Talk to me about poncey orangeries

[Freezingmyarseoff]

I know there's been a few threads on conservatories recently, but I want to talk specifically about orangeries (and am prepared for a bashing for being poncey too )

We're planning on doing a kitchen extension with a roof lantern. I'm trying to find the cheapest way to way to install one. There are lots of companies that make roof lanterns but they include installation which means they're rather more pricey than we'd like. I've also found a company that makes roof lantern DIY kits, that our builders can put together and install, and its a much cheaper option.
However, I'm a bit worried that it won't be as good quality and we'll regret buying the cheapest option (although it is still a hardwood roof lantern)

Has anyone ever put in a roof lantern or know of someone who has? Any advice of DIY kits vs fully installed?
(am hoping Jeanjeanie might be reading this...)

So it's not actually an orangery you want, but a kitchen with a roof lanterm? I was quizzing colleagues on genuine orangeries and greenhouses today, but I suspect the lessons don't transfer.

You might have a think about what sort of glass you want to use - there seem to be a massive range of choices.

Definately poncey, but I yearn for an orangerie. If only because it's such a great word. Plus - it turns out you can grow any citrus fruit in an orangerie .

I don't even understand the question re roof lanterns - sorry.

Hello freezingmyarseoff - I couldn't resist a thread with 'Poncy' and 'Orangerie' in the title

Well over in our neck of the woods it's orangeries that are the building du jour! As for 'what is an orangerie?' ... no idea on the formal style but we tend to get architects drawings for them covering everything from what freezing wants through to a conservatory or glasshouse style building with covered or lantern roof.

I've asked DP - he's never actually installed a DIY one but he has noticed them becoming more popular. We tend to either make them here (joinery work) and then get glass cut which is ££$$! or measure up and then instal once factory has made.

DP did say that you should talk to your builders and maybe get your builders to talk directly to some of the companies you're looking at possibly using, so that they know exactly how the kits are designed. Like most things, it'll be how it's actually put together on site that will depend on its success. Good luck!

Hello
I know people (being vague for ID purposes here) with a poncey orangery (they also have one of those duckhouses from the MP scandal but I digress)

Theirs is just for plants though they have sofas in there
It's not an actual functioning ROOM like a kitchen iykwim.

Theirs isn't hardwood at all but some kind of metal structure with french doors and window that open at the top. - I think with lots of glass you have
They grow grapes and have citrus trees (natch) it is lovely but a bit poncey.

Okay so it's clear I was talking out of my arse when I said orangery probably been reading too many home and garden magazines.

GrendelsMum, you're right it's a kitchen and roof lantern with not an orange in sight

Jeanjeannie thanks for asking your DH, will discuss further with our builders.