Stepping into a 19th-century conservatory is like walking into a cathedral of light.
From the soaring iron arches of the Crystal Palace to the delicately adorned palm houses of Europe, these glasshouses were more than architectural achievements. They were symbols of refinement, status, and scientific progress — places where nature and design intertwined, where steel and glass transformed daylight into spectacle.
Today, this legacy lives on. At Tanglewood, we do not simply draw inspiration from these historic marvels, we carry their spirit forward in every design. And never has this been more evident than in our latest steel conservatory project: a monumental, hand-crafted roof structure that echoes the romance of a bygone era.
Conservatories: The Ironwork Icons That Shaped a Century
The conservatories of the 1800s were feats of engineering and artistry. With the Industrial Revolution came the ability to forge iron into sweeping spans and ornate castings, unlocking architectural possibilities previously unimaginable. Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, unveiled in 1851, stretched nearly 1 million square feet and dazzled with its endless walls of glass framed in cast iron. It wasn’t just a building — it was a statement of vision.
Across Europe and beyond, botanical conservatories began to appear on royal estates and in public parks. These were not mere greenhouses; they were temples of enlightenment, built to cultivate exotic plants and the human imagination.
Fast-forward to today, and steel has become the natural heir to cast iron and allows modern designers the freedom to create one-of-a-kind legacies. The true beauty is how steel enables us to do more than replicate the past. It allows us to reinterpret it, honoring the architectural vocabulary of the 19th century while applying contemporary methods and client vision.
An Architectural Love Letter
Our current project, a soaring steel conservatory roof, illustrates this philosophy in motion. Inside our workshop, what begins as raw material soon takes shape as something far greater: curved trusses, hand-finished decorative cutouts, and a profile that evokes the grandeur of Gothic arches and vaulted ceilings.
Every detail is intentional. The medallion cutouts lining the arches are not just embellishments; they are a direct conversation with history. Inspired by traditional wrought iron ornamentation, they bring movement, light play, and refinement to an otherwise industrial structure.
But more than that, they bring soul. This is where engineering becomes art.
In the months ahead, our craftsmen will complete fabrication of this 1,300-square-foot glass roof enclosure — soon to live at the heart of a new home. Once installed, it will crown a soaring atrium where sunlight pours in, lush plantings thrive, and guests are welcomed into a space designed for serenity, gathering, and a connection with the natural world.
This extraordinary project was made possible through close collaboration with several of our valued partners: PKA Architecture, North Arrow Architecture, Hendel Homes, Codie Donahue Interior Design, and Topo Landscape Design— each bringing their own artistry and expertise to the vision.
Why This Matters Now
There is a quiet resurgence happening — an architectural return to spaces that do more than shelter. Clients today seek homes that inspire. Rooms that bring you closer to nature. Structures that feel like heirlooms, even when newly built.
Custom steel conservatories offer all of this and more, capturing the poetry of a time when buildings were crafted, not just constructed. Our goal at Tanglewood is not to mimic history — it is to honor it while building something entirely new. Each conservatory we design is a bespoke expression of both client vision and historic memory. Whether it is a classical dome, a contemporary pool enclosure, or a soaring steel framework conservatory roof like this one, the DNA of 19th-century glasshouses is always present.
We’re not recreating relics. We’re creating living, breathing spaces that feel timeless.
Begin Your Journey
Inspired by the legacy of steel and glass?
Discover how you can bring this architectural tradition to life in your home. Our Planning & Design guide walks you through the first steps — from inspiration to realization. It’s the perfect place to begin imagining your own cathedral of light.