An orangery roof combines a glazed lantern with an insulated roof around its perimeter. The lantern brings daylight into the room, while the surrounding solid ceiling provides space for lighting and helps give the extension its distinctive architectural character.
At Kingsholme, we design the roof as part of the complete orangery. Ceiling height, structural beams, insulation, drainage and external detailing are considered together, so the finished room feels well proportioned and connects naturally with the existing house.
Our roofs typically use timber joists and glulam beams, with the lantern opening designed around the layout and structural requirements of each project.
The available height is often one of the main influences on an orangery’s design. Existing upstairs windows, the position of the new ceiling and any planning restrictions can all affect how much space is available for the roof structure and lantern.
Where practical, we aim to coordinate the orangery ceiling with the adjoining rooms. This is particularly important for a kitchen extension, where a carefully designed opening can help the original house and new room feel like one connected space.
The roof must accommodate several elements within that height: supporting beams and joists, insulation, waterproofing, drainage falls and the raised upstand supporting the lantern. Considering these together early in the design helps avoid awkward compromises later.
Our preferred approach is a warm roof, with insulation above the structural roof deck. This places the main roof structure on the warm side of the insulation.
Insulation thickness is selected for the particular roof construction and its required thermal performance. It should be considered alongside the glazing, junctions and other elements of the orangery, rather than treated as one standard thickness suitable for every project.
The roof design also needs appropriate vapour control and careful detailing around the lantern, perimeter and connection to the house.
The opening for the lantern interrupts the roof structure, so loads must be transferred around it to suitable supporting walls or columns.
We typically use glulam—engineered timber formed from bonded layers—to frame the opening, together with timber joists and steelwork where required. Beam sizes and supporting details depend on the span, loads and arrangement of the individual orangery.
This flexibility allows us to coordinate the lantern with the room below. Its position might relate to a dining table, kitchen island or central seating area, while the surrounding ceiling provides space for recessed lighting.
The section drawing illustrates how the ceiling, supporting structure, insulation and roof covering fit together.
The overall depth depends on the structural span, insulation specification and method used to form the drainage falls. The lantern upstand adds further height above the surrounding roof surface.
These dimensions also influence how the roof looks from outside. A successful design balances the practical construction requirements with the proportions of the windows, doors and fascia below.
The decorative fascia, sometimes called the entablature, gives a traditional orangery its defined roofline. It can conceal the roof covering and part of the lantern base, creating a balanced appearance when viewed from the garden.
A deeper fascia provides more space to accommodate the roof construction, but it also changes the proportions of the building. We consider its depth and detailing alongside the scale and character of the house.
The lantern sits on a raised upstand, with waterproofing carefully detailed around its base. Upstand heights, roof-edge details and drainage must be coordinated with the chosen roofing system and the individual design.
Although commonly described as flat, an orangery roof is normally designed with a gentle slope towards its drainage outlets. This slope is known as the fall.
The distance water travels affects the height needed to create that fall. For illustration, a slope of 1:80 changes height by 12.5mm per metre; a slope of 1:40 changes height by 25mm per metre. Across a four-metre run, that means a difference of 50mm or 100mm respectively.
These figures illustrate the effect on roof height; the appropriate design fall must also allow for construction tolerances and structural movement.
Where height is restricted, we consider the roof layout, outlet positions and structural arrangement together. Shortening drainage runs or adjusting the roof design may help accommodate effective drainage within the available space.
The waterproofing specification, overflow arrangements and access for maintenance are also part of the design. Any assessment of standing water must relate to the particular roofing system and its manufacturer’s requirements.
Kingsholme can design, manufacture and build a complete orangery, or manufacture and install a bespoke timber roof lantern for an extension being constructed by your builder.
Send us photographs, approximate dimensions or any drawings you already have, together with your property’s postcode. We can discuss the design, the scope of work and the most useful next step.
The roof is one part of a complete architectural design. Its proportions, lantern and ceiling should work with the windows, doors and masonry to create a room that suits both the property and everyday life.
Explore our bespoke timber orangeries, contemporary aluminium orangeries and traditional timber roof lanterns. Each is designed around your property, with the roof, glazing and architectural details considered together.
We can manage a complete orangery project or manufacture and install a timber roof lantern for an extension being built by your own contractor.
Read how our clients describe their experience of Kingsholme, from the initial design advice through to the craftsmanship and care that go into their finished orangery.
The initial contact with Kingsholme and the professionalism of the product presentation singled Kingsholme out above other companies considered.
In short, we unreservedly recommend Kingsholme Conservatories as a highly competent company, offering excellent service and value for money, with whom it has been a pleasure to deal.
Colin has helped us throughout the process, and we were very pleased when he suggested another house in Harpenden that we could visit to see the quality of work before placing an order. We also thought your workmen on site were efficient, polite and customer focused.
We appreciated the low-key sales approach, and particularly valued the maturity and attitude of the people who worked on the conservatory.
The workmen were a pleasure to have, always polite and helpful. Mark, your no-pressure sales approach was a welcome change from the so called bigger companies.
My conservatory is much admired by all who see it and they comment on the high quality of the result. For me it is a daily joy. My thanks to you and I shall certainly recommend your company.
Now that the conservatory is finished Sarah and I would like to express our appreciation of the work that has been done. Back in the summer when we decided we would like to build, we had no idea who to go to and no local friends to make recommendations. We looked on the internet using words such as “bespoke, quality and individual” By chance we came across Kingsholme and then of course met with you.
We said that we did not wish to be involved with any sub contractors but that the entire job should be project managed by you. We also made it clear that we wanted a firm price for the job which would not change unless we altered the brief. You delivered on both counts.
From day one of the ground works until the final finishing touches were made recently all the people representing Kingsholme have been excellent. Skilled tidy workers, always polite and a pleasure to have around. Whilst the job was not always straightforward, i.e. the guttering which had to be specially made, there was no question of you cutting corners or compromising your quality standards.
We are delighted with the final result and especially pleased that we selected your company. Many thanks to all the team and particularly you Mark.
The whole process from our initial meeting with you through to works on site through to completion was undertaken in an extremely professional manner, resulting in an excellent conservatory design, a standard of work that is first class and undertaken by friendly/helpful operatives. The attention to detail was evident at all times.
The co-ordination of the different work disciplines was particularly impressive with the general disruption during construction kept to an absolute minimum and the site being kept clean and tidy throughout the course of the works.
Michelle and I wish to express our appreciation for the service provided by you/your company and cannot recommend you highly enough.
The whole experience from start to finish was very pleasant and professional. There was no pressure or haggling on prices, this was in total contrast to other prospective suppliers. Mark gave us some excellent design suggestions. The overall quality of workmanship was also first rate.
We have been very happy with the service provided, please keep up the good work!
Very pleased with general workmanship and helpful construction staff. Would be pleased to recommend your company to other people. Greatly appreciated Mark’s design of conservatory, blends in well with rear of house.
Thank you for making it a relatively easy experience for us! As mentioned to you previously, we are very pleased with the results.
We are really pleased with the conservatory and we will certainly recommend you.
We are very pleased with the final product, which looks excellent. Mark’s approach throughout was honest and helpful, in direct contrast to the many other sales people from other companies who were clearly only interested in securing the sale.
The fantastic reviews I see here reflect the experience we have had with Kingsholme. It has been faultless from the first contact through to completion of our orangery. The technical information on the website gave me confidence that the product is outstanding, based on years of experience. All of the team were outstanding, highly experienced tradesmen. The final product is of the highest quality in terms of design, materials and construction. There was absolutely no ‘sales’ involved and during my first call, I was given a ballpark figure based on the size of the space; the final cost was only higher because we increased the size and there were no hidden surprises. The first design we received was exactly what we wanted (they ‘got it’) and the only tweak we made was around the size of a side window. Mark agreed to take on some additional work inside the house, opening up a supporting wall between our kitchen and old dining room. I had struggled to get anyone to take this on, so was grateful to him for doing it. This proved to be quite a challenge for the team based on how the original wall was constructed and took a few more days than expected, however they worked constantly in horrible conditions until it was done. We didn’t have a lot of time to get involved in the project and that wasn’t an issue in the end as everything was taken care for us. It’s rare to say this of a company – we have not had a single issue with Kingsholme. Thank you to everyone involved.
We would wholeheartedly recommend this company. Every member of the team were polite and helpful, from our initial site meeting through to completion of the project. We feel that they offered a very high standard of work at a fair price. The design is top end and certainly comparable with the companies that advertise in House and Garden Magazine and buildings that we have seen exhibited at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show. From the groundwork team through to the decorator, every member of the team were highly experienced and meticulous with every detail of the work that they did to create a stunning orangery for us.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all your help, assistance and understanding. It has been a pleasure dealing with you and we are delighted with the end result. If you wish to use us as a reference we would be more than happy to recommend you/ Kingsholme to prospective clients.
Excellent throughout; friendly, courteous employees. Good to your word regarding all aspects of the build.
Thanks for a good job – we are very happy with the end result.
I’m very happy with the quality of work and materials, the finished conservatory is exactly what I wanted. I would be happy to recommend Kingsholme or provide a reference site.
All the workmen were helpful, efficient and trustworthy. The standard of work was excellent and we are very satisfied with the end result. We would have no hesitation in recommending your firm to friends and neighbours.
The attitude of everyone connected with the selling and building of the conservatory was very good, both to their jobs and to the customer. I would recommend Kingsholme to anyone I knew who were considering having a conservatory.
Many thanks for the support and advice during the problems with the neighbours and development company. I appreciated very much the care and effort given during my major stress-out times! Your calm and matter of fact approach was very reassuring.
I am very pleased with the result, thank you.
We are delighted with our orangery, thank you for all your hard work.
Thanks again to you and all the team for your efforts, we are exceptionally happy with the end result, it has truly made a big improvement to our living space and we look forward to spending some quality time in the new garden room for many years to come.
We would like to thank you [Mark] and Kingsholme for installing us a wonderful conservatory and paying great attention to detail.
Many thanks to Mark for his professional and courteous attention to all matters from planning permission, to the final successful outcome.
Many thanks for a super job that has been well done.
We are very pleased with our conservatory and would like to thank you and your team for the good workmanship, attention to detail, care and consideration that has been shown to our property and us and would be happy to recommend your company. We would be grateful if you could pass these sentiments on to those involved.
Thanks to you, [Mark] Dave and Ian for a great job, the conservatory is all I had hoped for.
We were very pleased with your service, and we are delighted with the result. Thank you for all that you have done.
Thanks for your help in everything, you have given us a very good service!
A very workable solution to a difficult situation. Mark has been very diligent and has delivered what was proposed. A good job, many thanks.
Would not hesitate to recommend Kingsholme to anybody.
The job was very much to our satisfaction. Dave (fitter) is a good asset to Kingsholme.
Friendly and professional approach adopted by all staff, Dave and Ian demonstrated a particular pride in their work. Very happy with our new conservatory, we would recommend you to others.
Builders and glaziers were very professional and tidy, excellent job.
We were extremely pleased with the team that constructed the conservatory, they were especially polite and considerate to our needs regarding our dogs, and carried out their work in a very professional way. Your company is lucky to have them. All in all, we are very pleased with the end result.
All aspects of the total job seemed exceedingly well done. In particular I would mention the friendliness and extreme helpfulness of all those involved.
Fitters, workmen were all professional, polite and easy to communicate with. They took care to do a good job. We are very pleased with the conservatory and it is how we imagined it would be.
Our requirements have been met and we are very satisfied with the end product. Good supervision and communication with Mark throughout.
Excellent quality of work and people, many thanks!
Your staff were all excellent workers and very helpful. I am delighted with my new conservatory, which though small, does greatly enhance our living space.
We are very pleased with the conservatory and will have no hesitation in recommending you to all who admire it.
We have already recommended you to two other people, both of whom are having conservatories built by you. All the workmen were pleasant and polite, and got on well with the job. We are really pleased with the end result, and would have no hesitation in recommending you to anymore of our friends who are thinking of having a conservatory.
We are very pleased with our conservatory and patio, and would recommend Kingsholme to others
I am delighted with my conservatory and had my first Sunday afternoon tea in it this weekend.
We have had lots of compliments on the standard of build, and so far are very pleased with conservatory.
We are very pleased with the final result. We would recommend Kingsholme to friends and would use your services again. The workmen were excellent.
We have been very impressed by the design and build overall. Seeing the design develop into a finished conservatory has been very satisfying.
All involved have been helpful, polite and tidy. Nothing was too much trouble and the level of service was very good.
Very good team of builders and installers; always helpful and courteous.
We wish to thank you and your team for carrying out a very good job, we are pleased with the result.
Overall the work was done to a very professional standard, particularly groundworks, foundations and finish (plastering, flooring, electrics and heating) Care was taken to keep things tidy and to clean up afterwards. Very satisfactory!
The conservatory is looking really good. A great bunch of guys on site who got on with the job and kept things tidy. Very happy with the result and would recommend Kingsholme.
We are enjoying our new orangery enormously. We absolutely love it and so does everyone who visits. We spend a huge amount of time in here and it has added so much to our enjoyment of the house. People keep commenting on how well the design sits with the rest of the property — it looks as though it has always been part of the house. Thank you to Mark and the whole team for an excellent job. We would definitely recommend Kingsholme.
We are delighted with the finished project. The team were professional throughout and the quality of the work is first-class. We can’t wait to make full use of it now the weather is improving. Would recommend Kingsholme to anyone considering similar work — and we’re happy for prospective clients to come and see it if that helps.
Mark and the team delivered a great-looking space for us. It has transformed the way we use the house and looks exactly as we hoped. Straightforward to deal with and the finished result is excellent.
I was very pleased with the whole process, from the first phone call right through to completion. Clear communication, no surprises, and a professional finish. Kingsholme made what could have been a stressful job straightforward. Happy to recommend them.
Really pleased with the work Kingsholme carried out on our orangery and new opening. The team were careful, considerate and left the place tidy. Very little extra making-good was needed, which says a lot about the quality of the installation. Grateful to Mark and everyone involved — we would use them again without hesitation.
We are very pleased with the finished structure and your process to get there.
Explore orangery design ideas, practical advice and the latest updates from Kingsholme.
