How to design the perfect conservatory

You want to end up with a well-proportioned conservatory that is fit for purpose. Inevitably, this means sacrificing part of your garden, but hold tight to your goal of creating a structure that, through good design, provides an effortless link between inside and out.

A conservatory will reduce your gardens footprint, says Brendan Day, head of design at Apropos, who has been building glass structures for 50 years. But dont forget that with glass theres a lot of growing to be had. A conservatory could meet your planting needs just as well, if not better, than your garden space.

Choose furniture, size of planting beds and accessories (eg staging, large containers) at the design stage. These dimensions will determine the final proportions and internal floor layout and help to ensure that the best views are incorporated and that the natural light will be a plus, not a hindrance.

As for architecture, the obvious choice is to echo the style of your home. Yet contemporary conservatories alongside period homes are increasingly popular, often making minimal impact. Indeed, for this reason English Heritage often recommends contemporary glass structures for listed buildings.

3 Aspect

A south-facing aspect may seem the obvious choice to ensure year-round sun, but the suns rays become magnified and can burn through glass. Also, air becomes hot and dry, an environment that no plant (or person) enjoys, and which also encourages pests and disease. Blinds will be an essential addition.

Some of the nicest buildings Ive experienced, in terms of lovely, breathable atmosphere and comfortable sociable space, are on the north sides of peoples homes, advises Lisa Rawley, of conservatory plant specialist Fleur de Lys.

4 Glazing

A conservatory relies on its glass to operate to capacity. Solar-controlled glass can help minimise the temperature of the room and control glare. In a north-facing conservatory, low-emissivity (lowE) glass will reduce heat loss.

Architecturally speaking, lanterns and coloured glass can create interest, but Nick Bashford, a director of glasshouse and conservatory specialist Alitex, advises against fussy effects or, for example, replicating the details of your propertys windows.

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How to design the perfect conservatory