The love affair between steel and the arts was birthed during the industrial revolution with the development of decorative cast iron. The malleability of first cast iron and then steel entranced designers who delighted in creating romantic flourishes including leaves, stars and even fanciful animals. As glass became affordable, it was coupled with both structural and decorative cast iron for the charming glass conservatories we know of from the 18th century.
The manufacturing of steel and other metals has improved over time, giving them properties that allow our own ability to use them to also evolve. The result is new possibilities transforming conservatory design into thoroughly modern and special rooms with the old world flare that is so charming and desirable.
Custom Steel Conservatories: Storytelling in Steel
The best part about our work is collaborating with our clients and partners on new conservatory designs. Their imagination gives us new challenges and takes us to new heights we would not otherwise have considered!
Several years ago, one client led us to a new discovery in the future of steel for residential conservatories. When we first met with the client, he dreamed of a glass conservatory that would have the charm and feel of mahogany yet constructed using steel to reflect his love of mathematics!
At this point in Tanglewood’s history, mahogany was the primary building material for a lot of our work – only integrating metals such as aluminum, copper or even zinc as needed for waterproofing and accent materials.
We puzzled over a few renderings but one late-night drawing captured it all. To incorporate his passions we would cut the Fibonacci sequence into the supporting steel beams! You may know it from The Da Vinci Code – either the book or the movie. A Fibonacci Sequence can be defined as a series of numbers in which each number ( Fibonacci number ) is the sum of the two preceding numbers. The simplest is the series 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.
Our client loved the concept!
Charmed with our rendering, he immediately saw his passions come alive in this new glass conservatory. Using laser-cut steel, we were able to create a pattern of circles using the sequence. Note the elbow of each support is the largest circle.
The three circles moving out from the biggest circle decrease in size according to their Fibonacci number. When it was built, he was thrilled at how we met and exceeded his expectations. It is now his favorite room in his home!
The Versatility of Glass Conservatories
When you think of conservatories – what comes to mind?
For most, they express an interest in a beautiful room to host family and friends, maybe have a couch or other large entertaining fixtures. But they are also desired for those intimate spaces for you to escape to!
Another client of ours envisioned a glass conservatory on a stone observation deck perfect for stargazing. They knew they wanted to create it out of steel and bronze while retaining all possible old-world charm. At the top, they suggested, should be a bronze roof-lantern-style cap that would cover the home’s elevator. Our solution was to engineer a bronze exterior shell to contain the glass. Inside steel ribs emphasize the architecture and blend with the interior of the home.
What do you think – is stargazing through beautiful panes of glass something you desire?
The artistry that comes with designing and building glass conservatories with modern materials in the charming style of yore is what makes Tanglewood America’s Premier Conservatory Designer and Manufacturer. We are a team of artists, in love with our craft, and passionate about creating a one-of-a-kind space for our clients.
Are you considering a unique glass feature for your home or office? To start the conversation, fill out our online project form or give us a call at (410) 479 4700!