Edwardian Style Conservatory Explained

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What is it?

An Edwardian, Georgian, Regency are all common names for this style, although the term Georgian is often used incorrectly (see pavilion section for further explanation). The conservatory is the same basic design for all. It most commonly has three sides (known as facets) giving a square or rectangular shape when looking from above.

Plan (Bird's eye) view of an Edwardian: Click here for a larger view

As with most common conservatory designs the Edwardian projects at right angles away from the property giving two straight sides which meet at a corner point on each side, this is where the front facet joins to give it the square shape.

The roof is a normal pitched style (usually at around 25 degrees from the horizontal). This means that it slopes upwards from it's sides meeting at a central ridge height. The roof at the front is also pitched, which is commonly known as a 'Hipped front', although most people will not refer to it this way as it is usually accepted that all the sides on an Edwardian style are pitched.

The ridge is the apex part of the roof, much the same as a normal house roof. Look again at the bird's eye view mentioned above, the central vertical line on this diagram is the Ridge.

The rafters (roof bars) which reach out diagonally to the corners are often known as the hip rafters because they are where each 'hip' (the slope) of the roof meets. The Edwardian roof keeps the square simple look with what are known as 'jack rafters'. These are usually normal rafters (roof bars) which stay at right angles to the layout, but at points where they meet with the hip rafters they are considered to be 'jacked', hence the name jack rafters.

Advantages of the Edwardian Style

• The classic Edwardian look can enhance the original features of an Edwardian era property.
• Gives a simple 'clean' look with straight lines and simple shape.
• Maximises use of internal floor area of the conservatory.
• Can have a double hipped roof if any height restrictions are at the property where the conservatory is to be sited.
• Can project out into larger gardens (particularly if the garden is long and narrow) giving a greater conservatory space if desired.

• Generally has a maximum width available so do not normally lend themselves to applications where width is more desired over projection.