steel conservatories roof

Steel & Cast Iron Conservatories

STEEL, CAST IRON AND GLASS WERE FIRST USED extensively as building materials for conservatories during the latter half of the Nineteenth Century. The second Industrial Revolution which swept Europe and America saw the development of processes for manufacturing large sheets of glass that could be used in the construction of building facades and conservatory roofs.

As a result, a new age of architectural possibilities was born with the conservatory as one of its most exuberant expressions. Working greenhouses and tropical palm houses were designed to house fifty-foot tall trees beneath decoratively forged steel structures. With their soaring glass rooflines and magical cupolas, these enchanting gossamer structures became icons of the age.

Today, these ingenious creations of nineteenth-century engineering – whimsical, idealistic and energetic – serve as inspiration to Tanglewood Conservatories, whose modern day follies hearken back to that imaginative era.

The design of this unique project evolved from the interplay of steel, mahogany and glass. It’s inspiration is the magnificent glass conservatories at Syon Park, the Temperate House at Kew and Alton Towers. Often, hardwoods and steel are combined in a conservatory design to magnificent effect.

steel conservatories steel and cast iron conservatories drawing detail

Cast iron and steel parts with their forged curls and intricate rosettes parade themselves as in the history-book images of the great conservatories and palaces of glass.

steel conservatories, decorative details
steel conservatories, steel beams
steel conservatories, decorative steel and cast iron columns
steel conservatories with steel and mahogany detail

Tanglewood’s skilled designers and artisans play with steel, cast iron and beautiful hardwoods to create their unique conservatory designs. The delicate interplay of materials and motifs are a testament to their creativity and craftsmanship.

steel conservatories, antique style interior
steel conservatories, steel details with skylight

The use of expressed steel in the design of conservatories, greenhouses and custom skylights is Tanglewood’s specialty. Our years of experience and creative approach result in conservatories of unusual uniqueness.

The ability to shape steel, cast iron and glass into beautiful conservatories is Tanglewood’s expertise. As in centuries past, when steel and glass first came together in the minds of inventive designers, Tanglewood’s passion for design, technology and craftsmanship is evident in each project.

steel conservatories, in shop fabrication of steel
steel conservatories, in shop fabrication
steel conservatories, in shop fabrication