How to build Victorian Conservatory

Building a Victorian Conservatory for New Zealand conditions requires some changes from the English construction. First off do not put on a glass roof as it will be much too hot in summer. Instead I Have replaced it with flat iron painted with aluminium paint to make it look like glass. Well just a little.The roof is well insulated with pink bats and polystyrene.I have found that this is perfect for trapping the heat in winter and keeping it cool in summer.Fanlights may not be necessary if there are double doors to the exterior.

The concrete floor is also insulated with with 40mm high density polystyrene and reinforced with a steel mesh. The main construction is based on uprights of 100mm H5 dressed timber concreted into the ground.The walls are of 140mm width concrete blocks also reinforced with steel rods. The blocks mean that plants can be watered without fear of wetting any wood. Floors are tiled with ceramic tiles.
When laying out the conservatory it is absolutely essential that the measurements,distances and angles are accurate to the nearest mm and degree,otherwise your work will be much more difficult as you progress with the building.

All windows and fan lights are double glazed.This conservatory is a little plain but can be personalised with various decorations.
 The total cost will of course depend on size but this one was just under 10sq metres and the material cost a little over NZ$5000.