Contemporary Steel Look Orangery complements period home
Mr Waite, the homeowner of a beautiful period property in Surrey, contacted Sherborne Windows to discuss the design and build of a bespoke, contemporary aluminium Orangery to the rear of his property.
Several conversations took place between the Architects, Mr Waite and ourselves, from the initial design and specification stages. With such a beautiful period property with wooden sash windows and traditional period features, it was important that the build was sympathetic to the design of the original building.
Chris Long, Founder at Sherborne, said “We looked at various product solutions together and we focussed on a Steel Look solution.”
One of the advantages of Steel-Look doors and windows, is their ability to seamlessly blend with the architecture of a period property. The slim, sleek lines can evoke the industrial charm of early 20th-century elegant French doors found in Georgian or Victorian homes. These doors create a visually appealing contrast between old and new, drawing attention to the property’s unique features while maintaining its historical authenticity.
Once the proposal was agreed upon, Sherborne assisted in submitting a successful planning application. A key consideration was ensuring the Orangery was securely integrated with the existing building while offering a smooth connection to the beautiful gardens beyond. To achieve this, a steel frame was bolted into the new foundation, providing the necessary strength and stability, while a timber sub-frame was used to create openings for the windows, doors, and the glazed Lantern.
Chris said “The Steel Look Orangery was a completely bespoke design. It includes a set of Bifolding doors which offer a seamless connection between the living area and garden, and a half-height Bifolding window, which creates a cosy, yet modern feel. Above the doors, we installed fixed glazing, with vertical bars which align precisely with the doors and windows below.”
To seamlessly merge the old with the new and connect the existing home to the new Orangery, the original doors leading into the garden were replaced with a stunning pair of Steel Look French doors. This design allows an abundance of natural light to flow into the home through the glazing in the new Orangery. A glazed Lantern Roof enhances the overall design, further boosting the flow of natural light into the room.
Consideration was given to the finer points around the way the glazing products were installed, complemented by a specialised, colour-matched, black aluminium cladding. Sherborne worked closely with the architects to achieve the desired effect, while incorporating highly energy-efficient glazing solutions, ensuring the new room would be usable throughout the year.
Mr Waite said “I had the pleasure of working with the Sherborne Team on a highly intricate and complex project, and I am absolutely thrilled with the results. This project truly tested the team’s expertise and adaptability. Despite the challenges, Sherborne consistently demonstrated professionalism and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Their ability to navigate the complexities, problem-solve creatively, deliver and within budget was impressive. The outcome was simply stunning, far exceeding our expectations. I would wholeheartedly recommend Sherborne for any project—large or small. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is unparalleled, and we are incredibly grateful for the outstanding work they’ve done.”
Contact us or book an appointment today to take the first step in transforming your home.
