— 16 —Tea Room Conservatory

THE LAND SURROUNDING this custom conservatory gently slopes toward the river, so the structure itself becomes a passage. Taking its proportions and lines from the existing house, the conservatory functions as an architectural palindrome, from house to yard and back again. It offers a place to pause and contemplate — and either follow the path out into the yard or stop under the elegant canopy, perhaps to sit for tea among the flora or watch the tree that’s taken center stage dance in the breeze.

Throughout history, architecture and technology have found their perfect playground in the conservatory. This particular design features double 15-pane doors bracketed by Doric columns and a heavy cornice that echo the existing porticoes at the front and rear of the home. 

Although stylistically indebted to classicism, this conservatory makes use of sophisticated technologies. The roof is constructed of high-performance glass that blocks much of the heat, yet is virtually clear. The thermostatically controlled roof vents close automatically when it starts to rain — although we doubt the homeowners notice as they gaze over their lawn to the banks of the river.