This is how the kitchen in the winter garden extension works: tips on costs and planning

A conservatory with a kitchen is a wonderful way to expand your living space while bringing more natural light into your home. In this article we would like to introduce you to the various options for a winter garden as a kitchen extension, what you should consider in terms of costs, building regulations and permits and to give you some design ideas.

What is a winter garden extension with a kitchen?

A winter garden with a kitchen means that at least two thirds of the roof and half of the walls are made of glass or transparent plastic. This construction method is very popular among homeowners because it creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Particularly in modern households, the winter garden with kitchen is often used as an extension, creating a large, open room design that is ideal for family dinners, guest receptions or simply for relaxing moments in the countryside.

It is important to build the winter garden in a strategic location. The eastern orientation allows for pleasant morning sunshine. A south-facing extension offers plenty of natural light throughout the day, while a north-facing conservatory provides additional brightness through its connection to the kitchen, brightening up shady areas. However, with a southern orientation, suitable measures for cooling and ventilation in summer should be planned.

Design ideas for the kitchen winter garden

1. Open floor plan: A popular variant is the open room design, in which the kitchen and winter garden flow seamlessly into one another. This creates a harmonious flow between the cooking and dining areas. This solution is particularly suitable for family celebrations and cozy evenings with guests.
2. Unified design: To ensure that the winter garden is perceived as a natural part of the kitchen, it is advisable to use materials similar to those used in the kitchen furniture, flooring or decoration. This ensures a uniform appearance and makes the cultivation appear as if it were all of a piece.
3. Cozy seating: Remember to equip the winter garden with enough seats. A large dining table or built-in benches create a cozy atmosphere in which to enjoy meals or entertain friends.
4. Lighting concepts: Take advantagethe natural light from the glass roofideal for making the room bright and friendly. In addition, pendant lights or wall lights can provide warm and functional lighting.
5. Energy efficiency: An often overlooked point is insulation and temperature regulation in the winter garden. High quality glazing and thermal barriers ensure the space remains comfortable all year round.

Important considerations before construction

Before you start building a winter garden as a kitchen extension, you should find out about the applicable building regulations and any permit requirements. Special permits may be required, especially if the addition will significantly change the appearance of your home.

You should also ensure that all necessary utilities such as water, electricity and gas are installed properly. This is particularly important if the winter garden is used not only as a dining area, but also as an extended kitchen area with appliances.

Good ventilation is also crucial to avoid condensation and moisture problems. Opening windows or mechanical ventilation systems help ensure air circulation.

Costs for the kitchen conservatory

DieWinter garden pricesvary greatly and depend on several factors including the size of the extension, the materials used, the location and the design. If you plan to integrate kitchen appliances and installations into the winter garden, the costs will increase accordingly.

Overall, the cost of a winter garden can range from around 10,000 euros to over 100,000 euros, depending on the materials chosen and the complexity of the project. It is advisable to obtain several offers from specialist companies and find out about the specific requirements in your state in order to receive a precise calculation.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

A modern conservatory extension can be a real asset to your home, but there are some pitfalls that you should definitely avoid:

1. Frame material: PVC elements are cheap, but not particularly durable and difficult to repair. They are also less visually appealing and do not offer a high return in the long term. Aluminum or wooden frames are better, as they are more stable and stylish.
2. Steam formation: Cooking and baking creates a lot of moisture in kitchens. Therefore, be sure to install good ventilation to avoid condensation and mold.
3. Heating: Since conservatories are often large, open spaces, you should ensure that your heating system is powerful enough to keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Consider whether underfloor heating or an environmentally friendly heating system such as a heat pump is an option.
4. Climate in the winter garden: Conservatories tend to get very warm in the summer and cold in the winter. High-quality glazing with sun protection and double or triple glass can help here.

Conclusion

A winter garden as a kitchen opens up many opportunities for you to make optimal use of the space and natural light. Whether you opt for an open room concept or only partially integrate the kitchen in the winter garden, this type of extension can significantly improve the feeling of living. Remember that good planning is crucial to avoid problems with frame material, ventilation and heating. The costs also vary greatly, depending on the design and features. So before you take the step of installing the kitchen in the winter garden, it is worth getting several offers and planning carefully in order to benefit from this investment in the long term.