An orangery addition, bursting with natural light, transforms this Yorkshire home

A room that ticks all the boxes. This open plan living, kitchen and dining room has become the hub of the home, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and family.

Situated in the heart of Yorkshire and surrounded by magnificent towering trees and lush green lawns – Oak Tree House is a 19th Century residence. Natural Heritage listed, Grade II, for its historic interest. Having been built for an entirely different family dynamic, the flow, function and feel of the property were not ideal for modern-day living. This home was crying out for additional space. An extension that wouldn’t feel out of place beside the property, and would remain timeless as it ages amongst ancient trees.

Our clients wanted an extension that would fill their main living areas with floods of natural light, whilst providing them with the space they needed to socialise and relax as a family. The original room, although beautifully decorated, was narrow and difficult to manoeuvre during the busy comings and goings of family life. It felt constrained, enclosed, and dark, with an awkwardly positioned step, slicing and dividing the room in two. Preventing the desired effortless flow from the seating area to the dining space. An orangery addition, bursting with natural light, was the perfect solution to create a large open plan space that felt wonderfully expansive and welcoming.

The new orangery sits neatly balanced beside the property, with a backdrop of sumptuous foliage and views out to the generously sized garden and rolling fields beyond. We created an opening from the previous French doors, located in the dining area. This Old dining area has been transformed into new kitchen, with a quartz-topped island linking the original interior space with the new timber orangery. With so much additional space the homeowners even made room for a a drinks cupboard, hidden behind mirrored sliding doors.

The joinery has all been finished inside and out with 3-coats of Teknos paint in the shade ‘Salt Stone’. A rich, chalky grey tone, similar to that of Farrow and Ball Hardwick White. With matching decorative hoppers and downpipes in the same colour, arriving on-site fully finished, with no need to paint in situ, for a smooth, fast, and efficient installation.

The orangery features two sets of double doors that open outwards on the northeast and northwest aspects. Hung from 100mm projection hinges to allow the doors to open all the way back and create an outdoor/indoor space to enjoy the patio that is elevated above the garden. Above the room sits a large rectangular roof lantern, with decorative Ogee mouldings on the rafters, creating a tremendous sense of space. Extending the ceiling height and filling the room with natural light. Not only that, but the lantern features 4 roof vents, two on either side, which allow warm air to escape during the summer months. Fitted with automatic thermostatic motors, they detect when the room is becoming too hot to automatically open the roof vents throughout the day, and their clever technology also means that they will automatically close with the first drop of rain. Allow the room to remain at the perfect temperature throughout the warmest months of the year.

Descending from each of the kingpins are pendant lights of aged gold and blown glass orbs which illuminate the two zones below; The generous dining space is ideal for family dinners beside the seating area where the family can retreat for a movie night below the stars. The room has hidden underfloor heating and thermostatic controls, which keep the room warm and comfortable during the colder months, whilst preventing the tiles underfoot from feeling cold.