Historically an Orangery was a place for the
cultivation of oranges and lemons and other exotic
plants.
Orangeries were first introduced to
Northern Europe in the 1700’s but did not start to
become popular until the 1800’s. The surrounding
gardens in which orange trees were placed were referred
to as ORANGERIES - although in time the term ORANGERIES
was used to describe the ORANGERY buildings
themselves.
The classic Orangery design had stone
built parapet walls containing large vertical sliding
sash windows such that the glass area on the sides was
in excess of 75%. They had a glass roof on timber
rafters with a box gutter (usually cast Iron) all round
inside the parapet wall. They were usual separate from
the main house.
Today the term Orangery refers to a
largely glazed building with a glass roof. The Orangery
is now often attached to the main house and is used as
a room as well as for plants. Additionally many
Orangeries are no longer built out of stone but are
primarily made out of timber. In many respects today’s
Orangery combines the best features of a traditionally
built room extension with the benefits of "living under
glass" - as afforded by conservatory and sunroom
living.
Orangery
Materials
The primary materials used for Orangeries still
remain as Timber and Stone. These are still the best
materials for "replicating" this most traditional of
glass buildings although it is possible to find some
suppliers using PVCu and Aluminium.
COSTS - Vary considerably depending
on whether stone or timber is used for the main
supporting structure. Generally speaking Orangeries are
a PREMIUM product and will cost more than "normal"
conservatories.
