Death of the conservatory?

By Chris Baron, director, Prefix Systems.

Over recent months, we’ve seen negative publicity about tired, old conservatories impacting on property values and more recently an online industry poll demonstrating a lack of focus on these room type installations. As an industry, we are well aware of the shift away from traditional conservatory structures.

What was a ‘conservatory’ has evolved to become a glazed extension with greater use of solid walls, brick piers and orangery style roofs. Combined with a lightweight tiled roof extension or an outdoor living solution like a canopy or pergola, the potential market for all these different structures is much larger than that of the ‘old conservatory’ at its peak in the mid 00’s.

So, has a lack of investment and innovation from system companies played a major part in the decline of the conservatory?

In our opinion, the answer to that question is yes, the market has evolved, providing consumers with options away from the conservatory/glazed extension.

In response to the above, the launch of the Sheerline S2 glazed roofing system is a much-needed boost to the glazed extension sector and we believe that the once ‘traditional’ conservatory market will be shaken up and it’s about time too.

There are several million white conservatories across the UK, many with period detailing including distinctive crestings and finials, along with ogee glazing bars and similarly matching trims to the inside. Typical windows include the generic top over fixed lights, while French doors dominate the overall design principles.

But if we look back at this point in time, over 80% of window replacements were white with ovolo or decorative glazing beads, sashes and even detailed outer frames highly dominant. Yet the window market has re-invented itself with the birth of the flush sash and the many millions of pounds poured into R&D, with foiled finishes taking an approximate 80% share, according to data from Tommy Trinder.

Due to the lack of innovation in the glazed roof sector, the humble conservatory that was, has seen little care or innovation until now.

With a square, bold, modern appearance, S2 not only looks considerably different, as was ably demonstrated at our stand at the FIT Show, but has also been carefully engineered for wider spans, better thermal performance and on-trend aesthetics.

We believe a new market for glazed extensions will emerge with full-height glazing, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, roof and glass options perfectly suited to modern living. Long live the conservatory (aka glazed extension)!