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Edwardian Conservatories in the UK: Styles, Pros + Cons & More
Edwardian conservatories provide a bright and spacious extension to your home. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply enjoying the extra living space, an Edwardian conservatory makes the most of the available space thanks to its square shape and hip roof.
While a classic Edwardian conservatory in the UK is suited to any style of home, there are plenty of customisable elements that will help blend this conservatory with your property.
If you’re in the market for a new conservatory, then keep reading to learn all the Edwardian conservatory has to offer. If you’re already set on installing an Edwardian conservatory, then use GreenMatch’s free quotes service to be connected with up to 3 installers in your area.
Our exclusive service takes all the time and stress from finding the best installers for your new conservatory project. Not only can we provide you with multiple options to compare, but we use the details you provide to find the most suitable options for your specific requirements. By comparing quotes, you have more options that will help you find the best conservatories in your area.
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Which types of Edwardian style conservatories are available in the UK?
The Edwardian conservatory style is characterised by its flat front with a square or rectangular design which maximises the interior floor space. The roof of the Edwardian conservatory features a hip roof, where each side slopes towards the centre to make an apex.
Compared to a Victorian conservatory, with a rounded front, modern conservatories in the Edwardian style tend to be less decorated without any ornate finishes. This simple layout contributes to a versatile appearance that complements a wide range of property types.
Dwarf-Wall
Dwarf walls serve as the foundational base for a conservatory, typically constructed from brick and usually measuring under one metre in height.
The key advantage of a conservatory with a dwarf wall is its ability to regulate temperature effectively. During the summer months, the brick wall acts as a barrier, preventing excessive heat from the sun from becoming trapped inside the conservatory. This helps maintain a comfortable and cooler indoor environment.
Similarly, in winter, a conservatory with a dwarf wall minimises heat energy loss, ensuring a more energy-efficient and comfortable space.
Dwarf walls also help blend your conservatory with your home, so that it may appear more like an extension.
Fully Glazed
A fully glazed conservatory has glass walls the entire way around, from the top to the bottom of the structure. These panels are separated by traditional frames, such as uPVC, and can feature some windows and a door.
Fully glazed structures create a strong connection to the outdoors. If you’re interested in blending your structure with your garden, then full glass walls are a great choice. While you enjoy the comfort of your conservatory from the inside, you can enjoy open views into your garden.
However, temperature regulation in a fully glazed conservatory is not as effective as with a brick dwarf wall. Therefore, you may experience overheating in summer, or excessive heat loss from your home during the winter. With that being said, with the right choice of glass, such as low-emissivity or solar-control glass, you can minimise this somewhat.
Maintenance-wise, fully glazed conservatories are also more time-consuming to maintain since there’s more surface area to clean. If this will be difficult for you, you can consider self-cleaning glass.
In terms of roofing, an Edwardian conservatory features a four-faceted hip-roof, which all slope to form an apex in the centre. This separates it from the main house and gives lots of overhead roof space. Typically, companies offer to install a hip-roof at a pitch between 15 – 35°.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular roofing materials that you can choose for your Edwardian conservatory.
Edwardian conservatories with polycarbonate roofs
Polycarbonate is a versatile, semi-transparent thermoplastic material known for its lightweight, making it a popular choice for roofing applications.
- Budget-friendly: Polycarbonate is the most affordable material to purchase and install.
- Lightweight: Polycarbonate sheets are lightweight, making handling and installation easier.
- Natural sunlight: They are clear, allowing natural sunlight to enter your conservatory, creating a bright and inviting space.
- Limited lifespan: Polycarbonate roofing has a shorter lifespan compared to glass or tiles, lasting roughly half as long.
- Poor insulation: Polycarbonate is not an effective insulator, allowing heat to escape in winter, resulting in higher heating bills and a colder conservatory.
- Weather vulnerability: Over time, polycarbonate can be susceptible to weather damage, particularly as it approaches the end of its lifespan.
- Noise transmission: It does not effectively muffle outdoor sounds, so you may hear heavy wind and rain, making it less suitable for noisy neighbourhoods.
Edwardian conservatories with glass roofs
Glass roofing is a highly popular, classic conservatory roof option. Though it may require a higher initial investment, glass roofs typically provide a longer-lasting and durable solution.
- Natural sunlight: A glass roof provides abundant natural light, and a sunroom-like ambiance as well as offers overhead views to enjoy.
- Improved insulation: Modern double glazed roofs offer enhanced insulation, keeping the space warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Temperature regulation: Solid tiled roofs outperform glass in terms of insulation, making them a more effective choice for temperature regulation.
- Maintenance: Glass roofs can visibly accumulate dirt, posing challenges for cleaning and maintenance.
- Higher cost: Glass roofs are typically more expensive than polycarbonate alternatives, impacting the overall project cost.
Edwardian conservatories with tiled roofs
An Edwardian conservatory with a tiled roof is a great choice for those concerned with potential heat loss through their conservatory roof. With a tiled roof, your conservatory is effectively insulated year-round.
- Superior insulation: Solid roof tiles provide year-round energy efficiency.
- Appearance: Traditional tiled roofs offer a range of colour options, allowing you to match your conservatory with your house’s roof which helps give the appearance of an extension.
- Longevity: Tiled roofs have an exceptional lifespan of over 50 years, surpassing other roofing materials in durability.
- Higher initial cost: Tiled roofs come with a notably higher initial cost compared to alternative roofing options.
- Lack of natural light: Far less light can enter your conservatory when compared to a glass roof. You may wish to fit a skylight for some overhead light.
How much does an Edwardian style conservatory cost?
Fully fitted, including roofing, new Edwardian conservatory costs will likely fall between £10,000 – £38,100. Standard-sized Edwardian conservatories tend to come in at 3 metres in height and 4 metres in width. The total cost you pay will go up or down depending on the size.
The material you use will also influence the total cost. You can opt for a more affordable material such as uPVC, or a more luxurious material like timber.
Below we’ve outlined the average costs for Edwardian conservatories across various standard sizes, according to the materials you use for the conservatory frames and roofing.
| Edwardian conservatory costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | Aluminium | Wood | |
| Polycarbonate | £12,250 – £22,875 | £15,150 — £25,375 | £12,020 – £30,625 |
| Glass | £12,925 – £25,235 | £15,825 — £27,735 | £19,695 – £32,985 |
| Tile | £14,385 – £30,350 | £17,285 — £32,850 | £21,155 – £38,100 |
Another major cost-deciding factor comes from installation. From the company you choose to the complexity of the job, there are a lot of elements that go into the final installation costs.
That’s why we recommend that you seek out multiple, tailored quotes from various local companies so that you can compare prices and find a good deal. Preferably, it’s also good to acquire fixed, itemised quotes that give you an idea of how parts and labour are priced.
Finding the right companies to work with, contacting them, and receiving their quotes can end up taking several days. If you’d rather save the extra time and effort, then choose GreenMatch. Simply fill in our short form, and we’ll connect you with up to 3 vetted conservatory companies in your area.
They will then offer their tailored quotes that you can compare. You are under no obligation to choose any of the installers we find for you, and it’s completely free.
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Pros and cons of Edwardian conservatories
It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before committing to install a new conservatory. Whether you’re deciding between conservatory styles, or whether you’d like a conservatory at all, you should consider the following:
Advantages of Edwardian conservatories
Add value to your property: Edwardian conservatories add value and interest to your property, for less money than an extension.
Enjoy your garden year-round: These conservatories create a nice connection to your garden, allowing you to appreciate it throughout the year.
Additional living space: You can enjoy the benefit of extra living space in your home for various purposes, from relaxation to hosting guests.
Customisation: Edwardian conservatories offer customisation options, allowing you to select your preferred windows, doors, and roofing materials to match your style and needs.
Relatively affordable: Compared to most conservatory styles, Edwardian conservatories can cost considerably less due to their simple shape and minimal features.
Disadvantages of Edwardian conservatories
Energy costs: The extra space and additional glazing panels may lead to increased energy bills, as there is more space to heat and there is a higher potential for heat loss.
Space consideration: Edwardian conservatories may not be suitable for homes with limited garden space, as they can encroach on available outdoor areas. In this case, you may be better suited to a small conservatory, like a lean-to conservatory.
High cost: Building a new conservatory can be a substantial investment, with some projects reaching up to £50,000.
Is an Edwardian style conservatory something for you?
The decision to opt for an Edwardian conservatory ultimately depends on your home’s style, size, and your personal aesthetic preferences.
Edwardian conservatories offer a versatile and elegant option for homeowners, but determining if it’s the right fit for your specific needs involves considering a few key factors.
The classic Edwardian design harmonises with a wide range of home styles. Its simple shape and minimal design ensures it complements the aesthetics of various architectural designs.
If your house features a low roofline or is a bungalow, the hip-back Edwardian style, characterised by four roof facets forming an apex, can be an excellent choice. It creates a distinct, separate roof appearance that will give plenty of overhead space.
If you lean towards ornate and decorative architectural elements, consider a Victorian conservatory. Characterised by a rounded front and gothic-style finishes, it offers a more intricate and visually striking appearance.
If you have a smaller home or limited outdoor space, a lean-to conservatory might be a more suitable option thanks to its compact design. For larger homes with ample space to spare, T-shaped or L-shaped conservatories offer the opportunity to create a more extensive, multi-functional conservatory.
Is an Edwardian style conservatory something for you?
The decision to opt for an Edwardian conservatory ultimately depends on your home’s style, size, and your personal aesthetic preferences.
Edwardian conservatories offer a versatile and elegant option for homeowners, but determining if it’s the right fit for your specific needs involves considering a few key factors.
The classic Edwardian design harmonises with a wide range of home styles. Its simple shape and minimal design ensures it complements the aesthetics of various architectural designs.
If your house features a low roofline or is a bungalow, the hip-back Edwardian style, characterised by four roof facets forming an apex, can be an excellent choice. It creates a distinct, separate roof appearance that will give plenty of overhead space.
If you lean towards ornate and decorative architectural elements, consider a Victorian conservatory. Characterised by a rounded front and gothic-style finishes, it offers a more intricate and visually striking appearance.
If you have a smaller home or limited outdoor space, a lean-to conservatory might be a more suitable option thanks to its compact design. For larger homes with ample space to spare, T-shaped or L-shaped conservatories offer the opportunity to create a more extensive, multi-functional conservatory.
Get free quotes for Edwardian conservatories in the UK
Need some new conservatory quotes in the UK? Securing the right installer is crucial for a successful conservatory installation. It’s essential to ensure their qualifications, such as being registered with the Conservatory Association, and reviewing customer reviews and testimonials.
Finding suitable installers can be time-consuming. Instead of the laborious process of searching and contacting installers individually, leave it to the GreenMatch team. By providing some basic information through our quick and easy form, we’ll connect you with up to 3 installers in your local area. They will then reach out to you, assess your needs, and offer a fixed quote for the conservatory installation.
Comparing multiple quotes lets you benefit from the best local deals. With GreenMatch, you can choose the most competitive option from up to 3 certified installers within our trusted network. Our quotes are entirely free and come without obligations.
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Ciaran is a content writer at GreenMatch. Whether writing about sustainable aviation fuel or heat pumps, Ciaran has passion for informing readers about pivotal technologies that are reshaping our world.
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