Sunroom vs Orangery vs Conservatory
Jigsaw • 1 April 2022
A sunroom is a fantastic alternative to a conservatory as they can be a beautiful space to use all year round. But what is the difference between a sunroom, a conservatory and an orangery?
- Orangery: An orangery is often designed to blend in with the existing property and is largely used as a functional addition to a house, which can be used as a sitting room or dining room, for example. It usually combines glass tiles with side elevations of brick or stone. It has a solid roof, but you could put a dome or a lantern in it.
- Sunroom: This is essentially a ‘room with a view’. Glass is incorporated either in the roof or walls, or sometimes in both, to allow light to easily enter the room, and to give those inside a view of the surroundings. As the name suggests, these are rooms where the residents can enjoy a more sunlight filled environment. There are many different types of sunrooms that can be built depending on requirements.
- Conservatories, like Orangeries, can have some brickwork in the side elevations or they can be all glass. It is not the amount of glass or brickwork that differentiates a Conservatory and an Orangery, it is simply the construction of the roof. A Conservatory has a roof that is all glass whereas an Orangery has a roof that has a solid roof perimeter with a glazed area in the centre.
Conservatories are known to be too cold in winter and too hot in summer making their use limited. A sunroom, on the other hand, is a construction of steel pillars with a sold roof with either by fold doors, windows, or you can have part wall either side and slider doors or French doors, whatever works for you.
With a sunroom, you get the heat from the sun during the day and then you can close the windows to keep the heat in at night, but you still feel like you're outside. You could put in a big skylight across the top like a dome which throws a huge amount of light into an area, and, in the winter, you can have under floor heating which, unlike a conservatory, would be contained in a properly insulated room. As the roof is solid, it has huge amounts of insulation.
While open plan living motivates a lot of new extensions and additions, things aren't always that simple when adding a sunroom, orangery, or conservatory. The rule of thumb for sunrooms is that you will need to tackle more Building Regulations with an open-plan layout than you would with a closed-off layout. As an open-plan layout requires you to knock through a standing wall, there are more complications structurally to consider before building can begin.
Your sunroom or orangery extension will fall under Permitted Development so long as:
- It is not higher than the existing roof
- There are no balconies, verandas or porches
- It does not extend beyond 6m for a semi-detached house, or 8m for a detached house
- Any side extensions to be single storey with a maximum height of 4m
- It doesn’t exceed 30m² of living space
Several other criteria apply — the best place to check is , planningportal.gov.uk.
Building Regulations – particularly where thermal efficiency is concerned – will also differ depending on whether your sunroom is open plan to the home (i.e., kitchen diner), or is separated by connecting doors. Your local authority will be able to advise you further.
To find out whether planning permission is required, you should check with your planners. If permission is required, it is normally given as the structure is not imposing or being seen by the neighbours.
Orangery or sunrooms are a popular and modern way of putting an extra bit of space on the back of the house. If you are thinking about getting either, you should consider the expense that comes with under floor heating as there isn’t usually anywhere to put a radiator if it's mainly glass. Bearing in mind current high energy costs, and the rise in building supplies such as steel which has gone up by 60%, the cost of building and heating now may be considerably more than in previous years.
Having said that, these structures are far better than the old conservatories that are cold in the winter and overly warm in the summer, possibly leak and awkward to keep clean.
If you would like to discuss the installation of a sunroom or orangery, get in touch! hello@jcs-ltd.co.uk
Planning a home extension in Surrey , a loft conversion , or even a new build? One of the biggest early considerations is whether you’ll need planning permission . For many homeowners, the process can seem confusing—but with the right knowledge and an experienced Surrey construction company by your side, it becomes much simpler. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey , we’ve supported countless homeowners through planning applications, helping them move smoothly from paperwork to building work. Here’s our step-by-step guide to navigating planning permission in Surrey. Step 1: Do You Need Planning Permission in Surrey? Not all building projects require formal approval. Some fall under Permitted Development Rights (PDR), which may allow you to extend or convert your home without submitting a full application. However, in Surrey, these rights can be restricted if your property is: Within a conservation area A listed building Situated in the Green Belt 👉 Before starting your project, check with your local Surrey council or ask our team at Jigsaw Construction Surrey for guidance. Step 2: Understand Local Planning Policies Each borough—Guildford, Elmbridge, Woking, Epsom & Ewell, and others—has its own Local Plan, which sets rules for building work. These policies cover: Building scale and height Design and materials Neighbour impact (privacy, light, outlook) Environmental impact Researching these guidelines early gives your project the best chance of success. Step 3: Create Detailed Plans A strong planning application depends on clear, accurate documents. Typically, you’ll need: Architectural drawings (site plans, elevations, floor layouts) A Design & Access Statement explaining how your design fits local policy Supporting reports (e.g., tree surveys, flood risk assessments) At Jigsaw Construction Surrey , we collaborate with skilled architects to make sure every application is thorough and professionally presented. Step 4: Submitting a Planning Application in Surrey Applications are submitted online via the Planning Portal or your local council’s website. Fees vary depending on the type of project. Once submitted, your application enters the consultation stage. Step 5: Neighbours & Community Consultation Neighbours and other stakeholders are invited to comment on your application. Common concerns include: Loss of light or privacy Parking and traffic impact Design compatibility with the local area Tip: Talking to your neighbours in advance can reduce objections and speed up the approval process. Step 6: The Planning Decision Most councils in Surrey aim to decide within: 8 weeks for smaller projects (such as home extensions) 13 weeks for larger developments If approved, you’ll receive a decision notice with any conditions. If refused, you can appeal—or make changes and reapply. Step 7: After Planning Permission – Building Regulations Even if planning permission is granted, you’ll still need to meet Building Regulations . These ensure that your project is structurally sound, energy-efficient, and safe. Our team at Jigsaw Construction Surrey helps clients every step of the way—from planning permission through to Building Regulations approval and construction. Why Choose Jigsaw Construction Surrey? Navigating planning rules can be complex, but we make the process stress-free. As trusted Surrey builders , we: Advise if planning permission is required for your project Work with architects and planning consultants Submit and support your application Deliver high-quality home extensions, loft conversions, and renovations With our experience, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your project is in expert hands. ✅ Thinking about a home extension or loft conversion in Surrey? Contact Jigsaw Construction Surrey today to discuss your plans—we’ll guide you through planning permission and bring your project to life.
In the dynamic and complex world of construction, project management plays a pivotal role in the successful delivery of projects. Effective project management ensures that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the expected quality standards. It plays a crucial role in coordinating various moving parts, managing risks, and ultimately satisfying client expectations. This blog will explore the critical importance of project management in construction projects. Ensuring Effective Planning and Organisation One of the primary functions of project management in construction is the development of a detailed project plan. This plan encompasses timelines, resource allocation, budget estimates, and risk management strategies. A well-structured plan serves as a roadmap for the entire project, guiding the construction team through each phase from inception to completion. Project managers are responsible for organising all elements of the project, ensuring that every team member knows their role and responsibilities. This level of organisation is essential in avoiding delays, preventing miscommunication, and maintaining a smooth workflow throughout the project lifecycle. Risk Management and Problem Solving Construction projects are inherently risky due to their complexity and the numerous variables involved. Effective project management involves identifying potential risks early and developing strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach allows project managers to address issues before they escalate, ensuring that the project remains on track. Moreover, project managers are skilled problem solvers, equipped to handle unforeseen challenges that may arise during construction. Their ability to devise innovative solutions and adapt to changing circumstances is invaluable in maintaining progress and minimising disruptions. Resource Management Efficient resource management is another critical aspect of project management in construction. This includes managing human resources, materials, equipment, and finances. Project managers must ensure that resources are used optimally, reducing waste and avoiding unnecessary costs. By effectively managing resources, project managers help to keep the project within budget and ensure that the necessary materials and labour are available when needed. This level of control is crucial in maintaining the project's financial health and ensuring its timely completion. Quality Control and Assurance Quality is a non-negotiable aspect of any construction project. Project managers play a key role in establishing quality standards and ensuring that these standards are met throughout the construction process. By implementing rigorous quality control measures, project managers can detect and rectify defects early, preventing costly rework and ensuring that the final product meets or exceeds client expectations. Communication and Stakeholder Management Project management is also vital in fostering effective communication among all parties involved in a construction project. This includes clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers. Open and transparent communication helps to align expectations, build trust, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. Furthermore, project managers are responsible for managing stakeholder relationships, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed promptly. This aspect of project management is crucial in maintaining a positive working environment and securing stakeholder satisfaction.  Conclusion In conclusion, project management is indispensable in the realm of construction projects. It provides the framework for planning, organising, and controlling all aspects of a project, ensuring its successful completion. By effectively managing risks, resources, quality, communication, and stakeholder relations, project managers play a vital role in delivering construction projects that are on time, within budget, and of the highest quality. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the importance of skilled project management will only continue to grow.
Creating the Perfect Summer Garden: A Harmonious Blend of Landscaping and Construction  Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. A well-designed garden can be a tranquil retreat, a vibrant entertainment area, or a combination of both. Achieving the perfect summer garden often involves both landscaping and construction. Understanding how these two disciplines work together can help you create a stunning and functional outdoor space. Landscaping and construction are not mutually exclusive; they're complementary. Construction provides the “structural framework” for your garden, while landscaping adds the “aesthetic and natural elements.” For example, building a retaining wall (construction) can create levelled planting beds (landscaping). Similarly, installing a patio (construction) provides a foundation for outdoor furniture and container gardens (landscaping). Before starting any landscaping or construction project, careful planning is essential. 1. Assess Your Space: Consider the size, shape, and existing features of your garden. Note the amount of sunlight, soil type, and drainage. 2. Define Your Goals: What do you want to achieve with your summer garden? Do you envision a relaxing oasis, a vibrant entertainment area, or a productive vegetable garden? 3. Create a Design: Sketch out your ideas, incorporating both landscaping and construction elements. Consider the flow of traffic, views from inside the house, and the overall aesthetic. 4. Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on the project. Prioritise essential elements and be prepared to make compromises. 5. Hire Professionals (If needed): For complex construction projects, consider hiring a qualified contractor or landscaper. Get multiple quotes and check references. · Start with Construction: Complete any necessary construction work before starting landscaping. This will minimise disruption to plants and soil. · Consider Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial for both construction and landscaping. Ensure that water flows away from buildings and doesn't pool in planting areas. · Choose Materials Wisely: Select durable, weather-resistant materials for construction projects. Opt for plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. · Incorporate Natural Elements: Blend construction elements with natural features. For example, consider using natural stone for retaining walls or incorporating plants into patios and decks. · Think About Lighting: Strategic lighting can enhance both the beauty and functionality of your summer garden. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Once your summer garden is complete, regular maintenance is essential to keep it looking its best. · Watering: Water plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Consider installing an irrigation system to automate watering. · Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. · Fertilising: Fertilise plants as needed to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. · Pruning: Prune trees, shrubs, and flowers regularly to maintain their shape and encourage flowering. · Cleaning: Clean patios, decks, and other hard surfaces to remove dirt, debris, and algae. By understanding the interplay between landscaping and construction, you can create a stunning and functional outdoor space that you'll enjoy all summer long. With careful planning, thoughtful design, and regular maintenance, your garden can become a true extension of your home.