When we built our home, we were given a choice of either putting the kitchen inside or building one outside. However, just because the kitchen is outside doesn’t mean that items in it can’t be named after places inside them.An orangery is a popular choice for those looking to extend their home. However, it can often be difficult to decide whether you should put a kitchen in your orangery, leaving many homeowners uncertain about the possibilities of having one.
Are you outgrowing your current home but not sure of how a kitchen would fit in an orangery? A Whether you’re looking to move up the property ladder, downsize or want to create more space in the current property, it’s important to know if you can put a kitchen in an orangery
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Make changes to your property
Yes, but you may need to make changes to your property. Orangeries were popular with wealthy households, who used them to grow exotic fruits like pineapples and citrus fruits during the winter months.The orangery would have been attached to their main house, giving them access to it without going outside into the cold.
Orangeries were traditionally attached to a main house by a glass link corridor. The windows in the orangery are made of glazed roof panels, with an internal roof lantern that lets daylight flood in.Orangeries today can be built using modern materials such as UPVC, aluminum or hardwood. They let you add extra living space and value to your property for less than a standard extension.However, if you want to turn the orangery into a kitchen, you’ll need to make changes to the design and layout of the room.
Architectural implications
The term “orangery” originally came from the fruit trees that were commonly grown in these structures’ oranges, lemons and other citrus trees. The term eventually evolved to include any garden structure that was used to grow plants and flowers during the winter months.You could easily build an orangery onto your house, or build a free-standing one it all depends on your individual needs and the architectural implications.A popular choice for homeowners who want to build a larger orangery is to use the space for their kitchen. The extra light streaming into the room makes for a warm and welcoming space, especially if you have bi-fold doors that open onto a patio area.
Planning permission
You’ll need planning permission if the orangery will have a solid roof, be over 3m high, be more than 4m from your house and if the total floor area will cover more than half of your garden.As well as making sure you’re not breaking any rules when it comes to planning permission, your orangery also needs to comply with building regulations. The main point to consider here is that there needs to be a safe way out of the extension in case of fire.
If you want to install a kitchen in an orangery with a solid roof, you’ll need planning permission for a single-story rear extension. But if it’s going to be glazed throughout and have a glass roof, you won’t need planning permission. It’s worth checking with your local council though as there are some areas where even glass roofs require planning permission.
Structural issues
A kitchen has certain requirements in terms of its layout and appliances. You need to make sure that the floor of your orangery is strong enough to support the weight of your cooker, dishwasher and other heavy items. If it isn’t, then you need to contact the company that provided your orangery and they may be able to add strengthening material to the flooring so that it is capable of supporting heavy items. If not, then you will either have to keep looking for a more suitable orangery or find another location for your new kitchen.
Building regulations
Yes, you can put a kitchen in an orangery. The main thing to note is that it must be registered with the local authority building control and comply with building regulations.We have previous experience in building kitchens into orangeries and have knowledge of the requirements and processes that need to be followed.If you are unsure, contact us and we will be happy to advise.
How to get the most out of your orangery kitchen
You can put a kitchen in an orangery. Orangeries are designed to fit seamlessly with existing buildings and, as such, work well as extensions to the kitchen.Featuring large windows and glazed areas, orangeries make for bright spaces which allow plenty of sunlight into the room throughout the day. This makes them an ideal spot for a kitchen, as they create a pleasant atmosphere while you’re cooking.
Orangeries are also typically built with brick piers, bifold doors and Georgian bars – features that can be used to create a traditional feel that complements the rest of your house. They even have the added benefit of increasing heat retention in your home, so you can use your orangery all year round.
Conclusion
You can have a home extension and kitchen in an orangery but there are several things to think about first. Having a kitchen in an orangery is no easy feat and you may find that doing it yourself could be more trouble than it’s worth. It all comes down to what you want, need, and can afford. Eating in the kitchen inside will keep the main house warmer in winter months, which is ideal for those who like to save money on their heating bills. Even so, it’s good to have options when it comes to building a kitchen simply because of the number of benefits they can provide.
