Modern Orangery for a Home in a Bedford Conservation Area

The existing extension wasn't meeting the family’s needs, feeling disconnected from both the main house and the outdoors. The clients had a strong vision for what they wanted to achieve, focusing on large glazed doors and an open-plan feel. Our task was to translate this vision into a design that would not only deliver the desired lifestyle but also satisfy the specific planning requirements of a conservation area.

Our solution involved removing the old structure entirely and designing a larger, contemporary-style orangery in its place. The standout feature is the large corner door system. When fully opened, these doors peel back to remove the corner of the building entirely, creating a truly seamless transition between the kitchen and the garden patio.

Navigating the planning process for a modern design while working within a conservation area requires a sensitive and detailed approach. While there were some discussions and design revisions around the windows and doors to ensure they were sympathetic to the surroundings, we successfully secured planning permission for the new extension on behalf of our clients.

The result is a complete transformation. The new space is a bright, modern kitchen and family hub filled with natural light from the large roof lantern and expansive glazing. It has become the heart of the home, providing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle the clients had envisioned from the start.