Kitchen Conservatory Extensions: Benefits, Considerations and Food for Thought
Published: 12 April 2021
Guest Post By: David Salisbury
Whilst the importance of our homes and living spaces have been all too apparent over the past year, our kitchens have remained the most significant rooms in terms of the benefits provided by their multi-functionality.
An open plan kitchen that provides room to cook, eat and relax within a shared family space is still the most sought-after requirement at home. Being able to juggle the competing demands of home working, home schooling, whilst preparing a meal, has been a common example of multi-tasking that many families have had to undertake.
Making sure our living spaces are able to meet these increased pressures has been one of the primary drivers for the increasing demand for kitchen conservatory extensions.
Over the past few years, an orangery or garden room has been the most common type of glazed extension designed to accommodate a kitchen, living room or home office, but at the premium quality end of the market, bespoke conservatories are also making a return as a well-designed, luxurious alternative.
The easiest distinguishing feature of a conservatory is that it has a fully glazed roof – to apply a stricter definition, a conservatory is usually classified as having at least 75% glass in its roof and more than 50% glass in its walls. There are many different styles of conservatory available, from Edwardian to Victorian and from gable-ended to the classic lean-to type design.
When designing a conservatory kitchen extension, it is perhaps the lean-to style that most easily lends itself to being adapted to this type of open plan room.
A bespoke design can ensure a lean-to conservatory can suit almost any style of property, from period or listed buildings to more contemporary style homes. In addition, a lean-to conservatory can be designed to wrap around a corner of a property, extending dual aspects of the home. This is particularly attractive if outside space allows it and there are different views to be enjoyed.
With a conservatory roof being fully glazed, there are a number of important factors to consider in ensuring this space is designed for the requirements of modern living and, critically, for year-round enjoyment.
Lighting
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a conservatory is the abundant volume of natural light that will fill the room during the day. Conservatories are often added to the rear of properties that were previously quite dark, suffering from low light levels.
The benefits of natural light for our health and well-being have been widely reported and have been brought into greater focus over the past year. Getting the environment right for home working is clearly essential for productivity but it is just as important for a modern functioning kitchen – so ensuring a flexible and adaptable lighting scheme is part of the final design is essential.
Ventilation
Ventilation is the next key element to consider in a kitchen conservatory kitchen extension. Automated roof vents are an important factor, which can be specified to operate via remote control or manually, or fully automatic with temperature control and rain sensors.
Obviously the design of the doors and windows will need to consider how many can be opened and how they open. Bi-fold doors are increasingly in demand, for those looking to create a seamless link between indoors and out.
A combination of opening windows and roof vents will be the most efficient way of ventilating the space.
Shading
Depending on the situation and location of some properties, shading might be important to consider at certain times of day. Most modern quality conservatories would be specified with solar control glass as standard, which help reduce heat transmission during warmer summer days.
In addition to this, some customers choose to add conservatory blinds, which can be specified to reduce glare, heat and also provide privacy, where required.
As ever, the key to a successful conservatory kitchen extension is to choose an experienced designer. Going with a bespoke designer will ensure the final design is customised to meet the requirements of the particular property and design brief.
For anyone considering their home to create space for a larger open plan kitchen and living area, the many benefits of a conservatory kitchen extension are well worth reviewing, as this might be the best solution for a luxury but practical addition to your home.
Karen Bell is Creative Director at David Salisbury, a company manufacturing and installing top of the range hardwood conservatories, garden rooms and orangeries for over 30 years.
