Spectacular Orangery with Cupola Roof Lantern

Unlike uPVC roof lanterns in a standard square or rectangle shape, a timber octagonal roof lantern with a cupola commands attention for all the right reasons, making it an ideal option for when a homeowner desires an orangery with a touch of grandeur. Topped with a simple ball finial, this impressive rooftop structure certainly stands out.

A cupola is an ideal design for this project, as the additional height makes the orangery’s proportions work beautifully with the main property. Perfectly complementing this fine country house which sits nestled in a rural Hampshire estate, the new layout creates a bright and airy dining space with a magnificent feature fireplace. The octagonal room is ideal for special family meals and dinner parties, with a circular dining table sitting in the centre that allows everyone to face each other and talk.

A set of French Doors can be opened up during the summer, connecting the dining room with the beautifully manicured garden and allowing for evening strolls outside after dinner. To the front, a matching set of French doors leads through to a new Study, adding an access route to the house.

The orangery includes four side-opening casement windows with concealed friction stays and four top-hung clerestory lantern lights with electric openers. An electrical extractor vent concealed within the central finial-pin of the smaller top lantern will help to keep the temperature feeling cool during the summer months, which can be manually switched and will help to draw the warmer air up and out of the room.

The unique design of this particular roof lantern will maximise on the amount of sunshine streaming into the room below. For this reason, we used a special solar reflective coating on the underside of the internal panes of glass. With the solar reflective glazing, both glare and UV rays are reduced whilst also reducing solar heat gain in our rooms. This makes a significant difference in keeping our rooms comfortable during the summer months when we endure long hours of direct sunlight. During the winter months, the Low-E coating reflects heat back into the room maintaining a level of comfort throughout the year.