SALES OF HIGH PERFORMANCE ORANGERIES BUCK THE TREND SAYS TOP INSTALLER TRENTHAM
The Orangery is undergoing a renaissance in Britain and bringing a touch of excitement to homeowners seeking the addition of traditional elegance to their homes. But whilst the design may be traditional, the performance of Orangeries installed by Trentham Garden Conservatories is right up to date with roofs glazed with Pilkington Activ™ Blue, which the company has been installing since the advanced conservatory roof glass was launched.
Trentham’s John Melling says that despite the difficult conditions in the marketplace the company’s offer of highly specified Orangeries and other up-market glass structures remain popular and sales are holding well. “Unlike conservatories which are perceived as an add-on to a property, Orangeries are very much an extension to the existing property,” comments John Melling of Trentham. “As the concept of open plan rooms becomes more popular, an Orangery offers the ideal solution as it can be built as an extension to a room, say a kitchen, and then opened out into a large living space.” The sector is limited however and requires a greater skill set and investment, with Trentham Garden Conservatories combining creative architectural design with the most technologically advanced materials that meet stringent legislative and environmental requirements.
As with any building extension, the Orangery is subject to compliance with structural and energy requirements, including Part L of the Building Regulations. “This can be a daunting prospect but we have developed the skill and experience to understand the design criteria that meets and exceeds the standards. Incorporating Pilkington Activ™ Blue glass allows us to easily comply with roof glazing requirements as it is the most technologically advanced glass technology in Europe. In combination with Pilkington K Glass™ or Pilkington Optitherm™ S4 in an Insulating Glass Unit, it gives us a compliant U-value, as well as solar control and self-cleaning” continues John.
And this dedication to using the highest quality products is paying off for the company which was recently awarded the Gold Award for Small Conventional Conservatories and the Bronze Award in the Portals section of this year’s Glassex Conservatory Design Competition, against some particularly tough competition. John is determined to up Trentham’s entry in this category next year.
The concept of the Orangery originated in Italy in the 17th century and was widely adopted in Britain during the Victorian era as the ideal extension to some of the country’s finest homes. The name reflects the original use of the building as a place where citrus trees were often wintered in tubs under cover to survive the harsh frosts.
Pilkington Activ™ Blue is a revolutionary glass that is perfect for use in conservatories, Orangeries and other structures with glass roofs. It uses daylight and rainwater to breakdown and wash away organic dirt from exterior surfaces, making it ideal for hard to reach places that are difficult to clean. Its unique blue colour also helps keep internal temperatures cool whilst still maintaining excellent light transmittance. For optimum self-cleaning and thermal performance, Pilkington Activ™ Blue is combined with Pilkington K Glass™ or Pilkington Optitherm™ S4 in an Insulating Glass Unit.
Issued on behalf of Pilkington Building Products by VAST PR. For further information contact Paul Godwin or Jonathan Crosby, VAST PR, on 0845 0945 215; fax 01442 891470. email paul@vastpr.co.uk.
Please forward reader enquiries quoting Reference No. 0157 Pilkington Building Products - UK, Unit 1A, Wirral Business Park, Arrowe Brook Road, Upton, Merseyside, CH49 1QZ. Telephone 01744 692000, Fax 01744 692880, or Email pilkington@respond.uk.com