While consumers enjoy the benefits of a conservatory, research has consistently shown that they tend only use to the space for approximately one third of the year and would of course, like to use it more. As the industry leader in conservatory roofs, this sparked Ultraframe to develop new conservatory roof technology which allows homeowners to enjoy their conservatory every day of the year.

To provide a more cost effective and thermally efficient alternative to solid roofs, which escapes local authority ‘red tape’, Ultraframe developed Utopia, a new style of double layered conservatory roof technology which dramatically improves a roof’s U-value.
 


Until now, conservatory roofs have been designed with a single layer of polycarbonate or a double glazed sealed unit. By adding another layer of polycarbonate, this next generation roof solution can achieve a centre pane U-value of 0.6 and save homeowners hundreds of pounds on their heating and energy bills, as well as increasing winter usage of the area.

Manufactured with heatguard externally and opal polycarbonate internally, sunlight is better reflected, also extending the number of hours homeowners can use their conservatories in the summer months.

As Technical Director at Ultraframe, Andrew Thomson worked with his team to help bring this revolutionary product to market. Andrew shares his thoughts on the state of the conservatory industry and why this Ultraframe latest development in conservatory technology provides a cost effective alternative to retrofitting solid roof extensions which allows homeowners to unlock the true potential of their conservatory, enabling them to enjoy it every day of the year.

Hi Andrew. Please can you tell us what you feel the issues affecting the conservatory industry are at present?

Conservatories have been with us for a while now and because of this, their limitations are better understood by the general public. When a consumer considers an extension for their property, a conservatory is now one of a number of options they can go for.

In fact, research has consistently shown that the environment a conservatory can provide often makes it the favourite room in the house. However, something that can put consumers off is the fact that there are large numbers of poorer or older conservatories that end up getting too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

This presents a challenge for the industry. It is important that we first address these issues in a substantive way, and then communicate any improvements to the general public.

OK, so what does the modern day consumer look for in a conservatory?

The modern day consumer is looking for a room that performs a number of functions. Traditionally conservatories were a space to bring the garden into the house so that homeowners could enjoy being “outside” without getting cold in our temperate climate.

Today the conservatory has to work as a practical extension to the house and provide much needed space. This means the space needs to be comfortable all year round without costing a fortune to heat. It also means that the shape of the ‘traditional’ conservatory has changed and rectangular plans are now used to better allow furniture to fit rather than the Victorian style with faceted ends.

The look of a conservatory is also changing; there are large numbers of similar looking conservatories around which has resulted in consumers looking for ways to differentiate their conservatory from the rest.

What has Ultraframe done to meet the wants and needs of this modern day consumer?

With the current economic climate and sustainability at the top of everyone’s agenda, we have been looking at ways to improve the insulation of a conservatory roof as this will have the most effect on the comfort of the conservatory as well as reducing homeowner’s energy costs.

As such, we developed our Utopia eco roof which has been designed using two layers of glazing, as opposed to the standard one layer. In order to meet the aesthetic demands of the modern consumer, we have also introduced a range of new products which have been designed to create a new ‘look and feel’ of conservatory, both contemporary and classic.


Can you tell us a bit more about Utopia? Why is it such a leap forward for the conservatory industry?

Current technologies available on the market use either double-glazed glass units or multi-wall polycarbonate sheeting, typically with a U-value of 1.7. It is possible to heat the conservatory to this level using central heating, but this will consume an average of 2085kWhr if heated year round.

The Utopia roof has a U-value up to 0.53W/Km2 – previously unheard of levels for the conservatory industry - which will reduce energy consumption to 788kWhr.

Installing a Utopia eco roof will provide consumers with a space that is truly practical and can be used 365 days of the year. As well as maximising the use of their investment, it will not cost the earth to heat during the winter months, saving homeowners money on their utility bills.

The development of Utopia presents us with an opportunity to change consumer’s perceptions of what a modern conservatory is. It will drive sales of a new ‘breed’ of conservatories which gives consumers a solution that has only previously been answered by retrofitting a solid roof. In fact, the significant benefits offered by Utopia means that there is now even more reason for existing conservatory owners to consider changing their roof.

What do you think is the future for the conservatory industry? Do you have any predictions for 2011 / 2012?

2011 to 2012 is set to be a great period for Ultraframe and Utopia. We will be looking to extend this innovative new technology even further, increasing its benefits as well as adding further visual enhancements that will improve the feeling of quality and individuality that comes from installing a Utopia conservatory.

Thanks Andrew.

As the market leader in the design and manufacture of conservatory roofing systems for more than 20 years, Ultraframe’s ongoing commitment to research and development has led to the introduction of this revolutionary new technology which has been designed to provide a bright and modern day alternative to solid or tiled roof extensions, which is both thermally efficient and cost effective.

Visit the website for more information. Alternatively, why not visit Ultraframe TV  to watch an interview with Mark Watson of Advanced Group (Scotland) Ltd as he tells us how he has enjoyed excellent success to date with the Utopia system.

View a copy of this article as it appeared in Conservatory Magazine


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