5-Star Rated Service

Conservatories in Cambridge

10

Years Guarantee

5 Star

Customer Ratings

2,852+

Projects Completed

100%

Fully Insured

Area Cladding designs, builds and installs conservatories across Cambridge and Cherry Hinton. A well-built conservatory adds a bright, usable room to a home and connects it directly to the garden. We plan every project around the property, the budget and the way the household actually lives; from a compact lean-to for a terraced house to a fully bespoke conservatory built to an exact specification.

We work with homeowners throughout Cherry Hinton, Cambridge and the surrounding villages, and we build in timber, uPVC and aluminium. Whatever style suits the property, we handle design, planning checks and installation as one connected service. Search "conservatories near me," and we cover the full 35-mile radius around Cambridge.

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38+

Years Experience

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Why Add a Conservatory to Your Cambridge Home

Cambridge and Cherry Hinton hold a large number of Victorian terraces, 1930s semis and period cottages, and many of these have kitchens and living rooms too small for modern life. A conservatory solves that problem directly, adding real floor space without the disruption of a full brick extension.

Extra usable space:

The room works as a second living space, a dining area, a home office or a playroom, and its function shifts as the household's needs shift.

Daylight that reaches beyond the new room:

Large glazed panels flood the space with light and give a direct view of the garden year-round. Because the structure sits partly or fully glazed, the light spreads into adjoining rooms too, not just the new space.

A stronger resale position:

A conservatory raises a property's value alongside its usability. Estate agents list extra reception rooms as a factor buyers respond to, and a well-designed, well-maintained conservatory reads as genuine square footage rather than a bolt-on structure.

A route to more natural light than a standard extension:

Solid-wall extensions rely on standard window openings; a glazed structure multiplies the light entering the property at every hour of the day.

Conservatory Styles We Design

Every conservatory style changes the room's appearance, the floor space it delivers and how well it fits a specific plot. We design six core styles and adapt each one to the house in front of us.

Victorian conservatories

Victorian conservatories carry a bay-fronted, multi-sided design with a steeply pitched roof. The shape suits period terraces and semis across Cambridge particularly well, since it echoes the bay windows already common on these properties.

Edwardian conservatories

Edwardian conservatories use a square or rectangular footprint instead of a bay front, which maximises usable floor space for the same overall size. This style suits a dining table and chairs, a desk or a full seating arrangement rather than a single reading nook.

Lean-to conservatories

Lean-to conservatories run a single sloped roof along the back of the house. The design costs less to build than a Victorian or Edwardian equivalent and fits narrow gardens and side returns where roof height sits under restriction.

Gable conservatories

Gable conservatories carry a triangular, upright front panel that reaches a high point at the apex. The style delivers a dramatic, light-filled room with genuine height, and it suits larger gardens and properties where the extra glazing at the top of the structure sits clear of neighbouring windows.

P-shaped conservatories

P-shaped conservatories combine a Lean-to and a Victorian or Edwardian section into one structure, creating two distinct zones under a single roofline; a dining area and a separate lounge space, for example.

Bespoke conservatory

Bespoke conservatory designs step outside all five templates above. We design these from a blank sheet when the plot, the house or the brief calls for something the standard shapes fail to deliver; an unusual boundary line, a listed building, or a specific internal layout already in mind.

Conservatory Roof Options

The roof decides how a conservatory performs more than any other single element. We fit three main types, and each one suits a different priority.

Glass roofs

Glass roofs let in the most light and give the conservatory its classic, airy character. Modern glazing units include solar control coatings that cut summer glare and retain heat in winter, so the trade-off between light and temperature control sits far smaller than it did a decade ago.

Tiled roofs

Tiled roofs replace the glazing with an insulated, solid covering that matches the existing roof tiles on the house. This option turns the conservatory into a room that behaves like a proper extension: usable at any temperature, quieter in the rain, and free from the fading and glare that heavy sun brings through glass.

Solid warm roofs

Solid warm roofs sit between the two. They keep small glazed panels or rooflights for daylight while insulating the rest of the roof to a standard close to a tiled system. This option suits a conservatory plastered internally and heated like the rest of the house, without losing all overhead light.

Wooden, uPVC and Aluminium Conservatories

The roof decides how a conservatory performs more than any other single element. We fit three main types, and each one suits a different priority.

Timber

Timber remains the material of choice for period properties. A wooden conservatory holds paint or stain in a way that matches original sash windows and skirting, and its sightlines sit slimmer than uPVC equivalents. Hardwood frames also carry a natural insulating property that plastic and metal fail to replicate; a point worth weighing for anyone comparing wooden conservatories against other frame materials before committing to a design.

uPVC

uPVC suits homeowners prioritising low maintenance and a tighter budget. The material never needs painting, resists rot, and costs less than timber or aluminium across most conservatory sizes — a key factor for anyone comparing cheap conservatories without wanting to compromise on build quality.

Aluminium

Aluminium offers the slimmest frames of the three, which suits contemporary glass-box designs and homeowners wanting maximum glazing with minimal visible frame. It handles large glass panes well and resists warping over decades of outdoor exposure.
We fit all three materials, matching the choice to the property's age, the homeowner's maintenance preference and the design outcome the homeowner wants.

Customer Reviews

4.6 (22 reviews)
S
Stuart Tresadern
Jun 24, 2026
Google

Contacted George and he came to visit and recieved his qoute very quickly - I have had several jobs completed by area cladding and the workmanship has been exemplary- with windows - cladding and conservatory improvements- cant fault George and his team and i definitely recommended his work and competitive pricing . Thanks for all the work completed .

An Gooch
An Gooch
Mar 09, 2026
Google

Area Cladding round last week to replace 2 door locks. Very friendly and efficient. Great job I chose them because I have had 2 houses of windows replaced over the years and wouldn’t choose anyone else.

Julie Stopher
Julie Stopher
Jan 26, 2026
Google

I have used Area Cladding Ltd many times in the past for the fitting of windows, doors and external cladding. This time it was two bedroom windows and, once again, George and his team did a brilliant job. The work was done in an efficient and thorough way and my rooms were left exactly as they had been found. I would highly recommend Area Cladding Ltd for this type of work.

Andrew Tester
Andrew Tester
Jan 23, 2026
Google

Area cladding are a 5 star company. We have had a conservatory built by them and they provided a wonderful service. My parents also had windows and doors provided by them 30 years ago and they are still in great condition. Recently my mum had a problem with the lock on the door and they came within a few hours and fixed it. Area cladding are a top company and i give them the highest recommendation.

Nelly
Nelly
Jul 27, 2025
Google

Absolutely thrilled with the double glazing windows installed! The team was efficient, fast, and a real pleasure to have around - super pleasant, professional, and even a bit of fun. The windows look fantastic and have already caught the attention of several neighbours asking who did them and if they can get a quote too! It’s clear these guys know what they’re doing. Highly recommend - great work and great people.

Philippa Badcock
Philippa Badcock
Jun 12, 2025
Google

Highly recommend Area Cladding! We used them for windows, doors, cladding, fascias/soffits and guttering in March 2025 on recommendation from family and now pass that recommendation on as they are fantastic! They work hard, to high standards, are clean and tidy, competitively priced and a joy to have around, but what we also appreciate, is their knowledge, experience and network, as they have provided us with great support and advice and also contacts for other work we are looking to have done - thank you George, Jack and Jordan and we look forward to having you back again in the future for more home improvements!

Read More Reviews

Conservatory, Orangery or Extension — What Fits the Property

Three structures compete for the same job, and each one trades light against solidity in a different way.
Feature Conservatory Orangery Standard Extension
Glazing At least 50% of walls, most of the roof Partial glazing, flat or lantern roof section Standard window openings only
Natural light Highest Moderate to high Lowest
Feel Bright, garden-connected room Permanent, room-like extension of the house Fully integrated part of the house
Typical cost position Lowest entry cost Mid to upper cost Varies most, driven by structural work
Best suited to Homeowners prioritising light and a lower cost Homeowners wanting a solid room with more insulation Homeowners needing a fully integrated, heated space
A conservatory wins on light and cost. An orangery wins on year-round comfort and a room-like feel. A standard extension wins on full integration with the rest of the house. We design all three, and the initial consultation covers which structure actually fits the brief before any drawing begins.

How We Build Your Conservatory

Six stages take a conservatory from enquiry to completion.

Initial consultation: A designer visits the property, discusses how the homeowner plans to use the room, and takes initial measurements.

Design and quote: A detailed proposal follows, covering style, materials, roof type and price.

Planning check: We confirm whether permitted development covers the project or whether it needs a formal application.

Survey: A technical survey fixes foundation depth, drainage routes and structural requirements.

Build: Groundwork, frame installation, glazing and finishing follow in sequence, with one point of contact throughout.

Handover and aftercare: The completed conservatory comes with maintenance guidance and a direct line for any post-installation issue.

Why Homeowners in Cambridge Choose Area Cladding

38 years of local knowledge

Thirty-eight years of local installation work gives us a detailed knowledge of Cambridge's housing stock; its conservation areas, its narrow Victorian plots, its 1930s semis with generous rear gardens. That knowledge shapes every design brief from the first conversation, and it sets us apart from local conservatory companies working from a single standard template.

Fully insured, fully guaranteed

Full insurance cover protects every project from start to finish, and a comprehensive guarantee backs the frame, the glazing seals and the workmanship on every installation.
We fit all three materials, matching the choice to the property's age, the homeowner's maintenance preference and the design outcome the homeowner wants.

Conservatory Cost in Cambridge

Conservatory prices depend on four factors: size, style, frame material and roof type. Rather than fixed figures that date quickly, here's how each choice moves the budget.

Lean-to conservatories sit at the more affordable end of the range, particularly in uPVC. This style gives the lowest entry point when floor space matters more than roof height or an elaborate footprint.

Victorian and Edwardian conservatories cost more than a Lean-to, reflecting the extra glazing and the bay or square footprint. Edwardian styles generally deliver better value per square metre of usable floor space.

Gable and P-shaped conservatories sit toward the upper end, given the additional structural work and glazing involved.

Bespoke designs vary the most of all, since price follows the complexity of the plot, the brief and the specification rather than a standard template.

Roof and frame choice move conservatory prices further. A tiled or solid roof costs more than a standard glass roof at the outset but cuts long-term heating bills and extends the months the room stays comfortable. Timber frames cost more than uPVC upfront and repay that difference through a longer lifespan and a finish that ages well against a period property.

Anyone searching for cheap conservatories over premium timber gets the lowest entry cost from a uPVC Lean-to with a standard glass roof, without dropping the structural standards that keep a conservatory watertight and warm. We build to the stated budget on every project.

Every quote reflects the exact specification given at survey stage. Book a free, no-obligation survey, and we'll confirm a fixed price before any work starts.

Designing Your Bespoke Conservatory

Good design starts with the house, not a catalogue. We visit the property, measure the space, and talk through how the homeowner wants to use the room: dining, relaxing, working, or a mix of all three.

From there, the design accounts for boundary lines, existing doors and windows, and the direction the garden faces, since orientation changes how much sun the room gets through the day. We recommend a frame material, glazing specification and roof type suited to that use, then walk the homeowner through colour, door and window options before manufacturing begins.

Once the homeowner approves the design, we check planning requirements, confirm a fixed price, and set a build date. Manufacturing happens off-site, so the project moves from survey to installation with minimal disruption at home; the standard route for anyone starting from scratch to design a conservatory rather than choose from a fixed catalogue.

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Fully Insured
For complete peace of mind

Planning Permission for Conservatories in Cambridge

Most conservatories fall under permitted development rules, so homeowners build without a formal planning application. Permitted development covers conservatories that stay within set height and footprint limits and don't extend past the side of the original house wall by more than the allowed distance.

Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council both apply standard national permitted development rules, but a conservation area or a listed building shifts that position. Large parts of central Cambridge and several nearby villages sit within conservation areas, and listed properties need consent regardless of size. We check each specific address against local planning constraints before finalising any design, so the homeowner knows exactly where they stand before committing to a build.

Our Conservatory Services Across Cambridge and the Surrounding Areas

North London

West London

Ilford

Twickenham

Hertfordshire

Berkshire

East Sussex

Cambridgeshire

Essex

Soham

Histon

Willingham

Swavesey

St Ives

Cambourne

Burwell

Bottisham

Haverhill

South London

Central London

Enfield

Kingston upon Thames

Uxbridge

Middlesex

Surrey

Suffolk

Newmarket

Mildenhall

Cottenham

Over

Bar Hill

St Neots

Papworth

Linton

We take pride in delivering durable, great-looking results with honest pricing and outstanding service.

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Get Your Free Conservatory Quote

We've served homeowners across Cambridge for over 38 years. Every project runs fully insured, and every quote sits fixed before work starts. Book a free survey today and find out exactly what a new conservatory costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A conservatory is a glazed room added to a house. Builders use glass for at least 50% of its walls and 75% of its roof, which sets it apart from an orangery, built with brick piers and a lantern roof, and from a standard extension, built with solid walls and normal-sized windows.

The glass ratio explains the appeal. Light floods in from every angle, and the room stays visually connected to the garden. An orangery trades some of that light for extra insulation and a more solid, room-like feel, while a conservatory prioritises brightness and views instead.

Homeowners across Cambridge choose conservatories for the light they bring to older properties. Many Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the city have narrow window openings and dark rear rooms, and a glazed room fixes that directly.

A conservatory uses glass for at least half its walls and most of its roof, giving it a light, airy structure. An orangery uses more brick or solid wall, a flat or lantern-style roof section, and reads closer to a traditional extension. A conservatory delivers maximum light at a lower cost; an orangery delivers a room that feels like a permanent part of the house.

A standard Lean-to or Victorian conservatory typically takes two to four weeks from groundworks to finished installation, depending on size and roof type. Tiled and solid roof builds run slightly longer than glass roof projects, driven by the extra insulation and plastering work involved.

Most homeowners in Cambridge and Cherry Hinton build under permitted development, with no planning application required. Conservation areas, listed buildings and conservatories that exceed standard size and height limits need formal consent. We confirm the position during the initial survey.

All three last for decades when installed correctly. Timber needs periodic repainting or staining but ages with genuine character on period homes. uPVC needs almost no maintenance and holds its colour well. Aluminium offers the slimmest frames and the longest structural lifespan, and it suits a more contemporary look.

Yes. Every conservatory we build is designed around your property, budget and the way you intend to use the space. You can choose the style, frame material, roof type, glazing, colours, doors and finishing details. Whether you want a traditional Victorian conservatory for a period home or a contemporary aluminium design with slim sightlines, we'll create a solution that complements your property.

Yes. We can remove an old or outdated conservatory and replace it with a completely new structure. Many homeowners choose to upgrade ageing conservatories with modern insulated roofs, energy-efficient glazing and stronger frames, creating a room that's more comfortable to use throughout the year while improving the appearance of the property.

Absolutely. Modern conservatories are designed for year-round use when built with high-performance glazing and an appropriate roof system. We recommend the most suitable glazing, insulation and ventilation options to help keep the room comfortable in both summer and winter, allowing it to function as a genuine living space throughout the year.