Why Replace an Older Conservatory with a Modern Design?

13th May 2013

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It's easy to fall in love with a conservatory but, if yours was built many years ago, you might find it's no longer quite as pleasing as it used to be. Partial or complete replacement is easier and more affordable than you might expect. It can turn your tired old conservatory into an exciting, attractive new room where you love to spend time.

Conservatory design has improved a lot over the years, and there are options available now that simply didn't exist a decade ago. Many older conservatories weren't built to last as they are now. They may start to leak, to feel too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

A conservatory can also discolour or start to attract mould. Modern conservatories can make these problems a thing of the past. New, energy efficient designs can lower your bills and help the environment, as well as being much more comfortable to use.

If you still adore your old conservatory, it's possible to have a replacement made in the same style using higher quality new materials. Timber framed conservatories are still available but can now be better sealed to protect against damp.

If you're ready to try something new, there's no shortage of designs to choose from. A wider range of colours and shapes is now available, so you can choose a conservatory with a modern look or have one designed to complement your house.

If you only want to replace part of your conservatory, getting the roof fixed can make a big difference to your comfort levels. Even for quite substantial changes, designers can work from your existing base, so there'll be no need to dig up the garden.

If you want something truly stylish, you could even have your conservatory replaced with an orangery. If you're not sure what you want, there's free professional advice available to help you choose. Why not ask your nearest Ultra Installer for help?

Choosing Between an Orangery or Conservatory: What’s the Difference?

Achieving a design that suits your home is important. Orangeries and conservatories offer different aesthetic benefits, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the features that differentiate these two styles before making a decision.

Commonly Distinguishable Features 

When conforming to a classic design, a conservatory will feature a dwarf brick wall and extensive areas of glazing. An orangery, contrastingly, will be recognisable on account of its brick pillars and atrium-style roof. The former is designed with the intention of re-enforcing a connection with the outside, while the latter is concerned with privation.


These days, the terms ‘conservatory’ and ‘orangery’ are almost interchangeable. An orangery can, for example, be built using floor-to-ceiling glass and exclude the brick pillars that ordinarily characterise its design. This provides an open playing field for homeowners, who can concentrate on customising their product without worrying about categories.

Conservatory and Orangery Styles

When you buy an Ultraframe conservatory or orangery, you’ll be able to choose a format – for example, lean-to, Edwardian or T-shaped that suits your practical needs and visual preferences.

Our range of conservatories is split into three categories and as follows:

  • Classic Conservatory. A traditional or contemporary design can be achieved with this style, which features French doors and full-height glazing and can
  • include cornicing to improve the appearance of your roofline.
  • Designer Conservatory. Characterised by a perimeter ceiling pelmet that’s plastered to create a cosy feel for your room, this conservatory uses mineral wool insulation to guarantee strong thermal performance.
  • Performance Conservatory. Comfort comes as standard with this design, thanks to its aesthetically pleasing super insulated columns that provide levels of thermal efficiency five times higher than brick equivalents.

A Choice of Orangeries 

Our orangery range has also been split into a three-tier system to make it easier for our customers to choose. For example, our contemporary orangery style combines the benefits of our Designer and Performance conservatories, due to the inclusion of a perimeter ceiling and super insulated columns for additional warmth.

A Range of Other Features

The list of features and benefits that come as standard when you choose an orangery or conservatory are extensive – so much so, there isn’t time to list them all. Your approved Ultra Installer will be able to explain the options available and make a recommendation that responds in full to your design objectives.


Find Your Nearest Ultra Installer

Use our search tool to find a trusted Ultra Installer near you and find out more about our high-performing conservatories, orangeries and other products. You can also fill out the enquiry form at the end of the process to request a call from Ultraframe, in which case we’ll contact you with more information about our range.

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