Orangery Extension Transforms Disconnected Rooms into Open-Plan Living

The customer wanted to extend their downstairs living space as the kitchen and dining areas felt cramped and disconnected. With the dining table squeezed into the rear room and a separate lounge elsewhere, the layout did not work well for everyday use or entertaining.

The Challenge:

The extension needed to provide additional living space while retaining natural light to the existing kitchen and dining room, as the new structure would sit directly in front of these rooms. The client also wanted the new space to function all year and improve flow without significantly increasing structural costs.

Our Approach:

We recommended an orangery design to balance light and insulation. A central roof lantern floods daylight into both the new extension and the existing rooms behind. One full-height wall was designed to accommodate a sofa, creating an additional lounge area that connects naturally to the dining space. On the opposite side, a higher 900mm wall was designed to house utilities and a sink, effectively creating a utility zone and freeing up space in the kitchen. To keep costs controlled, we removed the existing door and side windows without increasing the opening size, avoiding the need for steelwork. All drainage was reconfigured to support the new layout.

The Results:

The orangery has transformed the ground floor into a connected, practical living environment. The space works as a true extension of the kitchen and dining room while also providing a comfortable additional lounge. The large bifold doors open directly onto the garden, creating a strong indoor-outdoor connection that is perfect for entertaining and everyday family life.