Question 1

What is a wintergarden?

Accepted Answer

A bespoke glazed extension built as one system, roof and glazing designed together, so a garden room, dining space or studio can be used through the year instead of only in summer.

Question 2

Is a wintergarden the same as a conservatory or an orangery?

Accepted Answer

Not quite. A wintergarden is built around its own insulated roof system, coordinated with the vertical glazing rather than assembled from separate products, and it can be finished in aluminium, wood or wood/aluminium.

Question 3

Do I need planning permission for a glazed extension?

Accepted Answer

Many extensions fall within permitted development, but it depends on your house, the size and the area, and conservation areas or listed buildings change the answer. We will tell you what we need and work alongside your architect or planning consultant.

Question 4

What roof pitch can a wintergarden have?

Accepted Answer

Insulated roof systems span wide openings at pitches from 5 to 45 degrees, so the roof can follow the design intent, from a shallow contemporary line to a steeper traditional pitch.

Question 5

What materials and finishes are available?

Accepted Answer

Aluminium with around 30 RAL colours as standard, timber for a warmer interior, or wood/aluminium for a weatherproof exterior with a timber look inside, all matched to the doors and windows in the same installation.

Question 6

Can a wintergarden be built over an existing patio or terrace?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is one of the most common projects. We survey the existing structure, confirm what it needs to carry, and design the roof and glazing around the space you already use.

Question 7

Will a wintergarden be warm enough to use in winter?

Accepted Answer

The roof and glazing are insulated and specified with the glass build for the orientation, so a wintergarden can be a usable room all year. We assess the heat gains and losses at design stage and allow for shading or ventilation where they are needed.

Question 8

Can the glazed walls be bi-folding or sliding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The vertical glazing can be bi-folding doors, lift-and-slide doors, fixed glazing or a combination, all in the same profile and finish as the roof so the extension reads as one piece of architecture.

Question 9

How is a wintergarden kept cool in summer?

Accepted Answer

We specify solar control glass, opening vents and sliding or folding walls that open the room to the garden, and where needed external shading, so the space stays comfortable at both ends of the year.

Question 10

How do I get a wintergarden designed and priced?

Accepted Answer

Send us a sketch, a photograph or your architect's drawing with the sizes, and we will reply within 24 hours with the system, the specification and a quotation, then arrange a survey at the property.

Wintergardens

Overview

Typical applications

6 systems in this family

Avario

SDL Akzent plus

SDL Akzent Vision

SDL Nobiles

SDL Avantgarde

SDL Avalis

Wintergardens questions

Talk to our team

See the systems in motion