Advice - Conservatory Size: Things To Consider

Size Matters!

The most important thing when choosing a new conservatory is to get the correct size relative to the outdoor space you have available.

Use the golden ratio rule

Since at least the 20th century, many artists and architects have proportioned their works approximately to the golden ratio; especially in the form of the golden rectangle is where the ratio of the longer side to the shorter is the golden ratio (1:1.618). This proportion is believed to be aesthetically pleasing.

Golden ratio = (1:1.618)

So how does this work when applying this theory to your new conservatory?

A house with a width of approx. 28ft which is roughly the average in Britain, the conservatory ought to have a width of 17.5ft.

These dimensions give you a conservatory which looks great with the house it is attached to as its proportions are aesthetically pleasing. In terms of depth, this can be judge separately.

Factors such as how you are going to use this space and the size of your garden will determine the depth. DIY conservatories come in a variety of standard sizes as well as bespoke options, so you will most definitely find a conservatory that will suit your needs, budget and life style.

Measuring Advice

When measuring the area for the new conservatory, take your measurements in millimetres. Then measure to the external brickwork size as this will determine the actual frame size that is needed. A good way to check that your garden will take your chosen conservatory is to mark out the relevant dimensions using bricks and string along the ground.

At this time you can also mark out where you would like the doors from the house and the doors from the conservatory into the garden to be located. See how easy it is to walk through the space you have created, use some garden furniture inside the marked out area to see how comfortably you can get around the new garden room with the make shift furniture in place. To give you a better idea of the internal space measure an existing internal room and visualising your conservatory furniture in this space.

Most average rooms in the UK are approx. 16 square meters so with these measurements in mind you can decide how big or small you want this internal space to be.

Building Advice

Another consideration when looking at the size of your conservatory is that all obstacles like manhole covers and drains may need to be relocated if they are in the way. So discuss these things with a builder before you make a purchase. This way you can budget for the full cost of the conservatory and not have any nasty financial surprises along the way.

Style Advice

The style of conservatory also plays a part when considering the size of your conservatory.

The lean to conservatory also known as the Mediterranean conservatory, is a good choice where space is limited. It’s long/slim and not so deep design with a simple sloping roof also works well on properties like bungalows.

Whereas the Edwardian and Victorian conservatory are rectangular shaped making the most of floor space and have larger pitched roofs which make them suitable for larger plots.

A Bit About Planning Permission.

Detached and semi-detached properties may be extended without planning permission by up to 70 cubic metres or 15% of the volume of the original house, whichever is the greater to a maximum of 115 cubic metres. If your home has been previously extended in any way, you will have eaten into some of the maximum permitted development you are allowed. You will need to include this in your calculations and if the maximum of 115 cubic meters is exceeded you might need to apply for planning permission.

When you are calculating the cubic meter size of the conservatory, bear in mind that the overall height of your planned conservatory must not exceed four metres when it is less than two metres from any boundary and that the height of the conservatory may equal the height of the house.

In our next article we will cover: How size can affect whether planning permission is needed.