Exterior Design Trends

Will Your Conservatory Stand Out From the Crowd?

The industry landscape has been evolving over the past few years. Traditionally, a conservatory was composed of 75% glazing and characterised by a dwarf wall that runs around its lower perimeter. Today, the design choices homeowners can make are numerous as advances in conservatory technology and off site manufactured building solutions have become affordable.

Orangeries have become very popular and as conservatory enhancements like thermally efficient columns and pelmets have come to market, the line that once separated conservatories and orangeries has since blurred. As orangery and conservatory design has evolved homeowners have started to favour glass-based structures that are optimised for light entry, and which are built from long-lasting aluminium that’s offset by grey neutral tones too.

Why Choose Aluminium?

Although uPVC and timber are still used in the construction of conservatories, orangeries and extensions, aluminium is fast becoming a popular choice for homeowners and for the following reasons:

• Aesthetics. Aluminium looks stunning, even in its natural state. It can also be coloured in a shade of your choice and covered in a woodgrain foil, so that it looks like timber. This means you’ll be able to achieve a contemporary or traditional look.
• Sightlines. People choose to use glass for the views and light has a transformative effect on space. Perhaps this explains the rising popularity of aluminium, which is stronger than both uPVC and timber. This strength results in a low frame to glass ratio that produce uninterrupted views of the outside.
• Market-Value. As well as letting in lots of light and improving the aesthetic value of your room, Aluminium it is also long-lasting. It won’t warp or corrode in response to impacts or severe environmental conditions – making it a worthwhile investment.

Extensive Use of Glazing

The focus these days is on light. Homeowners want their orangery, conservatory or extension, to feel spacious – so they can relax in it, while benefitting from a room that will appeal to prospective buyers later.

Our Performance Glass Extension is a case in point. Its extensively glazed structure allows sunshine to enter from every angle, resulting in a room that never feels enclosed and is instead connected to the outside.

The emphasis on light has impacted on conservatory roof designs when it comes to solid roofs too. Ultraframe has led the way with its Livinroof and Ultraroof, hybrid systems that are both solid and glazed and deliver both light and comfort.

Changing Colour Trends

Grey is becoming an increasingly popular colour choice for customers who want to achieve a modern look for their conservatory, orangery or extension. Combined with aluminium in its unaltered state, grey offsets its industrial look perfectly. It is also a neutral – and, therefore, highly adaptable – shade that can be used in conjunction with other colour ranges, should a less contemporary effect be desired.

Find Your Nearest Ultra Installer

For design advice – and to find out more about our contemporary range of products – please use our Ultra Installer search tool to locate a trusted company in your area. They will also be able to provide you with a cost estimate for your refurbishment or home improvement project.