The Client Brief
The homeowners had a traditional Edwardian conservatory that looked attractive from the garden but was rarely used for much of the year. In strong summer sun the room became uncomfortably hot and suffered from glare; in winter it cooled quickly and felt detached from the rest of the house. They wanted to retain the existing conservatory footprint and windows, but transform it into a room suitable for everyday family use. The target was a brighter, calmer sitting room rather than a complete extension rebuild.
The Design Challenge
The existing frames and foundations had to be assessed before specifying the replacement roof. The new system needed to improve thermal performance without making the room feel dark or visually heavy, and the external finish had to sit naturally with the existing property.
The Fitrite Solution
The representative design uses Fitrite’s Icotherm solid-roof system with lightweight tiles and a fully insulated internal ceiling. Fitrite describes the system as using sustainable C24 timber with 0.15 U-value insulation, full ventilation and compliance with UK building-control requirements. The roof form follows the existing Edwardian footprint so the conservatory remains recognisable, while the solid insulated build-up addresses the principal comfort problems associated with the previous glazed roof. The internal ceiling gives the space a more conventional room-like feel, with recessed lighting incorporated to maintain a bright evening environment.
Project Specification
The Project Journey
- Initial consultation – Identify seasonal comfort problems and intended future use of the room.
- Structural assessment – Check existing frames, support and suitability for roof conversion.
- Roof design – Configure the new Icotherm roof to the existing Edwardian geometry.
- Finish selection – Choose the external tile finish and internal ceiling treatment.
- Old roof removal – Remove the existing roof in a controlled sequence.
- Icotherm installation – Install the prefabricated roof structure, insulation and weatherproofing.
- Interior finish – Complete ceiling, lighting and internal detailing.
- Handover – Review the finished room, ventilation and building-control documentation requirements.
Project Cost
Illustrative project investment: £9,950. This is a representative project value, not a formal quotation. Final pricing would vary according to size, access, ground conditions, specification, finish and any additional works required.
The Finished Result
The conservatory now feels like a genuine extension of the home rather than a seasonal glass room. The insulated solid roof reduces direct solar gain and gives the interior a more settled, furnished-room character. Family seating can remain in place all year, while the retained windows continue to bring light from the garden. Externally, the tiled roof gives the conservatory a more integrated appearance with the main property.
Key Outcomes
✓ Converted a seasonal conservatory into year-round living space
✓ Improved thermal performance with a 0.15 U-value roof system
✓ Retained the existing conservatory footprint and glazing
✓ Created a more conventional room-like interior
✓ Completed the representative roof installation within three days