Conservatories are an elegant extension for any building and can provide comfortable and precious extra space, increasing the value of the building itself.
They can be used for different purposes, from a dining room to a reading room or kitchen.
Compared to fairly traditional older models, conservatories are becoming increasingly modern and avant-garde in terms of their shape and materials, with various different styles to choose from.
A good option worth considering is a personalised design, which involves designing and building an entirely custom-made conservatory, so as to meet your customer's needs, complementing their style and the original building in the process, while creating a unique and valuable space that blends in perfectly with the existing circumstances.
Designing a custom-made conservatory is also an excellent way to stand out from the crowd, with an exclusive and luxurious design.
Why go for a custom-made conservatory?
1) First of all, it's one of a kind
An increasing number of customers are opting for personalised homes, so why not offer them the option to personalise their conservatory, too?
This way you can ensure you create an individual and perfectly tailored building that satisfies both your customers and their guests.
The final result will be a unique conservatory that stands out.
2) Furthermore, it will perfectly suit the existing building
The style of the existing building should greatly influence your choice of conservatory. If you opt for a personalised design, you can be sure that the final product will perfectly suit the existing property.
Personalised conservatories are also a great idea if they are to be built in a small or unusual space.
3) You can choose its purpose
As already mentioned, conservatories have multiple potential uses: they can be used as a kitchen extension, such as a veranda, or as a playroom or extra living space.
By designing a personalised space, you can be sure that the environment is perfectly compatible with its intended purpose, making the most of its potential.
4) No less important is the possibility to add various design elements as preferred by your customer
Conservatories are available in different styles, but opting for a bespoke design means you can choose your favourite design elements, thus creating a personal and unique environment.
How to design a personalised conservatory
Use specialised software – this will allow you to design a conservatories in line with your needs.
Some companies, such as DFN, offer consultancy services with a team of architects and designers in order to support you during each stage of the project – including personalised projects – from conception to construction.
Thanks to the various tools out there, you can take a look at the final result while the conservatory is still being designed, which can help you to analyse how the new structure will integrate with the rest of the property, offering you and your customers a more complete and realistic overview of the potential final result.
Again, this approach gives you the opportunity to modify your design until you're happy with it, ensuring that your conservatory blends in well with the rest of the building.
Bespoke conservatories
The term "bespoke" usually refers to something high in quality and luxurious that has been created specifically and exclusively for one person. It is therefore unique, personal and suited to said individual's needs and desires.
The word evokes positive connotations, allowing you to conjure up an image of a pleasant and welcoming space, which reflects the customer's tastes and adds value to his or her property, as well as pleasing those who live in the space.
Two different personalisation options
It's important to emphasise that not all companies design and produce personalised conservatories in the same way.
On the one hand, there are companies that produce a highly standardised selection of products, only making a few changes for personalised projects, such as changes in window size or a sloped roof, etc...
In this instance, the level of personalisation is fairly superficial, and the product is really no more than a variant of a pre-existing model.
On the other hand, however, there are companies that have standardised their basic construction details, but can also offer a wide variety of models by varying construction styles for windows, cladding and even the roof.
This allows you to obtain an additional level of personalisation, which is more in-depth, complete and specific.
The size, shape, style, materials and individual details can be adapted to the customer's needs and wishes.
Four reasons why the existing building deserves a bespoke conservatory
- Location and size
One of the first things to consider when installing a conservatory is the location and size of the desired conservatory.
You will need to understand where it is best to place it, taking into account the direction of the sun during the day, in order to ensure that it benefits from sunlight.
For example, if a conservatory is north-facing, the most effective solution could be to place it adjacent to the existing building.
This will allow you to capture natural light in the morning from the south with the addition of a south-facing window.
- Choosing materials
Designing a personalised conservatory also allows you to choose the materials to be used for construction.
This will allow your customer to go for what he or she likes best, according to his or her needs and tastes.
- Leave your mark
Installing a custom-designed conservatory will add a little something to the building's history and ownership.
It's up to the owner to decide whether or not to invest in a personalised conservatory that will leave its mark in the years to come.
- Added value
A conservatory adds value to a property. By creating a unique and personalised design, you can actually add even more value to the property.
A tailor-made design, with a professional finish, will result in a unique and original construction, making it extra-special.
What can you personalise in a conservatory?
Its structure
Aluminium frames are the best option for luxury conservatories.
Aluminium frames, light but strong and extremely durable, are often used for projects involving large quantities of glass.
Its resistance makes it suitable for modern glass structures that reach from the floor to the ceiling. It's also good at tackling the elements.
It's also worth noting that aluminium is in abundance and is easily recyclable, making it an extremely sustainable option. It's worth taking into consideration its excellent ecological credentials, which are very important these days, given that our society is becoming increasingly attentive to the needs of the environment.
It can be moulded and folded into various shapes, providing multiple possibilities for construction design. Aluminium is much more resistant than wood or PVC frames.
Size and shape
There are no limits to pre-determined sizes and shapes when it comes to bespoke design.
A large room will need adequate heating to ensure that it can be used all year round. Underfloor heating is an optimal choice, despite it potentially limiting the choice of flooring.
If you want a modern design with an abundance of glass, make sure that it doesn't have a negative effect on the temperature of the room by using special glass or effective heating options.
Skylights
Skylights are an extremely versatile way to improve the feeling of a space and the amount of light in the room, making it a more inviting environment and giving it a certain grandeur.
Depending on the building's appearance or the room's purpose, you can also include air intake bellows and doors that can be opened to ventilate the conservatory.
Glass
These days, glass and aluminium conservatories are most popular and elegant.
They are often used to blend the boundaries between internal and external areas, creating a feeling of space in the room and allowing you to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
To best enjoy your conservatory, there are several potential ways to treat glass:
- thermal efficiency glass: this type of glass uses advanced technology to reflect heat, radiating it into space, rather than letting it dissipate.
- self-cleaning glass: this type of glass uses photocatalytic processes and sunlight to break down organic dirt. A second process known as a hydrophilic process uses rainwater, forcing it to spread through the glass rather than forming droplets, taking away any dirt loosened by the first process.
- anti-glare, reflective or coloured glass: also known as "solar control" glass. To ensure your are comfortable in your new conservatory, this glass reflects or absorbs solar radiation, preventing it from entering the room, reducing glare and heat build-up in the process.
Design a bespoke conservatory and make your customers' dreams come true
In conclusion, a bespoke conservatory can offer you a luxurious and classy extension – a unique environment that goes hand-in-hand with the existing building. It can be used for different purposes, which the customer can choose together with the elements and details that he or she prefers.
You can personalise all aspects related to building a conservatory, from its size, to its quality and efficiency levels, from a more traditional or modern style to the materials used...
There are no limits when it comes to design, so indulge yourself: let your imagination run wild and create a space that is perfectly in line with your customer's needs!
