The Conservatory: All You Need to Know

Now that the government is relaxing the laws on building conservatories, I foresee a rush by homeowners to erect cages of aluminium and glass against a back or sidewall of their suburban bijoux. Conservatories do have a purpose; acting as a heat trap and preventing cold air from creeping into a house. They can be pleasant places to sit, and act as a focal point for daytime guests. Conservatories come in many sizes, shapes and styles. The most simple and utilitarian is the lean to, so-called because it leans against the house proper, like a toddler shadowing an adult. Incidentally, I grew up in a house that sported a lean to. On reaching maturity, I discovered that most conservatories are much greater in size and grander in function. The lantern is u-shaped, with its ‘proper’ roof capped and closed by a miniature roof…aaah…presumably the ‘lantern’ of its name. The Victorian has a jutting gable that apes the bay window of a house from that same period. The P-shape is a combo of said Victorian and lean to. The gable looks like a regular greenhouse, and most likely functions as one, too. The Georgian fans outwards from the house – fanlight, geddit? These are the main players on the conservatory stage. There are many more combos, mutations and permutations available. Several firms offer varying numbers of ‘facets’ in their Victorian and Georgian conservatories. Most manufacturers offer ultra modern, streamlined aluminium and glass affairs, but several offer more retro references. So, there you go….