Challenge

Handspring was tasked with renovating a conservatory that was failing in its usefulness as an extra room as it was too hot in summer and too cold in winter. This was due to a huge expanse of old double glazing, a solid tiled floor, and cavity walls with virtually no insulation.

Solution

Handspring removed the hipped roof and replaced it with a super-insulated timber frame. The roof glazing area was halved with triple-glazed units used for the new roof lights, and a green roof was added to the lower half of the timber-clad insulated roof. This is standard practice for Handspring, with the glazed section above draining onto the planted area increasing the available rainwater catchment for the green roof to help it through dryer weather.

Insulation was also added to the floor with a floated oak floor installed over the top.

The existing windows and doors were retained to avoid doubling project costs, but insulation was added into the cavity and filled all the gaps, effectively making the conservatory a super-warm space.

To achieve the almost 7 x 5m open plan interior with timber frame Handspring had to make an interesting structure, with some big timbers and complex joints, all pulled together using oak pegs.

Click VISIT SITE opposite to see the installation videos.