There’s no disguising the fact that choosing a conservatory can be a difficult and daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We are here to help you get it right. We’ve compiled the following top tips from interior designers, architects and well-known gardening experts.

Think about its use

How do you envisage using your new conservatory? As a playroom? A dining area? An office? Whatever your answer, your conservatory’s day-to-day use should help you determine how large it needs to be as well as which layout will work best.

Choose your materials wisely

Using PVC-U to create your conservatory will enable you to benefit from years of hassle free maintenance and is a more cost effective alternative to timber built conservatories.

Think about the position

Bear in mind the aspect of your conservatory. Conservatories that face south receive the most sun and as such, the need for adequate ventilation and blinds is crucial. You might also want to think about using Celsius performance glass in the roof.

Bigger isn’t always better

Once you’ve decided on the design and size of your new conservatory, check to ensure it will complement your home and doesn’t take up your entire garden. Treat it as a fluid extension to your home rather than just an add-on.

Consider your glazing options

Think about the type of glazing you’d like to use. Normal glass and polycarbonate will allow solar heat to penetrate into your conservatory, raising the inside temperature on hot summer days. To avoid this, whilst reducing heat loss in winter, opt for Celsius performance glass.

Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation

Ensure that you have adequate ventilation so that you can enjoy your conservatory even on the warmest of days. A roof vent lets fresh air in whilst keeping the elements out. You could also consider roof fans or an air conditioning unit.

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Choosing Your Conservatory

With London & Local Conservatories you enjoy an impressive degree of design freedom. From the ornate to the minimalist, the classical to the contemporary, we can help you create a conservatory that perfectly suits both your home and your individual tastes.

Conservatory Styles | Colours | Glazing Options | Ventilation | Accessories

Conservatory styles

Victorian conservatories

Thanks to its impressive versatility and its ability to complement most types of property, the Victorian is one of the most frequently seen styles of conservatory. It can be distinguished by its steeply pitched roof and its use of ornate detailing along the roof's centre apex (called the ridge). Typically, Victorian conservatories have 3 or 5 panel facets.

Georgian/Edwardian conservatories

Called either the Georgian or Edwardian, this style of conservatory is similar to the Victorian conservatory. The main difference is that they are flat fronted where as the Victorian conservatory has an angular front. Representing a perfect marriage of form and function, they also tend to be more understated - making them the ideal choice if you do not wish to detract from the visual impact of the main property.

Gable conservatories

Few conservatories are more imposing or enjoy a great sense of presence than the Gable conservatory. A style that works especially well with older properties, these conservatories have a square floor plan. In addition, and unlike the Georgian/Edwardian or the Victorian conservatory, they also have a vertical rather than sloping front roof section, this maximises the feeling of light and space inside.

Lean-to conservatories

Lean-to conservatories are usually rectangular with a roof that leans on to the main property (hence their name). They have clean, simple lines giving them a modern, uncomplicated look and making them suitable for a wide range of house styles. In particular, they are the ideal choice for bungalows or other homes where the roof has low eaves. Lean-to conservatories are also known as sunrooms and studio rooms.

P-Shaped/Combination conservatories

Combination and P-shaped conservatories are everything their titles suggest. They offer you more space and greater levels of flexibility by combining two styles - such as the Georgian conservatory and the Lean-to conservatory - or by adapting an existing style so that it can be used in the shape of a 'P'. Should you find that a P-Shape or Combination conservatory still does not provide the unique design solution you are looking for, we can also create a totally bespoke conservatory tailored to your own specific needs.

Lantern conservatories

Lantern roofs are a majestic and memorable choice for larger conservatories. Not only do they add a feeling of height to the overall structure, but the use of glass rather than polycarbonate increases light levels and gives you an unhindered view of the sky above.

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Conservatory colours

Who says all conservatories have to be white? K2 offer a number of different conservatory colour options. These options include white and a choice of woodgrain effect finishes in golden oak, mahogany, rosewood and beech green. A woodgrain effect finish enables you to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of a timber style conservatory, but without the associated maintenance requirements - such as the need for regular painting or rot proofing.

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Conservatory glazing options

When it comes to glazing your conservatory roof, K2 offers you two main options:

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a special type of translucent plastic that is used in most conservatory roofs. It has been developed to provide a light, inexpensive and easy to install alternative to glass, whilst still offering similar levels of heat insulation and light transmission to standard double glazing. K2 offers you the choice of 16mm, 25mm or 35mm polycarbonate - with the 35mm option offering the higher level of performance due to its increased thickness.

K2 offers you the choice of 16mm, 25mm and the exclusive Aspire 35mm glazing system.

The Aspire 35mm system, which is 40% thicker than ordinary polycarbonate provides exceptional levels of thermal insulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, whilst at the same time, reducing sound transmission and unwanted glare. Combined with high performance standards and minimal maintenance the Aspire system offers very real benefits to the homeowner.

Celsius glass

Whilst glass has probably always been most people's preferred choice for roof glazing, its weight, fragile nature and poor heat insulation/reflection properties used to make it somewhat impractical.

Now all that has changed. K2 has developed a unique range of performance glass specifically engineered for use in conservatory roofs. Known as Celsius, this glass has a unique micro-coating which enables it to deflect excessive heat from the sun away from the conservatory and to reflect heat from inside the home back into the property. In this way, Celsius glass keeps conservatories warm in winter and cool in summer, helping to create a room for all seasons.

Further benefits include increased sound insulation, a subtle blue tint to minimise glare and a special easy clean coating which reduces the need for manual cleaning. Plus, with Celsius glass, you enjoy a clear view through the roof and benefit from the feeling of light and space that a glass roof brings.

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Conservatory ventilation

In today's home, natural ventilation has been all but eliminated thanks to the use of modern materials and construction techniques. This may be good news in terms of draughts and your heating bills, but it's not so great for your conservatory.

The lack of flowing air can cause condensation to build up and it is always worth considering additional ventilation to guarantee maximum enjoyment from your new investment. This could take the form of ceiling fans, or for the ultimate solution, the K2 roof vent.

This vent has been rigorously tested to ensure its ability to offer the highest levels of weather tightness. In fact, it is able to resist leaks even in the face of winds in excess of 50mph and rainfall of almost 5 inches per hour! The K2 roof vent also offers slim sight lines for enhanced aesthetic appeal, an integral drainage system and is available in a number of colours.

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Conservatory accessories

When it comes to your new conservatory, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. To help you create the ideal conservatory environment, K2 can offer you access to a range of products that allow you to make the perfect finishing touch.

Options Decorative Trims for conservatories

Think all conservatories need to look the same? Think again. The Options range from K2 is an exciting new range of decorative trims that allow you to personalise your conservatory. The trims slide easily into the eaves beam cover (where the roof meets the window frames) and are available in a wide variety of designs and colours to complement the choice of conservatory colour.

The decorative trims are also available in five different design styles. From contemporary to the more traditional designs, you will find an Option to suit your style and taste. For further information on colours and styles download the Options brochure.

Blinds and shades for conservatories

Adding blinds and shades can help you keep the sun out of your conservatory on hot days, allowing you to maintain the temperature at comfortable levels and protecting your furniture from the sun's bleaching effect. In addition, if your conservatory is overlooked, blinds and shades can give you an extra degree of privacy. If you'd like to know more the types and styles available, why not visit www.appealblinds.com.

Flooring for conservatories

Depending on the position and intended use of your conservatory, you have the option of a wide range of different types of flooring. Ceramic floor tiles remain a popular favourite, but have you thought about stone, terracotta or even seagrass? Marmoleum is also an ideal choice because it's made from natural materials and so doesn't fade in sunlight. Visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk for more advice and ideas about Marmoleum.

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Building your dream conservatory

You've considered your options, weighed up the benefits and finally decided upon the design and layout of your beautiful new conservatory. So what happens next? Just how does your dream conservatory become a welcome reality?

Well, simply click on the relevant link below to find out more about the typical installation process or to obtain further information on issues such as planning permission and building regulations.

The Installation Process | Planning Permission | Building Regulations

The installation process

To ensure your installation takes place in as smooth and stress-free way as possible, it is always best to employ the services of a reputable installer, with Trustmark or FENSA registrations. These companies are bound by strict terms of conduct and are regularly vetted to ensure they employ ethical working practices and work to the highest standards.

Step 1

The installer will start the project by preparing the site. As part of this, they will dig the foundations, install the necessary drainage and lay down a concrete foundation.

Step 2

With the foundations laid and the wall constructed to finished floor level, the installer will now prepare the floor slab.

Step 3

Next, the installer will construct the dwarf wall if required.

Step 4

With the base of the conservatory in position and the dwarf walls completed, the installer can now put in the window frames which will make up the conservatory sides.

Step 5

Following straight on from this, the roof is installed. Now, the installer will glaze the roof & fit the sealed glass units to the frames of your conservatory.

Step 6

From here, all you have to do is furnish your new conservatory and it’s ready for you to enjoy for many years to come!

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Planning permission

From 1 October 2008 adding a conservatory to your home will be considered to be permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

• More than half the area of land around the "original house"(1) would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house.
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
• Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres including ground floor.
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• On designated land(2) no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey; no cladding of the exterior; no side extensions.

Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required.

(1) The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

(2) Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

If you have any doubts at all, check with your local authority.

You can also visit DirectGov

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Building regulations

If you live in England and Wales, conservatories are usually exempt from building regulations. As a general rule to qualify for this exemption, your conservatory should meet the following criteria laid out under the 1991 Building Regulations:

1. The extension has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
2. The extension's walls are substantially glazed (no more than 25% of its wall area should be brickwork).
3. The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m2.
4. The extension is sited at ground level.
5. The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s).
6. Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements.

Disclaimer: This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. You should contact your local planning and building authority before undertaking any work.

You can also visit Direct Gov for further information

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