architecture

• Can You Put a Solid Roof on a Conservatory?

  

  If you’re asking “can you put a solid roof on a conservatory”, the short answer is usually yes—and for many homeowners it’s one of the most effective ways to turn an underused conservatory into a comfortable, year-round room.

  Older conservatories with glass or polycarbonate roofs often suffer from the same three issues: they’re too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and loud when it rains. A solid (often insulated) replacement roof is designed to fix exactly that by improving thermal performance, reducing glare, and making the space feel more like a true extension of your home. K&S Bespoke Builds describes it as an upgrade that “adds proper insulation, reduces glare and turns your conservatory into a comfortable, year round living space.”

  Below, we’ll cover what you can expect in terms of benefits, costs, and the practical steps—like permissions and choosing the right company—so you can plan your project with confidence.

  Benefits of a Solid Conservatory Roof

  A more usable room, all year round

  The biggest benefit is simple: you can actually use the space more often. A well-insulated solid roof helps keep heat in during winter and reduces overheating in summer—meaning the conservatory becomes a genuine living area rather than a “fair-weather” room.

  K&S Bespoke Builds highlights that replacing your conservatory roof can transform it into a “bright, comfortable, and fully usable space 365 days a year.”

  Lower energy bills

  When a conservatory is poorly insulated, it can act like a temperature “leak” off the back of your home—pulling warmth out in winter and forcing you to spend more to stay comfortable.

  K&S Bespoke Builds claims homeowners can see up to 35% cheaper heating bills after upgrading to a solid replacement roof. (Actual savings vary based on your home, heating habits, and the existing roof.)

  Quieter when it rains

  If you’ve ever tried to watch TV or take a call in a conservatory during heavy rain, you’ll understand why noise reduction is such a big deal. An insulated solid roof can dramatically reduce that “drumming” effect.

  K&S Bespoke Builds points to up to 80% noise reduction with a replacement roof.

  Improved look and a more “extension-like” feel

  A solid roof tends to make the room feel more integrated with the rest of the house. Depending on the finish you choose, it can look contemporary and sleek—or more traditional and in keeping with your existing property.

  As K&S puts it: “From classic insulated roofs to modern contemporary finishes, you’ll have options to make the space both comfortable and stylish.”

  Potential uplift in home value

  While exact value increases depend on your area and property, a conservatory that’s genuinely usable can be more attractive to buyers than one that’s visibly seasonal. K&S Bespoke Builds notes that a “well-designed roof enhances your home’s overall value,” improving the return on investment when you sell.

  Cost of a Solid Conservatory Roof

  The cost of a solid conservatory roof replacement varies widely, mainly depending on:

  • Size and shape (lean-to vs. Victorian/Edwardian styles, complex angles, etc.)
    
  • Roof system and insulation spec
    
  • Internal finish (plastered ceiling, downlights, roof windows, etc.)
    
  • Condition of the existing frames and structure
    
  • Access and installation complexity

  Rather than focusing on a single “average” figure, it’s more helpful to approach it as a range influenced by specification. As a guide, many UK homeowners find that small-to-medium conservatory roof replacements typically sit in the mid four figures to low five figures once you include materials, labour, finishes, and any electrical work (e.g., lighting).

  A reputable installer should survey your conservatory and explain what’s included—especially the insulation performance, ventilation approach, and how the new roof will integrate with your existing frames.

  Planning Permission for a Solid Conservatory Roof

  In many cases, replacing an existing conservatory roof doesn’t require planning permission—especially if you’re not altering the conservatory’s footprint or height. However, there are important exceptions.

  You may need extra checks if:

  • You live in a listed building
    
  • Your home is in a conservation area
    
  • The roof change significantly affects appearance or height
    
  • Previous permissions placed restrictions on the conservatory

  Even where planning permission isn’t required, you may still need to comply with Building Regulations, because changing to a heavier, insulated roof can affect structural load, thermal performance, and ventilation.

  A good installer will help you understand what approvals apply and how they’ll be handled as part of the project.

  Required Steps to Replace a Conservatory Roof With a Solid Roof

  1) Confirm your conservatory is suitable

  Most conservatories can be upgraded, but suitability depends on the condition and strength of existing frames and the overall structure. Your installer should assess:

  • Frame integrity and alignment
    
  • Base walls and any signs of movement
    
  • Whether additional structural support is required

  K&S Bespoke Builds explains that they “carefully check the roof, identify what’s affecting comfort and performance, and guide you toward a replacement that fits your needs and style.”

  2) Choose the right roof type and finish

  “Solid roof” can mean different systems. Common choices include lightweight insulated panel systems, tiled-effect finishes, and roofs that incorporate roof lights to keep the room bright.

  Your choices here affect cost, appearance, and daylight levels—so it’s worth discussing how you use the room (office, dining area, playroom, lounge) and what “comfortable” means for you.

  3) Check planning and Building Regulations early

  Before work starts, clarify:

  • Do you need planning permission (or confirmation you don’t)?
    
  • Will Building Regulations apply, and who is managing sign-off?
    
  • Will any electrics (lighting) require certification?

  Getting this clear early prevents last-minute delays.

  4) Get a detailed quote (and compare like-for-like)

  When comparing installers, make sure quotes cover the same scope:

  • Removal and disposal of the existing roof
    
  • Insulation performance and materials
    
  • External finish (tiles/panels)
    
  • Internal ceiling finish (plasterboard/plaster, trims, painting)
    
  • Any roof windows or lighting
    
  • Guarantees and what’s included/excluded

  K&S Bespoke Builds states their work includes strong guarantee backing (they reference a 10-year guarantee and also note that Warmer Room products come with a 25-year guarantee, depending on the system specified).

  5) Find a reliable company you trust

  A roof replacement is one of those projects where workmanship matters—both for comfort and for preventing issues like leaks or condensation.

  Qualities to look for:

  • Clear communication and a proper survey (not guesswork)
    
  • Transparent scope and timeline
    
  • Evidence of previous work and reviews
    
  • Guarantees you can understand
    
  • A team that explains options without pressure

  6) Installation and aftercare

  Roof replacement timelines can be relatively quick compared with traditional extension work, but duration depends on complexity and the internal finish. Ask about:

  • How the site will be protected from weather during the swap
    
  • Dust management (especially for plastering)
    
  • Snagging and final checks
    
  • What to do if you ever need support under guarantee

  Final Thoughts

  So—can you put a solid roof on a conservatory? In most cases, yes, and it can be a game-changing upgrade: better insulation, less noise, fewer extremes of temperature, and a room that feels like a proper part of your home.

  If you want the best outcome, focus on three things: the right roof specification, clarity on permissions/compliance, and a reliable installer who surveys properly, explains your options, and backs their work with meaningful guarantees.

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• Wright’s Meyer May House

  
  Built in 1908 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House is a brilliant example of a perfect restoration. The 1987 project didn't miss a single detail: the house and grounds look fantastic, with everything from glass to planters getting a refurbishing. The house is open for tours – if you are in the area, it is definitely worth a visit.

• Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum

  
  
  a few shots from the wonderful Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum in Japan's Kochi prefecture, by Kengo Kuma & Associates; more shots at Designboom.

• Dreaming of Unusual Houses

  

  In 1999, the producers of an unscripted TV series called House Hunters had the idea that people like to look at houses. Over 20 years later, it turns out they were really onto something. Sure, we like the human drama of somebody trying to pick a place that meets their needs, but we also like to imagine what our lives would be like if we were the ones moving. 

  Bloggers have theorized that our love for looking at houses springs from the following:

  • Curiosity: It killed the cat, sure. Or at least, that's what we were told. But we like to see how other people live, what other houses look like, and so on.
  • Vindication: One blogger called it the “need to feel better about our own houses.” Why? We may never have the chance to live in our dream home. But seeing other houses can help us better appreciate our own.
  • Decorating and landscaping ideas: Looking at photos and videos of other people’s homes can often inspire us to do something a little different with our own.
  • Ideas for home sellers: One of the most common real estate tips for sellers is to stage your home. This doesn’t always mean getting rid of all of your stuff and bringing in rented furniture. It can be as simple as trimming your lawn, cleaning your gutters, and putting a wreath on your door. Watching a reality show in which potential homebuyers view properties can help you get a feel for what looks good to buyers and what doesn’t.
  • Ideas for homebuyers: Buying a home isn’t something that happens to most of us very often in our lives. The process can intimidate us, but it may help to watch other people do it on TV. Perhaps shows like House Hunters give us a realistic look at home shopping; sometimes, the exact house we want simply doesn’t exist. 
  • The need to dream: Sometimes, it's important to have dreams, and one of those dreams is to live in a different house than we do now. Maybe you dream of a mid-century modern oceanfront home in Malibu. Or maybe your idea of paradise is a cabin in the woods. Dream, dream, dream away.

  Occasionally we like to look at celebrity homes. We wonder: How do millionaires and billionaires live? But other times we like to look at strange, unusual, eccentric homes. It stirs something in our imagination. To that end, here are a few of the most interesting homes listed on the market from around the internet.

  Enter the Mushroom House – Pittsford, New York

  Perhaps the most interesting home of all is something called The Mushroom House. It has captured the imagination of vicarious-living-seeking onlookers since the 1970s. It seems that every few years it gets new attention from the press.

  The Mushroom House is an elevated pod-style home that looks, frankly, as though visitors from outer space landed in the woods and decided to build a house. But in the best way possible. 

  It's part spaceship, part yurt, and part sculpture, and it’s located near park land, complete with streams and waterfalls. The house was designed in 1969 (duh) by a local architect, who conceptualized it from a stem of Queen Anne’s Lace. The original owner wanted a space that provided artistic harmony with nature, and you have to admit that she got it. 

  Located in the greater Rochester area, the Mushroom House has been called “hobbit-esque,” a “rare and premier art icon home,” “retro-modern,” an example of “organic modernism,” “that ’70s house,” and “far out and groovy.” In 2017, it was listed on the rental market for $6,900 a month.

  Looking for a unique, one of a kind, out-of-this-world home of your own? Find someone in your area who specializes in such properties! For house and land packages officer, you need to speak with Carlisle Homes.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Daniel Penfield

• Things You Should Consider If You Want to Build a House

  
  

  Many people dream of building a house to completion. There is that satisfactory feeling of building your home from the ground up. Good things tend to have a story behind them. It is fair to note that there is a long process involved in building a home, and you must be ready to experience it. There is a lot that comes into play when building your home. Those who might be doing it for the first have a lot to learn. It is unwise to get into something without at least learning a few things to expect. Luckily, you are going to learn some useful tips on what to expect when building a house here.

  Planning

  Before doing anything, it is essential to make a plan. The process of building a house should not be taken lightly. You need to understand that there is a lot you need to consider. Many people tend to make the mistake of not planning. Those who construct a building while making changes and adjustments along the way tend to regret it in the end. You need to get your plan going before doing anything else. The plan should include everything to be done until the house is completed. You should begin by looking at the plans that might interest you online. Doing so will help you create a reliable and effective plan. To make a great plan, you should consider seeking advice from an expert in the field. For an expert opinion, you should visit this website and make your home-owning dream come true.

  Budget for More

  Unfortunately, money tends to be a crucial issue when it comes to building a house. It is essential to prepare yourself financially before embarking on the project. Most people who build their homes tend to spend more than they initially planned, and this is because many items tend not to be included in the initial budget. They may include electrical cables and furniture. The prices of things like timber may increase. It is wise to have more money on hand in case you need it. Those who don't budget for more than they expect to end up getting frustrated when they can’t meet the demand for more cash.

  Choose the Right Builder

  The builder you choose will determine how your house will look. Picking a builder for the project is one of the most crucial decisions you will make. It is essential to choose someone with a great personality. This is crucial because you will have to communicate with the builder for a long period as the house is being constructed. Before choosing a builder, it is critical to ensure that the person has good credentials and also make a point of checking his or her past work. The style of the house you intend to have will also determine the type of builder you choose. A good way to find a builder is to ask your friends or other people who have successfully constructed quality houses.

  Conclusion

  The process of building a home is not always easy. Make sure to consider the tips above when you are building your home.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Bob Dass

• Ursula LeGuin’s gorgeous Berkeley Maybeck home for sale

  
  

  From the listing:

  Located in North Berkeley among architecturally significant homes and prominently sited at 1325 Arch Street, this 5-BD Swiss Chalet-style house was designed by Bernard Maybeck in 1906, a true architectural jewel. Shielded from the street, a wisteria-covered arbor greets you as you enter. Filled with the brilliance of its heritage and the beauty of natural materials, it has been restored with exceptional attention to its lustrous originality while blending modern features and amenities. Spaces for gathering and other rooms for private contemplation blend throughout. Redwood interiors, wraparound balconies, private flourishing garden, & magnificent views to SF, Golden and Bay Bridges & Mt. Tamalpais. The feeling of union with the environment can be experienced throughout. The suppleness of the wood, anchored with copper nails, can best be appreciated as the sun flows in through the many windows and doors. The flourishing garden offers a private portal to flora & fauna of surrounding lush landscape.

  Anyone know who updated the wood? Parts look more modern, although they certainly match Maybeck’s original interior & intent. Looks like it could have been Kip Mesirow or another Berkeley woodworker of a similar aesthetic & high level of skill.

• John Hudson Thomas home in Berkeley: $2.775 million

  

  Well, that's the asking price, at least.

  Unfortunately, parts of it have had the gorgeous redwood and oak paneling whitewashed, which should land someone in prison in my personal opinion.

• Interview: John Connell

  In a few days, we'll be running a complete review of John Connell's excellent new book, Creating the Inspired House. However, to whet your appetite, I'd like to share a short conversation I was able to have with Mr. Connell earlier today (or rather, a few questions I was able to ask him through his publicist). Connell's experience with and insight into residential architecture and home design are reason enough to take a look at the new book, but I think you'll agree that the in-depth home profiles & wonderful photography make the new book really stand out – but you'll have to wait until next week to read the full review.

  Until then, I leave you with Mr. Connell's excellent comments – read on…

• Domestic Building Work You Need to Get Right the First Time

  

  Any type of domestic building work is expensive. You have to pay for services, materials and other expenses that mount up during the lifetime of a construction project. There are certain parts of a construction project that are more important than others. Once you’ve identified them, it’s vital to ensure that high quality materials are used and the standard of workmanship is top notch. If not, serious problems can occur in the future. These are some of the most important construction-related tasks you need to get right first time, and why it can be so important to use a reliable firm with real world experience, like Sacramento, California’s A+ Construction & Remodeling.

  Foundation

  The ground beneath a new building, extension or renovation project has to be solid and secure. If it’s not, the whole building you construct can be affected and result in a wide range of structural problems down the line. The creation of a foundation of any building should be supervised by an expert such as an engineer. The materials used to create a foundation should be of a high quality, so that the building created is as sturdy and secure and possible.

  Roof

  The roof of most homes is one of the most important features. It’s even more important in places that experience extreme weather conditions. For example, if the place you live in gets heavy rainfall, you want to be certain your roof does not leak and let water into your home. Roofing a home is an extremely specialized skill, learned over many years. This means you should only use the services of established, reputable roofing companies who will ensure that there are no problems in the future.

  Electrics

  Most homeowners take electricity for granted. However, this is an important feature in the majority of modern homes. Electrical faults can have devastating consequences for everyone in a home. This is why it’s important to hire an electrician or electrical company who will safely and professionally wire your home.

  Plumbing and Heating

  One of the biggest concerns in homes is problems with plumbing. Burst pipes, broken heating systems and leaks are just some of the problems homeowners face. Calling out a plumber on a regular basis is expensive. Poor quality plumbing during the initial construction of a property is often the cause of these issues. Once again, hiring a plumber or plumbing company that provides a top quality service will prevent problems in the future.

  Windows and Doors

  Windows and doors serve many important purposes. They provide security, make a home more comfortable, let in light and increase the energy-efficiency of a home. However, not all windows and doors achieve all of these things. Some are made from substandard materials or they’re poorly constructed. In other situations, windows and doors are fitted badly which compounds the problems associated with these features of a home. Choosing high quality window and door manufacturers and installers ensures that these features will remain in your home for a long time to come.

  The features above are the main parts of a home you need to get right first time when you’re constructing a building. Once these features are dealt with, you can start to address the other features in a building.

  partnered post • CC-licensed image by tpsdave

• Asilomar restored!

  

  

  Celebrated as Monterey Peninsula's "Refuge by the Sea," Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds has been restored to its former glory. Preservation architecture firm, Page & Turnbull, played an important role in the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall and the Mary Ann Crocker Dining Hall. 

  Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall

  In this building, Page & Turnbull removed alterations that were not agreeable to the original design and restored the configuration of spaces in the building to be as close as possible to Morgan’s original layout, while improving its functionality. Restoring the Registration Area and rebuilding the hall’s historic Tearoom returned a sense of harmony and order to the Social Hall. In replacing the non-original existing flooring in the Social Hall, the size and grain pattern were matched to the original oak strip floors. Highlighting the ceiling structure and illuminating the room’s beautiful redwood trusses are replicas of the original wall sconces and historical chandeliers produced with a lighting manufacturer. Stains and varnishes were tested on the new redwood boards in the walls and, where possible, many of the existing boards were reused and salvaged. 

  Crocker Dining Hall

  In this building, a visual connection was created between the historic dining hall and the servery, and the building’s commercial kitchen was completely renovated. 

  Asilomar Background

  The Pacific Grove retreat was originally designed by Julia Morgan, the first female architect to be licensed in the State of California. The grounds were founded by the YWCA as a young women’s leadership summer camp in 1913 and has been part of the California State Parks system since 1956. A National Historical Landmark, the 100-year-old site features the largest collection of buildings designed by architect Julia Morgan, who embraced the Arts and Crafts Movement. 

  You can learn more and book a room at Asilomar online.