In the heat of the summer, swimming pools are a popular gathering place! But what happens when the season ends and you’re still wanting a fun outdoor space to host friends and family?

Conservatories As Pool Enclosures

In 2004 Tanglewood met a family looking to build one of the largest enclosures we had done to date! As Nancy describes it, “This project is particularly special and near and dear to our hearts because it was one of our firsts…paving the way for many more!” With intricately crafted glass panels, climate-controlled interiors, and doors that easily open to the lawn, it is no surprise families adore a decorative glass enclosure for their pools.

The family’s property was beautiful with a grand lawn overlooking the water and coastal architecture. After the addition of a new guest house and art studio, they wanted something unique to create a continuous flow between the addition and the main house and serve as a place of relaxation.

It was important the conservatory enclosure encompassed key elements from the existing architecture but also had a sense of independence that kept it from blending completely into the existing homes. In collaboration with the architect, we put pencil to paper to create various sketches to solve difficult design and detail issues – one of which was how to incorporate the client’s love of palms. We had to carefully design the pitch of the roof to accommodate the growing palms and incorporate a climate control system to keep the enclosure at the perfect temperature year-round.

Another was the unique way we approached the construction of the conservatory. At its core, there is a structural steel skeleton then clad in sapele mahogany! Much different than we typically build these rooms – but at almost 4,000 square feet, it required this special approach.

The resulting final pool house design looks deceptively simple. On one side, it is a straightforward symmetrical conservatory pool enclosure. On the other side, it is a subtle blending of the new conservatory with the original shingle-style architecture of the existing home. The elegant design of the roof structure bridges the two just as the pool house enclosure itself bridges the two wings of the house.

As summer returns, we are reminded of our first grand pool enclosure – we hope it provides some inspiration for your own enclosure! For more inspiration, take a stroll through our Pool Enclosures & Spas portfolio.

Have a fantastic summer from our team to yours!