If you’ve ever looked at your home and thought, “I need more space, but I don’t want the cost of a full extension,” an orangery might be the ideal solution. In 2025, orangery extensions have become one of the most in-demand home upgrades in the UK because they strike the perfect balance between a solid extension and a light-filled conservatory. They add usable space, boost natural light, and can be adapted for kitchens, dining rooms, offices, or simply a comfortable living area.
This guide gives you everything you need to plan your orangery extension with confidence — updated 2025 pricing, designs, planning rules, trends, comparisons, and a practical step-by-step planning framework you won’t find on most competitor pages.
What Is an Orangery Extension?
An orangery extension is a brick-and-glass room built with solid pillars, large windows, and a flat roof featuring a central lantern. It offers more insulation and a “real room” feel compared to a conservatory, while letting in more light than a traditional brick extension.
Key features:
- Brick or stone base
- Lantern roof
- Large glazed panels
- High insulation
- Suitable for year-round use
How Much Does an Orangery Extension Cost in 2025?
Based on 2025 contractor averages:
| Orangery Type | Typical Cost | Average Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small orangery | £20,000–£30,000 | 3m x 3m |
| Medium orangery | £28,000–£45,000 | 4m x 4m |
| Large orangery | £45,000–£80,000+ | 6m+ |
| Kitchen orangery | £35,000–£70,000 | structural work included |
| Oak-framed orangery | £50,000–£100,000+ | premium |
Cost factors include:
- Frame material (aluminium is the 2025 favourite)
- Roof lantern size
- Heating + electrics
- Building regulations requirements
- Structural openings (RSJ beams)
- Finishing level (floors, lighting, glazing spec)
Is an orangery cheaper than a brick extension?
Yes — between 15–30% cheaper on average.
Also Check: 10 Common Pitfalls to Dodge During a Home Renovation
Orangery vs Conservatory vs Full Extension
| Feature | Orangery | Conservatory | Brick Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20k–£80k | £12k–£30k | £40k–£120k |
| Insulation | High | Medium | Very high |
| Natural light | High | Very high | Medium |
| Roof style | Lantern | Fully glazed | Flat/pitched |
| Privacy | Great | Low | High |
| Rooms suited for | Kitchen, dining, living | Sunroom | Any room |
Small Orangery Extension Ideas (2025)
Small homes benefit hugely from thoughtful orangery designs. Popular options this year include:
- Full-width slim lantern roof for maximum daylight
- Slim aluminium frames for a bigger feel
- Built-in bench seating to save floor space
- Small kitchen diner orangery (the most requested use)
- French or bifold doors opening into the garden
- Light natural tones to create visual space
Orangery Kitchen Extensions — The 2025 Trend
Kitchen orangeries have exploded in popularity because they blend practicality with style. Homeowners are choosing them to create open-plan family spaces with:
- A central island
- Dining zone under the lantern
- Bifold or sliding doors
- Seamless flooring between the kitchen and the orangery
These typically cost £35,000–£70,000, depending on structural work.
Planning Permission Rules (2025)
Most orangeries fall under permitted development, meaning you usually don’t need planning permission if:
- It doesn’t extend more than 3m (terraced) or 4m (semi/detached)
- It’s not higher than 4m
- External materials match the house
- It does not cover more than 50% of the garden
You will need Building Regulations approval, especially for:
- Structural openings
- Insulation
- Heating systems
- Electrics
- Drainage adjustments
Also Check: Why Homeowners Trust Surge Exteriors for Quality Renovations
6-Step Orangery Planning Framework (Practical & Simple)
1. Define the room’s purpose
Kitchen, lounge, dining, playroom, workspace?
2. Measure your available footprint
Design around function, not maximum size.
3. Choose your frame material
- Aluminium → modern look
- Timber → heritage homes
- uPVC → budget-friendly
4. Plan comfort early
Underfloor heating, ventilation, shading, and glazing spec.
5. Check local planning rules
Confirm permitted development guidelines.
6. Gather 3–5 quotes
Ask for itemised breakdowns — avoids surprises.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Treating an orangery like a conservatory and under-specifying insulation
- Forgetting roof ventilation
- Choosing excessive glazing without privacy planning
- Leaving furniture layout until late
- Ignoring heating requirements
- Not budgeting for lighting and electrics
Mini Case Study (Real 2025 Example)
A family in Yorkshire added a 4m x 4m kitchen orangery to expand their cramped cooking space.
Cost: £41,500
Timeline: 6 weeks
Features: Underfloor heating, oversized lantern, bifolds
Value added: ~8–10% property uplift
Outcome: Open-plan family kitchen with a bright dining area
2025 Orangery Design Trends
- Slim aluminium profiles
- Neutral tones (latte, cashmere, stone)
- Large-format porcelain tiles
- Smart blinds for lantern roofs
- Biophilic touches (plants, timber accents)
- Energy-efficient glazing and insulated roofs
Orangery Extension Checklist
- Purpose and layout defined
- Preferred materials chosen
- Budget set
- Heating + ventilation planned
- Roof lantern size selected
- Planning rules checked
- 3–5 contractor quotes
- Building Regs arranged
FAQs
Q1. What is an orangery extension?
An orangery extension is a brick-and-glass home extension featuring a lantern roof, large windows, and solid pillars. It provides better insulation and year-round usability than a standard conservatory, making it a practical and stylish way to add space to your home.
Q2. How much does an orangery extension cost in 2025?
The cost of an orangery extension in 2025 typically ranges from £20,000 to £80,000. Prices vary depending on the size, materials, glazing type, and any structural work required, such as supporting beams or kitchen integration.
Q3. Is an orangery cheaper than a full brick extension?
Yes. On average, an orangery costs 15–30% less than a full brick extension because it uses a mix of masonry and glazing. This makes it an affordable way to expand your home while maintaining a high-quality finish.
Q4. Do I need planning permission for an orangery?
Most orangeries in the UK fall under permitted development, so you usually do not need planning permission if size and height limits are respected. Building Regulations approval is still required for structural changes, heating, insulation, and drainage.
Q5. How long does it take to build an orangery extension?
A typical orangery extension build takes 3–8 weeks, depending on the size, complexity, and any bespoke features like a kitchen integration or oak framing. Planning and site preparation may add extra time.
Q6. Can an orangery be used all year round?
Yes. With proper insulation, high-performance glazing, and heating systems such as underfloor heating or radiators, an orangery can be a comfortable, fully usable space throughout the year.
Q7. What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
A conservatory is mostly glass and can feel less insulated, while an orangery has brick pillars, a lantern roof, and solid walls, giving it a more room-like feel. Orangeries are ideal for year-round living spaces like kitchens, dining areas, or living rooms.
Conclusion
A well-planned orangery extension gives you a bright, comfortable, and stylish space that feels like a natural part of your home. It’s more affordable than a full extension, more usable than a conservatory, and can be tailored for almost any purpose — especially kitchens and dining areas. With the right planning and a clear understanding of 2025 costs and building requirements, your new orangery can quickly become your favourite room in the house.
Related: The Surprising Secret Behind a More Spacious, Aesthetic Home Interior
