When you think of your favorite place, where are you?

For many of our clients, when they describe their favorite place, most often they describe a scenario where they are connected to nature. Whether it’s the serenity of a lush garden where they can nurture plants and seedlings, a waterfront view, or a welcoming space where they come together with family and friends, they describe those experiences as wanting to be outside or surrounded by an abundance of natural light. That is why they partner with Tanglewood to create a space in their home where they can have this experience year-round! There are a number of ways we can create this connection in our homes – the most common are custom greenhouses and conservatories!

But which one is best for your family? Let’s find out!

How Are Custom Greenhouses & Conservatories Used?

Pause for a moment to envision how you’d like to immerse yourself in this unique space. Do you envision strolling from your kitchen into the greenhouse, plucking fresh herbs and vegetables for delectable home-cooked meals? Perhaps you dream of starting your day with a cup of coffee, gazing at the sunrise while overlooking your scenic property. Visualizing yourself in the space is the first step to designing the perfect custom greenhouse or conservatory so your room is tailored to you.

Estate greenhouses are a horticulturist’s haven, with their architecture tailored to fostering plant life. Their primary goal is clear: creating an optimal environment for plant health and propagation. By maximizing natural light intake and maintaining high humidity, they facilitate seedling propagation, herb and vegetable cultivation, and the winterization of outdoor plants. While not designed for long-term human habitation, greenhouses offer a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the nurturing and growth of botanical wonders.

A custom conservatory is a versatile architectural space typically designed to provide a comfortable and inviting space primarily for the comfort of humans. While the specific use may vary depending on the owner’s preferences, conservatories offer an idyllic setting for reading, enjoying a morning coffee, hosting social gatherings, or simply basking in the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape. Like greenhouses, plants often accompany families in the conservatory, but they are often plants that can thrive in normal house conditions and are more for decoration than propagation.

Designing Custom Greenhouses & Conservatories

Historically, the term greenhouse and conservatory was used interchangeably as both rooms welcome various plant species. As time progressed, their architectural traits remained very similar such as their exquisite detailing, emphasis on maximizing the amount of natural light exposure, and a transparent feel, but as technological advancements were made, it was the fine details that differentiated them, creating two very different environments inside.

Take a look at these two rooms above. Notice the similarities in the materials and beautiful architectural details such as the custom columns, tiered roofs that optimize sunlight exposure, and the decoration in the windows. Their transparent appearances immerse guests in their surroundings while also protecting them from the elements, but as we take an even closer look, the design of the glass in the roof can tell us a lot about their differences.

The room on the left has these elegant, smaller panes of glass that overlap one another! This unique layering of glass, while not required, is a key sign of a greenhouse as these structures are looking to create an environment that promotes heat gain so plants and seedlings can thrive. Conservatories, like the room on the right, require insulated units of glass where the temperature on the interior can be controlled much like your house – we want to ensure the atmosphere below is suitable for people to live in year-round. They may also house beautiful plants, but our main priority is human comfort.

Architecturally, the design of a custom greenhouse or conservatory is very similar. When thinking about what space is right for your family, take the time to explore how you see this room being used daily, how it can tie into the rest of your home, and what design styles capture your attention! When working with our team, we seek to uncover your passions and desires to ensure we are designing and building a room that will be a staple in your family for generations.

“The design of the conservatory evolved in a rather wholistic way. It took the entire house into consideration and our home became so much more livable.”

R. Wright

Where Should I Put My Custom Greenhouse or Conservatory?

The location choice for an estate greenhouse or conservatory can influence its design and function. When attaching a greenhouse to a house, for example, energy efficiency and temperature control are just a few details we need to consider when thinking about its design initially. It may be best to have doors separating the greenhouse from the rest of the house to regulate temperature. In contrast, conservatories can integrate seamlessly with a home’s interior, allowing a smooth indoor-outdoor transition. Additional considerations when attaching to your home may also include height restrictions, flow, foundation treatment, and more.

Freestanding greenhouses and conservatories that are detached from a main structure, offer a lot more freedom in their design and functionality. Not having to consider limitations that typically come with attaching to an existing structure, they can be thoughtfully positioned within the landscape to create inviting outdoor retreats or showcase botanical treasures. Being disconnected from the main estate, a freestanding room may offer a sense of escape and a deeper connection with the surrounding environment.

Your vision is our inspiration, and we are eager to bring it to life. Share your dreams with us, and together, we can craft the perfect space to create an enchanting haven tailored just for you. Contact our team via form or 410 479 4700.