking |
| orangery as an entertaining room or dining room and if | | | | systems such as an Espagnolette or a 5 lever mortice |
| properly designed, they feel like an integral part of the | | | | lock. Many modern window systems will utilise a |
| house. | | | | friction type hinge which will hold the window open at |
| TIMBER | | | | the angle you require. There should also be a trickle |
| Hardwood is the number one choice if you want | | | | vent fitted which meets with building regulations and |
| longevity and a quality product. European Oak is widely | | | | provides a constant flow of fresh air. Night vents are |
| used in conservatory construction for the main frame | | | | windows which can be opened slightly and then locked |
| but engineered TEC wood is often preferred for the | | | | in position- good for hot summer nights- if we ever get |
| doors and frame, due to its stability. Sapele is also | | | | any! |
| much admired for its robust character and close grain | | | | Extras such as ceiling fans with a reversible function |
| making for a excellent paint finish. Idigbo is another | | | | for both summer and winter applications makes for a |
| hardwood that can be utilised in conservatory | | | | pleasant atmosphere all year round. Opening vents in |
| construction and which can be stained to look like Oak | | | | the roof can also be very useful for allowing hot air to |
| but has a cost saving and is physically much lighter in | | | | disperse. |
| weight. If softwood is chosen then a timber such as | | | | Quality speaks for itself so buy the best you can |
| Douglas-Fir is a better choice than standard softwood, | | | | afford- it will pay dividends in the future. |
| due to its heavy loading tolerances. | | | | Enjoy your new living space. |
| COLOUR | | | | |