Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
INTRODUCTION
When you decide to expand your home, there’s more to consider than just extra space. You’ll want a solution that looks great, performs well in all seasons, and integrates seamlessly with your glazing systems. In this post, we compare three popular forms of home extension: traditional brick extension, orangery, and glass room / glazed box. We discuss benefits, drawbacks, and how to choose the best option based on your home, budget, and lifestyle.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
Traditional Extension
A conventional extension built with solid walls, roof, insulation, and windows — it feels like an organic part of the house.
Orangery
A hybrid: mostly brick or solid walls combined with glazed walls and often a lantern or pitched glazed roof. Offers a balance of structure and light.
Glass Room / Glazed Box
Highly glazed structure, often with minimal solid wall area, relying heavily on glass and structure (sometimes structural glazing).
Each of these sits at a different point on the spectrum of structural solidity vs transparency.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
- PROS & CONS COMPARED
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options - KEY DECISION FACTORS & WHEN EACH MAKES SENSE
Existing architecture & aesthetic harmony
If your home has a particular material or style, a traditional extension or orangery may blend more naturally. A fully glazed box, while dramatic, is best when you want contrast or a contemporary touch.
Light & view priority
If your main goal is to flood a space with daylight or showcase garden views, the glass room or orangery may be better.
Budget & cost control
Traditional rooms are easiest to cost; glazed rooms carry hidden costs (structural upgrades, specialist glazing, higher maintenance).
Thermal / energy efficiency goals
If you demand high insulation and lower energy bills, a traditional or well-detailed orangery may perform better unless the glazing is top-tier.
Complexity tolerance
If you prefer a less risky, simpler delivery, traditional extensions offer fewer surprises. Glass rooms demand high coordination and quality control.
Planning / regulatory constraints
Listed buildings, conservation areas, or tight planning rules may restrict extent of glazing, roof design, or materials — pushing you toward orangery or traditional extension.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
- HOW INTEGRATION OF BUILDING WORK & GLAZING MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
No matter which form you choose, success hinges on how well the structural and glazing aspects are integrated. That’s where many projects go wrong. Key integration points:
Junctions between glass walls and masonry
Glazing thresholds, thresholds, drainage paths
Roof structure and glazing interfaces
Thermal bridging and continuity
Sealants, flashing, and waterproofing
Movement / expansion compatibility
Projects executed by separate glazing companies and building companies often suffer from mismatches, leaks, and performance shortfalls. By contrast, when one team manages both structure and glazing, you get a smoother, more reliable result.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
- TECHNICAL & PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Regardless of style, some universal design considerations apply:
Heat gain & shading design — especially important for glazed spaces
Thermal breaks in profiles and at junctions
Ventilation & airflow to manage summertime heat
Acoustic performance — glazing vs solid wall balance
Load / support design for large spans
Quality sealing, drainage, and water management
Well-designed orangeries often offer a middle ground: enough glass for light and atmosphere, enough structure for thermal stability and design flexibility.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
- REAL-WORLD USE CASES
Family dining / living extension: Orangery often hits the sweet spot — open yet well-insulated
Garden room / entertaining pavilion: Glass room ideal for dramatic views
Home office / studio: Traditional or orangery with large glazed walls
Kitchen extension: Hybrid glass + solid walls, possibly a lantern roof
For instance, many homeowners use glass rooms for visual impact, but later find shading and heating become issues if design was not rigorous.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
- COST & TIMELINE INSIGHTS
Traditional extensions are usually lower cost per square metre and faster (less specialized).
Orangery costs add glazing, roof lanterns, and higher detailing.
Glass boxes are the costliest per m² — premium glazing, structural supports, drainage, and careful detailing make them more complex.
Timelines: typical extension might be 3–6 months; orangery 4–8 months; fully glazed rooms potentially similar to orangery but with more commissioning time.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
- MAINTENANCE & DURABILITY
The more glass you use, the more critical maintenance becomes:
Annual inspection of seals, flashings, drainage
Cleaning glass surfaces (especially roof glazing)
Monitoring for leaks or condensation issues
Maintaining or replacing mechanical systems (vents, blind systems, HVAC)
Ensuring your drainage and waterproofing remain fully functional
Treat maintenance as part of the cost and design it in up front.
Compare extensions, orangeries, and glass rooms — pros, cons, performance, cost, choose options
CONCLUSION
There is no one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on your home, priorities, budget, planning constraints, and your appetite for complexity. But one thing is clear: success lies in integration — when structure and glazing are designed as one.
If you’re considering expanding your home with a traditional extension, an elegant orangery, or a dramatic glazed room — and want a team that can design and deliver both the building work and glazing in perfect harmony — we’d love to talk. Reach out today for a survey, design consultation, or to explore which style is right for you.
