Replace a Conservatory with a SIPs Garden Room Extension
Published: 25 September 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes 8 seconds
Are you thinking about replacing your outdated uPVC conservatory? A multi-layer garden room extension built with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) could be the perfect solution. Not only do SIPs provide superior insulation and year-round comfort, but they also create a sleek, modern space that enhances your home’s energy efficiency. Unlike traditional conservatories, which can become too cold in winter and too hot in summer, a SIPs garden room offers consistent comfort, making it a practical and stylish alternative for modern living. While a conservatory might not be viewed as the asset it once was when selling your home, a highly insulated garden room extension, finished with quality, durable materials that seamlessly integrates with your home, is seen as a valuable asset by house hunters.
Heritage Garden Studios, based in the South Yorkshire region, specialises in both standalone garden rooms and garden room extensions. In a recent project in Doncaster, they helped a client replace a dated uPVC conservatory with a modern, energy-efficient extension that would become a seamless part of the home, usable in any season.
The client wanted a solution that was not only cost-effective but also time-efficient. Heritage Garden Studios, with their expertise in multi-layer Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) core buildings, provided the perfect answer. Their construction systems allowed the entire project to be completed in just 11 days—from installing the foundation system to handing over the keys to the finished room. In comparison, a traditionally built brick-and-block extension of the same size could take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on weather conditions and the availability of trades.
6m x 4m House Extension
Heritage Garden Studios worked closely with their clients to design a 6m x 4m extension that would meet both aesthetic and practical needs. The spacious room extends into the garden, and with glazing on two elevations, it creates a lovely connection between indoor and outdoor spaces—a hallmark of garden room design. This allows natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the garden.
The extension was built on a ground screw foundation, which is a much quicker and less invasive alternative to traditional concrete footings. A total of 28 ground screws were installed, and the base was fitted with a vermin mesh to protect the void under the SIPs floor structure.
Thick SIPs panels were used throughout the build to meet the required U-values set by Building Regulations. When combined with other material layers both inside and out, along with high-quality double-glazed doors and windows, the result is a highly thermally efficient space. This ensures the extension will be comfortable to use year-round and cost-effective to run.
Low-Maintenance Exterior Finishes
Heritage Garden Studios offers a high level of customisation, working closely with clients to tailor the style and arrangement of doors and windows, while also providing a wide range of exterior cladding finishes. As seen in our archive of their projects, this flexibility allows each garden room to be designed to meet the client’s unique needs and aesthetic preferences.
For this particular project, the client opted for Anthracite Grey aluminium-framed doors and windows. The design included three long windows on the end elevation, which were cleverly positioned to frame views of the garden, enhancing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection central to garden room designs.
The exterior walls were clad in a contemporary composite wood material, made from 55% reclaimed wood fibres and 45% recycled plastics. The client chose a rich brown shade that complements the brown window frames on the main house, unifying the look of the new extension with the existing property. The slatted batten profile of the cladding adds a modern touch, and thanks to the durable materials, the exterior will require minimal maintenance, with no need for repainting to retain its appearance.
To meet Building Regulations fireproofing requirements, Heritage Garden Studios used Klasse board externally, along with fire-resistant plasterboard internally, ensuring safety and performance were prioritised.
Light, Bright Interior Space
Inside, the extension is finished to a high standard with plastered and decorated walls and ceiling. Stylish herringbone-pattern LVT flooring has been laid over a thermal underlay.
The electrical specification included brushed nickel sockets and switches, completing the modern look.
As shown in this nighttime photo, LED lighting has been fitted in the roof soffits, creating a smart accent of light.
Learn More
If you're thinking of extending your home and live in South Yorkshire, reach out to Heritage Garden Studios about their garden room extensions. Chat with the team on 01709 865 392 or by emailing designmy@heritagegardenstudios.com. Visit heritagegardenstudios.com to explore more of their work.
