Building Regs: kitchen in conservatory

ajbaker

I am planning an extension to my house. Discussions with the Conservation Officer have suggested a conservatory type design are more likely to be considered than a traditional construction. However I wish to use this extension as a kitchen and a number of people have suggested this would contravene building regs.

Therefore I was wondering if anyone could give a brief summary of what the building regs are, and how they could be met with a predominately glass construction.

windym_2

It is quite extensive but you may get help starting here

http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1130474

McAzrael

If it's got a kitchen in it, then it's not a conservatory no matter how much glass there is (as far as building regs are concerned). It will have to comply with building regulations for a dwelling. The building control department are likely to want to see some SAP energy calculations before giving approval, and compliance won't be easy but neither will it be impossible. If you are serious about this then it is time to call an architect. It is likely to cost you a lot of money before you even get approval and it will take time.

ajbaker

So am I correct in thinking the most difficult aspect will be meeting building regs regarding energy/heat loss? I will have an architect onboard anyway, but I like to know what I am talking about beforehand.

Are there other aspects of the regs that may be difficult to meet with this type of construction?

McAzrael

Yes. Heat loss (and heat gain) is going to be the biggest problem both with regard to building regs and creating a useable room. Not impossible, just difficult. I can't see why any other regs will be unusually difficult. Most are extremely easy to comply with regardless. I'm presuming that you are extending your existing kitchen. If you are creating a new room there might be part B (fire) implications, but nothing that should trouble a halfway compatent architect.

amyface

Can confirm what McAzrael has said - sound advice. I am currently going through what sounds like a similar project to yourself. Advised by builder, architect & conservatory company that regulation L is difficult to comply with when you go for a conservatory style design just due to the sheer amount of glass, even if you use the most appropriate type of glass. Mind you if you haven't already but I'm sure you will have if you are like me!, i would tie down exactly what the officer means by a conservatory type design - does this mean you could have a 'proper roof' as long as it looks like a conservatory, or does it want glass, glass, glass! - You'll need at least one full size wall (rather than dwarf wall) for the kitchen I guess, so that will help in keeping in heat.

There are some 'conservatories' which actually don't have a glazed roof which tend to get referred to as sun lounges - pic via here & which are designed to meet building regulations.
http://www.cornhill-conservatories.co.uk/conservatories/tiled.htm
Of course, velux roof windows in that roof will help to keep the room naturally lit. If something built like that passes building regs, then perhaps this will give you assurance that other than energy there shouldn't be too many other areas of worry; as McAzrael says, a half decent architect should nail this very easily.

I was also told that the actual SAP calculations (for those who know how to do them) are not particularly difficult, so it shouldn't be too much hassle to check out a few designs? Famous last words i know with the building game!

Best of luck & keep us informed.

ajbaker

The reason for this request is to ensure visibility of the rear facade of the property, including an original window. This requires the roof and front of the extension to be glazed. However both sides of the conservatory can be solid brick since this is a terrace property - this will certainly retain heat. Also one half of the width can also be tiled since an existing kitchen and outbuilding currently covers the rear facade - so no requirement for visibility since there is none currently. Therefore only half the roof and half the rear wall will be glazed.

FavouriteSunrise

Hi,

I've included a quote from ajbaker below. This is dated 2004. Does anyone know whether this project went ahead etc.
We are looking into buying a house and would also like to convert the conservatory into a kitchen.
Has anyone any info on the former thread or any advice regarding our plans? Any help very much appreciated.
Two sides of the conservatory are the outside wall of the house - leaving two sides as a timber conservatory construction.
Jenni

ajbaker wrote: »

I am planning an extension to my house. Discussions with the Conservation Officer have suggested a conservatory type design are more likely to be considered than a traditional construction. However I wish to use this extension as a kitchen and a number of people have suggested this would contravene building regs.

Therefore I was wondering if anyone could give a brief summary of what the building regs are, and how they could be met with a predominately glass construction.