A large property in the Cheshire countryside is transformed by this orangery. Because it creates a new free-flowing kitchen, living and dining space. However those functions play out in specifically designed spaces. Within one three-dimensional coherent composition. Furthermore both natural and artificial light blend with subtlety to characterise these spaces.
Orangery solves glare problem
An orangery is the ideal solution to two problems with conservatories. Glare and extreme temperature. Conservatories are too bright, too hot. Or too cold! Firstly an orangery has both a blend of glass and a solid envelope. Therefore we can design glazing as separate window elements. To minimise glare. How? By careful sizing and location relative to the sun path. And by specification of light-filtering glass. Secondly the solid envelope is more insulating than glass. So we design its insulation level to compensate for glazing heat-loss. The original conservatory was way too hot in summer. Because this side of the house faces south. My clients can use the new orangery in comfort all year.
Future proofing
Another key point is thermal comfort. My calculations were just part of thermal modelling essential to comfort. An over heating risk analysis was also done by Aled Williams of KGA (UK) Ltd. Aled’s analysis showed, in addition to many variables, worse case temperatures of the future. For example during the hottest August day. These data enable sizing of cooling plant and fan rates. Thank you also to Damian Blake of K2 Heating and Cooling Solutions Ltd. Who used these data to design the cooling equipment.
Multi-disciplinary design team
Like this project I assembled a multi-disciplinary design team. As well as cooling experts I brought in the following:- Structural engineer and lighting designer Cundall. Years of experience have taught me that projects are enhanced by a co-ordinated team. That’s my job. To co-ordinate the input of each expert adding maximum value. Co-ordination was key with steel frame specialist Bedford Fabrications Ltd. With Bedford I shared a single IFC file. In other words we used the latest computer aided design technique. IFC files mean blockwork fitted around steelwork exactly.
Window design is key to high quality in an orangery
The orangery is part of a comprehensive modernisation. Including new windows throughout the house. These will eventually follow the design of the new ones in the orangery. They were supplied by Clearview Doors. Graham and Rachel there provide close customer care. I find them easy to work with. Which is why I brought them into this other project of mine. It won’t be the last. I am particularly delighted by the slender frames of the corner windows.
Another key point towards high quality here was the window surrounds. And also the cornice. Both are pre-cast concrete units including special aggregates and colouring. Together these two ingredients create the appearance of Portland stone. In fact the appearance was so convincing that masonry paint was not needed. Thank you Luke Burton and colleagues at Serene Stone for this top quality product.
Pivot Door
A special thank you to my client. Who was open to all suggestions. Furthermore he devoted time and money to a series of excellent choices. For example this new main entrance. Any project is lucky to have a door like this. By the UK’s number one hardwood door specialist Urban Front. Tyrone and all there were most attentive. Two positives, amongst many, stand out for me. First, Urban Front’s deep understanding of the type of information architects need. Second the exceptional high quality of the product. Which you can see in this video.
