Home Improvement - I Love Orangeries Conservatory Greenhouses Sun Rooms

A sun room, an orangery, a conservatory, whatever the architectural name, these room additions provide allot of light and allow us to enjoy the great outdoors inside, without the bother of rain or heat or snow or insects. Journey with us as we visit over ten outstanding rooms from living rooms, kitchens to even an exceptionally inviting swimming pool orangery. See what just one wall of windows and skylights can do for a small room and a take tiny living room and turn it into a sunny sanctuary. Journey with us through time and learn the history of these unique rooms. Learn about the popularity throughout Europe, especially northern Europe and why; learn about the original country of origin. At the very end, check your learning and retention skills and take a quick quiz.

What is an Orangery?

The term "orangery" is essentially a foreign term to Americans. In the United States, our colloquial term is "sun room", for some Victorian purist, we will hear "conservatory" but the term "orangery" is very unfamiliarity in common conversation. The term "orangery" aptly reflects its original use - a building where citrus trees were wintered. Tender plants and trees are moved inside often from its summer spot of a warm brick "fruit wall", the purpose of the orangery was to protect these plants from frost. A stove or fireplace is often found in the structure in order to keep mitigate the cold winters of northern Europe and more recently here in the United States.

Roof Lantern

The distinguishing feature of the orangery and the conservatory is the roof.  Orangeries and conservatories typically will have a "roof lantern".  Sun rooms, Florida rooms typically will not.

So What is a Garden Conservatory Then?

Typically an orangery was a separate structure, the garden conservatory, however, was a small room attached to the home. The distinguishing difference was the garden conservatory was meant to be part of the living space, whereas the orangery had one purpose - protection of the plants not living quarters.

And a Solarium?

If the room is attached to the home and not used to grow plants, the room is properly called a solarium.  Again, this may be a glass roof but may not have the traditional "roof lantern".

United States Colloquial Term - Sun Room

Here in the United States, for the most part, in casual conversation, we will simplify all of this and simply refer to a room attached to the home as a sun room. Rarely do we add a room strictly for flowers (mega mansion do - but let's keep this down to earth).

The materials and various parts of the orangery, conservatory, Florida Room or Sun Room are numerous and can include:

• Glazed windows,
• Double-paned insulating glass,
• Wood or metal roof lanterns,
• Metal frame materials,
• Vents,
• Sliding, folding doors or french doors,
• Ridge crestings,
• Finials.

Glazed Windows

Technology has taken an orangery to a more efficient heating and air conditioning level - the glazed windows combined with insulated glass makes the green living of this centuries old room very feasible. Often the windows are wood. Wood provides a luxurious feel with both style and warmth. Whatever your choice, the orangery is sure to be a timeless treasure for you and your family. Adding value and comfort to your every day lives and adding significant resale value to your property investment.

Double-Paned Insulating Glass

Technology provides the option of the original sheet metal and single-paned glazing or double-paned insulating glass. If you live in a harsh climate, pay for the upgrade to the double-paned glazed glass - this will save you money on your utilities in the long term. Additionally, check with your Accountant about a possible tax deduction. Energy efficiency is a key concern for the long term life of your project - your home.

Wood or Metal Roof Lanterns - Your Personal Preference

Your roof lantern can be built of either wood or metal. "Initially wood-framed in the 18th and 19th centuries, skylights became even more popular in metal constructions with the advent of sheet-metal shops during the Victorian era." The base of the structure was typically stone.

Metal Frame - Longer - Lasting Than Galvanized

Just as technology has upgraded the windows, so too, technology has provided better and longer lasting options for the materials. The galvanized originals were prone to pitting and had a shorter life span of newer metals.

Your metal options beyond wood include:

• Aluminum,
• cast iron,
• copper,
• zinc-coasted,
• lead-coated copper, and
• terne-coated stainless steel (TCSII)
  

And of course, the original wood is still a great option - do be concerned with condensation with the wood - this could dramatically change the maintenance and the lifespan of your new structure. Terne-coated stainless steel is a great choice if you are concerned with longevity. Terne-coated stainless steel is excellent for resisting corrosion in all environments. TCSII is said to be easy to work with - you can readily solder the joints and many have stated this type of material for roofing has been the best roofing ever!

Terne Tin

OK, I am curious too about "tern tin". What exactly is it? "Terne is an alloy coating of lead and tin used to cover steel - the terne coated steel is also known as terne metal and often referred to as "tin" (get the Slate Roof Bible). You can still buy terne-coated steel at any roofing supply place. We do not use it because it's better to use terne coated STAINLESS steel (TCS), or copper, when replacing terne metal roofs. Both TCS and copper will outlast terne metal and don't need painted until they reach about 50 years (if ever). Terne metal needs painted immediately or it will rust and it has to be painted regularly. If it is kept painted, it will last a long time (90 years)."^[1]

Sliding Folding Doors - French Doors

Sliding folding doors are a great addition commonly found in the more temperate portions of the United States. The sliding doors allow the entire side of the room to be open to the patio or garden.

Vents

Don't forget the vents! Add windows or vents at the very top for added air circulation.

Finials and Ridge Crestings

The "ridge cresting" is an unusual ornamental design for your roof lantern. Additionally, the ridge crestings many now also offer a source of air flow/ventilation. Look for ridge cresting in various materials and design and check out the addition of a vent at the very top of your roof lantern. Remember, day light and added air flow both contribute equally to the comfort level of your room. Having natural sun light without a method to vent the room properly may make your room insufferable during in climate seasons. Plan ahead and you will be pleased with your long-term investment in your home. The final is the end architectural piece offering to highlight the apex of a gable at the corner of the structure.

Orangeries - Multi-Purpose Living Space - Kitchen Extensions

From kitchen extensions to adding light and air to a small living room, the orangery with its lantern roof and finials adds both character and charm to the exterior of the home but also serves to change the entire character of a home by making the orangery the prime living space. The sunlight, the air flow are exaggerated in this room - completing a house into a home with nature within your own abode.

The Benefits of a Kitchen Orangery

A kitchen orangery with one large roof lantern will serve to flood your kitchen with light similar to an atrium. Enjoying natural light with added ventilation will make your kitchen no matter what size a bright and airy space for your entire family. This gathering place for your family is a superb place to add light were task lighting is critical. The kitchen is really the heart of the home, make the center of your home shine with natural light that only an orangery with the magnificence of the roof lantern can create.

History of the Orangery- 16th Century Italy

The orangery dates back to the 16th century. It spread quickly from Italy to the northern European countries. The Italians invented the orangery. Originally conceived as an unheated building facing south with tiled roofs. Nowadays, the roofs on orangeries are commonly "lantern roofs" which we will detail a little later on. When this popular room spread to Europe, it was the Dutch who first found this new living quarters a great expression of bringing the outdoors in. It was the Dutch who added heating and the glass roofs. It was the English, however, who took the orangery to a fashion frenzy. The English has perfected the architecture, but we must never forget the invention was first and foremost an Italian design. Of course, if we recall, it was the Romans who invented Roman baths - used for both public bathing and socializing. So it is no wonder, the Italians would invent the orangery.

Stone-Built Orangeries with Lantern Roofs - Forerunner to Conservatories

The original orangeries in the United Kingdom were stone foundations with large sliding sash windows and lantern roofs. Built from timber and commonly painted white. A common addition to stately English homes. The tradition continues here in the United States and the popularity is spreading. Once common as a Florida room, in the state of Florida, the Midwestern and Eastern United States are quickly catching on to this popular way of living. Bringing the outdoors in has been a California and Florida tradition which is greatly welcomed by the rest of the United States.

Protection of Valuable and Exotic Plants and Fruits

The original purpose of the orangery was to protect exotic and valuable plants - commonly citrus trees. The harsh winters would destroy delicate plants and trees. The creation of this room with its size to accommodate "trees" allowed these treasures to be cherished year after year.

My Favorite Type of Orangery

While the pool room has my attention, and the small living room is charming and delightful, I am drawn to the kitchen. Including a lantern roof in the kitchen provides an openness to this hard working center of the home.

My last home, I had skylights in both the kitchen, living and the master bedroom. The combination of the vaulted ceilings with the skylights changed everything. And while my son said he would never want skylights, I must confess, I disagree. My son worried about the skylights leaking - that was thankfully never a problem. The light from those skylights changed the entire appearance of that home.

Add a Skylight - Add a Lantern Roof

If you are seeking home improvement, strongly consider the addition of skylight or a lantern roof at least to one room. The change I promise will be dramatic, the returns will be more than the bank dividends. Bringing the natural sun light into your room - even if you don't have citrus trees is a great home improvement addition.

The term "roof lantern" refers to a multi-paned glass structure that replaces the roof. The express purpose is to bring natural light into the home. A large skylight you might say - absolutely, yes! The term "roof lantern" is derived from the lighted lantern that used to adorn the top of the Japanese tax cabs. These lights were designed specifically to mimic the traditional Japanese lantern. Try as I might, no photos of these original Japanese Taxi cab lanterns were available on the Internet. If you obtain or are able to obtain a photo - please let us know - a visual is worth a thousand words.

Partial Sun Room - Add Roof Lantern

In the home improvement world as well as in property taxes, adding square footage is expensive. As an alternative, consider adding a roof lantern. Roof lanterns are economical in comparison and yet, provide natural sun light and added air circulation to the home. Yes, the cost of a full scale orangery or conservatory can be quite weighty. So why not consider add a roof lantern to your living room or to your kitchen. Look at the examples and take away some great design ideas.

Tiny Living Room - Wall of Windows

The design with the tiny living room with the wall of windows and the small partial roof lantern changes the entire complexity of both the room and the home. Make the most of a small space and bring the natural sun light into your home!

Roof Lanterns

Welcome! We offer a fine selection of roof lanterns, conservatories, glass roofs, and skylights for your home or business. Roof lanterns add architectural interest without the cost of a full-size conservatory or sunroom. For a free price quote, fill out our Quick-Quote form!

A well-designed roof lantern can be the crowning jewel for any home or business at an affordable price. Capture the natural light of the sun during the day and the glow of the moon and stars at night.

Roof lanterns are an accessible and affordable alternative to many conventional roofing or housing projects. Custom designs are available that are skillfully engineered with high quality products.

A roof lantern is the top of a standard-model conservatory and can be installed on most roof tops. We also manufacture and sell Victorian, Edwardian, and British style conservatories.

http://www.lanternroof.com/

Sun Room Sources

Home Depot

Choose The Home Depot for your sunroom, patio or shade cover installation.

• The Home Depot offers the widest selection of beautiful, top-quality sunroom and screenroom systems or custom solutions to fit your home, style and budget.
• Trust The Home Depot to provide professional design, top-quality materials and complete installation with start-to-finish project management.
• All our structures are made of sturdy, maintenance-free aluminum that provides the look of wood without the hassles. You'll never have to paint or worry about splits, cracks, rot or insects.
• A wide range of ways to pay for your new sunroom, patio or shade covers with our flexible financing options. www..homedepot.com

Florida rooms, sun rooms, conservatory, to the architectural delight of the orangery, adding natural sunlight and air ventilation is a great investment in your home. 

^[1]source:  http://howardhallfarm.com/ternetin.html