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With over 15 years in the industry, we pride ourselves on creating bespoke orangeries that combine elegance and functionality.
We offer a variety of orangery designs tailored to your unique tastes. Whether you’re looking for a modern contemporary space or a classic conservatory feel, we have the perfect solution for you.
RV Roofing Services cover Dorset and Hampshire, including Bournemouth and all local areas.
We offer an emergency call-out service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us immediately for any urgent roofing issues.
We hold NVQ and PASMA accreditations.
Yes, we accept card payments for all our services.
Do you have a question about our roofing or building services?
RV Roofing & Building specialise in creating beautiful, custom-designed orangeries that blend timeless architectural charm with modern living standards. Whether you’re looking to add a bright, versatile space for family gatherings, a peaceful garden room or a luxurious dining extension, our bespoke orangery construction services in Dorset are designed for your home and lifestyle.
Working across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and all local areas to Dorset, our skilled team of designers, builders and project managers will take care of every detail, from the first drafts to the final fixings.
We can create a completely novel design or tailor your orangery to complement the character of your property. Using only premium materials and advanced glazing systems, the experienced team have a long list of previous built orangeries for local clients.
Choose us for craftsmanship and efficiency. Every detail from brickwork to structural insulation, is managed by our in-house experts. We don’t cut corners and we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all kits.
Each orangery we build is a true extension of your home, designed to blend harmoniously with its architecture and surroundings.
We also provide clear timelines, transparent pricing, and complete project oversight. Our team handles everything — including planning permissions, groundwork, foundations, and finishing — so there are no unexpected delays or third-party confusion. You deal with one company, one team, and one point of contact throughout.
Most importantly, we understand that home projects are about trust. That’s why so much of our work comes from referrals and returning clients who know they can rely on us for quality, honesty, and aftercare.
If you’re seeking a company that brings together the best of design, build and local expertise — RV Roofing & Building is your ideal partner.
Excellent repair work and they alerted us to the bad installation of flue pipe through the roof which needed lead covering. They applied lead plate around the pipe and did a great job. Would definitely recommend.
hen James and Eliza Bennett purchased their Edwardian semi in Verwood, they loved the period features but found the rear of the house lacking in usable, year-round space. “We had a small lean-to conservatory that was either freezing or boiling, and it just didn’t fit the house,” Eliza recalls.
The couple wanted a room that felt like part of the home — somewhere they could enjoy family meals, read on sunny afternoons, or simply take in the garden year-round. After researching options, they turned to RV Roofing & Building with a clear brief: a stylish, permanent orangery that respected the character of their home but delivered modern comfort and performance.
RV Roofing & Building began with a full site assessment and planning check. Because of the property’s age and conservation considerations, close attention was paid to material matching and elevation lines. “They really impressed us with their knowledge of the planning side. It wasn’t just a build — they were thinking ahead,” says James.
The design featured a low brick wall in matched heritage red, a warm grey aluminium lantern roof for maximum light, and full-width bifold doors opening to the rear garden. High-performance glass and cavity insulation ensured it would be usable in all seasons. Inside, underfloor heating and engineered oak flooring tied the new space seamlessly into the existing kitchen.
The build, including groundwork, took just over six weeks. There were no surprises or delays, and the team managed every element — from excavation to final decoration. “It was incredibly smooth. We were kept in the loop daily, and the finish was even better than we expected,” says Eliza.
The finished orangery added 17m² of bright, elegant space that completely changed the way the family used their home. “It’s our favourite room,” Eliza says. “It’s warm in winter, airy in summer, and just beautiful. RV Roofing & Building delivered exactly what we hoped for – and more.”
Orangeries have evolved over the years to accommodate a wide range of architectural preferences and functional needs. At RV Roofing & Building, we design and build several distinct styles of orangeries across Dorset, each offering its own unique benefits and aesthetic appeal.
The traditional orangery remains a favourite among homeowners with period properties or those seeking timeless elegance. This style typically features solid brick or stone pillars, a flat roof with a central roof lantern, and tall sash or casement windows. Decorative cornices and deep fascias give the structure a sense of grandeur, while the brickwork allows it to harmonise with older homes or those situated in conservation areas.
For those drawn to more minimalist aesthetics, the contemporary orangery offers a sleek and streamlined alternative. Often constructed with slimline aluminium frames in anthracite or black finishes, these designs prioritise clean lines, large expanses of glazing, and unobstructed views to the garden. The roof may feature a low-profile lantern or even structural glazing panels to maximise natural light without compromising on energy efficiency. These modern orangeries are particularly popular for new-builds or properties undergoing substantial renovation.
One of the most common choices is the lantern roof orangery, where a solid perimeter roof frames a large central glazed lantern. This style provides the perfect balance between solid construction and overhead light, creating a bright, functional space that feels like a true extension of the home. It’s ideal for open-plan kitchens or dining areas, offering year-round usability with excellent insulation.
Another attractive option is the gable-end orangery, designed with a pitched roof that forms a gable at the front. This not only increases head height within the room but also adds dramatic light flow and architectural interest. Gable-end designs often work well on detached or semi-detached homes with sufficient vertical space, adding a striking element to the rear elevation.
For properties with ample garden space, a corner orangery can create a dual-aspect retreat. By wrapping around two exterior walls, this layout brings in light from multiple angles and offers sweeping views of the garden. Corner orangeries are ideal for homeowners who want to create an open, panoramic environment that flows effortlessly between indoors and outdoors.
Finally, the P-shaped orangery combines the traditional box structure with an extended glazed area, creating a multifunctional space. This style is particularly useful for those who want clearly defined zones – such as a lounge area and a dining space – within one cohesive room. It’s a practical choice for larger properties or households that entertain regularly.
Each of these orangery types can be fully tailored to your preferences, from window design and roof style to materials, internal layout and finishes. At RV Roofing & Building, we guide you through the entire design and planning process, ensuring your new orangery doesn’t just fit your home, but enhances it beautifully.
When built properly, an orangery can enhance energy efficiency by providing an extra layer of insulation to the home. It can trap solar heat in colder months, reduce draughts in older rear extensions, and act as a buffer between internal and external temperature shifts. With high-spec glazing, insulated cavities, and proper ventilation, your orangery becomes a thermally efficient space that supports a more sustainable home.
When expanding your home with an orangery or any outdoor living space, understanding the planning landscape is just as important as the design and construction. In Dorset, the rules are clear but nuanced, and navigating them effectively is key to ensuring your project moves forward smoothly — without delays, fines, or retrospective applications.
For many homeowners across Dorset, orangeries fall under what’s known as “permitted development rights” – essentially, a set of national rules that allow certain types of building work without the need for full planning permission. These rights apply only to houses (not flats, maisonettes or listed buildings) and are subject to a long list of conditions.
While these rules sound straightforward, it’s important to note that the definition of “original house” refers to the property as it stood in 1948 (or when it was first built, if later). Previous extensions — even those done by former owners — count toward your permitted development allowance.
There are several scenarios in which full planning permission will be required in Dorset:
In such cases, the application must go through Dorset Council’s planning portal. You’ll need detailed architectural drawings, material specifications and in some cases, heritage or ecological reports. The council will then consult neighbours, assess the impact and issue a decision typically within eight weeks.
All RV Roofing & Building orangery installations come with a comprehensive workmanship guarantee.
In addition to that, we source materials such as windows, doors, and roofing systems from trusted UK manufacturers that offer their own product warranties – typically ranging from 10-25 years.
Even if your orangery falls under permitted development, building regulations approval is still required. This ensures the structure meets national standards for structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
RV Roofing & Building will handle all liaison with building control officers on your behalf. Whether it’s submitting structural calculations for steel beams, ensuring adequate thermal performance in glass units, or confirming damp-proofing and ventilation in foundations, we make sure your project is signed off and fully compliant.
It’s worth noting that many clients confuse planning permission and building regulations approval – but they are separate processes, and you may need one, both, or neither, depending on your project. We walk you through what’s required in your specific case.
If your orangery is to be built within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure or involves excavation below their foundations, you may also fall under the Party Wall Act 1996. This doesn’t mean you can’t proceed – but you will need to serve formal notice and possibly commission a party wall surveyor. In our experience across Dorset, this is common in built-up areas like Southbourne, Boscombe, or Parkstone.
RV Roofing & Building brings extensive local knowledge to the table. We’ve worked in areas with tight planning constraints — including conservation zones in Christchurch and heritage-sensitive parts of Dorchester — and we understand what local authorities expect. For clients in these areas, we often liaise directly with planning officers or collaborate with planning consultants and architects to prepare robust applications.
Where projects qualify for permitted development, we can prepare and submit a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) — a formal confirmation from the council that your project is legal without full planning. This is especially useful when selling your home in future, as it avoids complications during conveyancing.
The planning phase is often the most daunting part of any home extension, especially when jargon and red tape are involved. That’s why we provide clear guidance from day one. We assess your site, check the planning history, advise on any limitations, and present design solutions that maximise what you can build within the legal framework.
With RV Roofing & Building, you don’t just get a beautiful, light-filled orangery — you get a carefully managed process that protects your investment and your peace of mind.
Whether you’re looking to check if your orangery project requires planning permission, verify conservation area restrictions, or apply for building regulations approval, having the correct council contact details is essential.
Coverage: Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Blandford, Sherborne, Shaftesbury and rural Dorset
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Planning Enquiries: planningteama@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Phone: 01305 838336
Planning Portal: Planning Applications
Coverage: Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole
Website: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Planning Enquiries: planning@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Building Control: building.control@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Phone: 01202 123321
Planning Portal: BCP Planning
From pendant lights over a central dining area to discreet wall lighting and smart socket systems, your orangery can include all the modern electrical features of any indoor living space. Many clients also request integrated sound systems, underfloor heating zones, and automated blinds for glazed roofs.
The team co-ordinates all electrical work to ensure a seamless and safe installation — with certified electricians included in the build plan from day one.
An orangery is more than an aesthetic feature – it’s highly versatile. We’ve seen clients use them as home offices, playrooms, yoga studios, reading nooks, or even open-plan dining spaces. With the right layout and interior choices, your orangery becomes a meaningful extension of your lifestyle – not just your floorplan!
Modern orangeries are no longer just “summer rooms.” With advanced glazing, insulated roof systems, and underfloor heating options, your orangery becomes a comfortable space 365-days a year.
Though often confused, orangeries and conservatories are structurally and aesthetically distinct. An orangery typically features a greater proportion of solid walls and a partially solid roof structure, usually with a central glazed roof lantern, offering a more substantial, extension-like feel.
Conservatories, by contrast, are largely glazed structures with minimal brickwork and fully transparent roofs, often creating a more seasonal space. The orangery's design makes it blend more harmoniously with the main house, providing superior insulation, privacy, and architectural continuity.
One of the main appeals of a modern orangery is its year-round usability. Thanks to insulated brickwork, energy-efficient glazing, and the option of integrating underfloor heating or radiators, a well-built orangery maintains a comfortable indoor temperature through both hot summers and cold winters. Clients in Dorset regularly use theirs as dining areas, home offices, lounges, or playrooms without seasonal interruption.
On average, an orangery takes between four to eight weeks from groundwork to completion.
This includes site preparation, construction of the foundations and walls, installation of windows, doors, and the roof lantern, as well as all interior finishes. Timelines may vary based on design complexity, access, weather conditions, and whether planning permission or building control involvement is required.
RV Roofing & Building offers transparent scheduling with clear milestones so you always know what to expect.
At RV, we carefully guide each customer to the best materials for both function and form.
Material choice depends on the desired aesthetic, performance, and budget. For windows and doors, uPVC offers a cost-effective and low-maintenance option, aluminium provides a sleek contemporary look with strength and slim sightlines, and timber delivers timeless appeal with excellent thermal properties.
External walls are typically built with brickwork or render to match the home, while roofing systems use insulated timbers and glass.
Yes, orangeries are widely recognised for adding both lifestyle value and market appeal. A well-designed orangery can boost a property’s worth by 5% to 10%, especially in sought-after Dorset locations such as Westbourne, Canford Cliffs, and Wimborne. More than just an extra room, it enhances kerb appeal, improves layout flexibility, and demonstrates investment in the property, all of which resonate strongly with prospective buyers.
Every orangery built by RV Roofing & Building is completely bespoke.
We work closely with you and your architect or designer, if preferred, to ensure the orangery suits your home’s proportions and your lifestyle needs. From the number and position of doors and windows to the roof lantern dimensions, internal layout, lighting scheme, and decorative finish, no two orangeries are ever the same.
We aim to deliver a space that’s functional, elegant, and uniquely yours.
Modern orangeries are designed with longevity in mind. Aluminium and uPVC elements require little more than occasional cleaning, while brickwork is naturally weather-resistant.
The glass used in roof lanterns and bifold doors often features self-cleaning coatings or solar control properties. Timber elements, if used, may need periodic re-treatment to maintain their integrity and appearance.
Our installations are designed to stand the test of time with minimal upkeep, giving you peace of mind and lasting value.
When built properly, an orangery can enhance energy efficiency by providing an extra layer of insulation to the home. It can trap solar heat in colder months, reduce draughts in older rear extensions and act as a buffer between internal and external temperature shifts.
With high-spec glazing, insulated cavities, and proper ventilation, your orangery becomes a thermally efficient space that supports a more sustainable home.
At RV Roofing Services, we’re dedicated to providing solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you have questions, need a quote or are ready to start your project. Reach out to us through our convenient contact form on the site, where you can quickly submit your enquiries and requirements.
Our collaborative partnerships with architects, local planners and town councils ensure a successful project and swift timeline.
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