The Zwinger Palace Orangery is one of those places that reminds us how long people have explored life with light and nature. While photographing this orangery for our publication The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass, it became clear that structures like these still influence how conservatories are designed today.

Built in the early 18th century in Dresden, the orangery was originally created to protect delicate citrus trees during colder months. But it quickly became more than just a shelter for plants. These spaces were carefully designed environments where architecture, light, and landscape worked together. Large windows welcomed daylight deep into the structure, while high ceilings supported airflow and comfort. Every detail, from proportion to ornamentation, contributed to both function and experience.

That balance between beauty and purpose is what continues to define conservatory design today. When exploring the idea of adding a conservatory or orangery to your home, start the conversation with why you want one. How will you use the space? How will this room transform the way you live and gather in your home?

For centuries, these spaces have been designed to connect daily life with the outdoors. The goal has never been simply to add glass and structure, but to create a room that changes the way we experience architecture and gatherings, while feeling calm, bright, and naturally connected to the surrounding garden.

This perspective feels especially relevant today. Modern homes often move quickly from one space to the next, but a conservatory encourages a slower pace. It becomes a place to read in natural light, tend to plants, gather with family, or simply enjoy the changing seasons from a comfortable setting.

At Tanglewood, these historic structures are more than inspiration. They serve as a foundation. The craftsmanship, proportion, and relationship to the landscape seen in places like the Zwinger Palace Orangery continue to guide how conservatories are designed and built. To view more historic conservatories, visit our heritage section to read A Look At What Guides Us and The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass.

When architecture respects light, nature, and human experience, it does more than serve a function. It creates spaces people return to again and again, just as they have for centuries.

Start the conversation with our team to begin designing a space that changes how you live in your home.

The post The Enduring Appeal of Orangeries: Designing Conservatories and Orangeries for Modern Living appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

As we close the door on 2024, we thought it was the perfect time to highlight the stories and ideas that captured the imaginations of our readers last year. At Tanglewood Conservatories, our blog serves as a celebration of conservatory design—a space where education, insights, and inspiration come together to showcase the artistry behind our work. Through thoughtful exploration of trends, craftsmanship, and design philosophy, we aim to inspire our audience while illuminating the bespoke creations that make Tanglewood unique.

Here, we take a look back at the top five most-read articles of 2024 that resonated with our community.

Top 5 Most Popular For
Property Owners

#5: Indulge In Your Garden Year-Round

READ ARTICLE

#4: Your Spring Garden Inspiration: A Collection of Greenhouse Ideas!

READ ARTICLE

#3 Steel Conservatories, Wood Conservatories, or Both: Which Is Best Suited For Your Conservatory?

READ ARTICLE

#2: The Influence of Stained Glass In Conservatories

READ ARTICLE

#1: From Innovation To Inspiration: Steel Conservatories Appear In The 19th Century

READ ARTICLE

Top 5 Most Popular For
Design & Build Professionals

#5: Art You Can Live In: Creating A Biltmore-Inspired Conservatory Glass Roof

READ ARTICLE

#4: From Innovation To Inspiration: Steel Conservatories Appear In The 19th Century

READ ARTICLE

#3 Grateful For Our Clients, Partners, & Team Members

READ ARTICLE

#2: Estate Greenhouses: Fresh Cooking Right
From Your Garden

READ ARTICLE

#1: Jewel Conservatories: Comfort,
Exclusivity, And Elegance

READ ARTICLE

The post From Stained Glass to Steel Conservatories: Discover What Articles Captivated Readers in 2024 appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

Imagine… restoring a historic landmark that has given so much to prior generations in hopes it continues to give for generations to come…

The power of conservatories and greenhouses has captivated the world for centuries; bringing family, friends, and whole communities together to enjoy the outdoors, learn about horticulture, provide educational programs for children, allow visitors to take refuge beneath its grand glass panes, and more. For many, these architectural wonders are cherished historic landmarks just as estate greenhouses and private conservatories are with families around the world.

“There is so much we can learn from the history of conservatories and it is our hope that in sharing what we have learned with your community, that people continue to admire and appreciate this style of architecture. We have to preserve and celebrate these architectural legends and what they stand for.”

Alan Stein
President & Director of Architecture of Tanglewood Conservatories

The Reynolda House and Gardens is a prime example of this sense of community and has been a prominent fixture in the history of Winston-Salem since the 20th century. We were recently invited by the Gardens to join them at their annual fundraising gala for a book signing of our latest publication “The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass”, sharing our expertise of conservatories and greenhouses. Founders Alan Stein and Nancy Virts spoke on the extraordinary history of glass architecture and explored insights into the history of Reynolda’s very own 1913 Lord & Burnham Greenhouse.

An event celebrating gardens under glass, the main focus this year was restoring the gardens and aging greenhouse to its former glory. Members of the Reynolda community collaborated over their plans for restoration and offered a warm welcome as they took Alan and Nancy behind the scenes into the undergoing restoration efforts for the greenhouse. In our time at Reynolda, it was clear the impact the Gardens and Greenhouse has made on the community. Generations have spent their childhoods playing amongst the gardens and even today you will find families wandering about the grounds daily with their pets, visiting the museum, and during the summer kids participating in camps!

We were honored to be apart of the collaborative efforts to support the soon-to-be restored greenhouse! When Alan and Nancy started Tanglewood Conservatories over 30 years ago, what began as a passion for creating beautiful glass architecture blossomed into the creation of "The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass." Sharing their love for this extraordinary building type with the world and the history behind their creation is what fuels Tanglewood’s unique approach to evolutionary design trends. 

Bring the magic of this century old tradition home – either with a conservatory of your own or through “The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass”, a 2021 GardenComm Media Awards Gold Medal Winning publication.

The post Gardens Under Glass: Celebrating Greenhouses & Conservatories appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

Nestled in the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Reynolda House stands as a testament to the beauty and charm of historic architecture. It's a place where history and horticulture converge, exemplified by the enduring presence of their own Lord and Burnham Greenhouse. This iconic structure symbolizes the values of preservation, history, and art, which are core principles of Tanglewood and when we were asked to speak at their upcoming fundraising event to continue to educate and advocate for these precious historic figures, we were honored to!

The Reynolda House: A Legacy of the Past

Constructed in 1912 by Philadelphia architect Charles Barton Keen, the Reynolda House was originally the residence of Katharine and R.J. Reynolds, founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. As plans were further developed for the garden by Horatio R. Buckenham and Louis Miller, in 1913 the team brought on Lord & Burnham Co, the premier conservatory makers at the time, to design and construct a beautiful greenhouse to complete the gardens. Today, it is a museum that preserves and celebrates America's rich cultural heritage. The Reynolda House embodies the values of historic preservation, as it stands as an enduring symbol of the American Arts and Crafts movement.

Lord & Burnham Greenhouses are significant in the history of horticulture and architecture due to their innovative design and impact on the development of commercial and residential greenhouses. Established in the 19th century, Lord & Burnham became a leading name in greenhouse manufacturing, introducing cutting-edge technology and aesthetic elements that merged functionality and beauty. Their designs allowed for controlled environments, facilitating year-round plant growth and research, and played a crucial role in advancing botanical science, ornamental gardening, and commercial agriculture. Today, the legacy of Lord & Burnham continues to influence modern greenhouse design and sustainable agriculture practices.

As history often goes, the Lord and Burnham Greenhouse at Reynolda faced the threat of neglect and decay. However, thanks to the collective efforts of passionate organizations and donors, this remarkable structure has been restored to its former glory.

Tanglewood Talks About Preserving Beautiful Estate Greenhouses

When Alan and Nancy, the passionate minds behind Tanglewood, were presented with the opportunity to speak at the Reynolda House about the importance of these beautiful structures, they were honored. Beyond crafting beautiful estate greenhouses and conservatories at Tanglewood, their love for beautiful glass architecture stems back much further. They enjoy sharing their expertise in historic conservatory architecture with others as part of their commitment to the preservation of these architectural legends whom they have studied for over 30 years!

This upcoming talk will explore the profound connection between history, architecture, and the enduring beauty of conservatories. Stay tuned for details on this inspiring event and to learn more about the Reynolda House and Gardens, visit their website at reynolda.org!

We also offer this talk as an AIA course for our architectural community!
Contact our office at 410-479-4700 for more details.

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At Tanglewood Conservatories, we are not just builders of extraordinary glass structures; we are dreamers, explorers, and lovers of historic architecture. Our commitment to craftsmanship and our appreciation for the beauty of the past are at the heart of everything we do. This passion is embodied by our founders, Alan and Nancy, who recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in a way that truly reflects their dedication to their craft.

A Passionate Journey to Scotland

For their milestone anniversary, Alan and Nancy embarked on an unforgettable journey to Scotland, a land known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. However, this trip held a unique purpose – to explore the intricate world of glass houses, conservatories, and botanic gardens.

From the moment they landed in Scotland, Alan and Nancy were captivated by the grandeur of the structures they encountered. From the renowned Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to the hidden gems like the Dunmore Pineapple, they traversed the country in search of architectural treasures. Each conservatory and glass house told a story of innovation and artistry, echoing the very principles that drive Tanglewood Conservatories.

As Alan and Nancy stood amidst the lush greenery of the Scottish gardens, they couldn't help but reflect on their journey. They shared a heartfelt message with us:

"Being passionate about what you do is one thing, but being able to explore the world and the historic architecture it has to offer is what allows us to do what we do at Tanglewood Conservatories. Our trip to Scotland has reinforced our love for conservatory architecture, and it's a reminder of why we started this incredible journey together."

Inspiration for the Future

The anniversary adventure in Scotland was not just a celebration of 30 years of marriage but also a reaffirmation of the dedication that Alan and Nancy bring to Tanglewood. The stunning glass houses and conservatories they explored have left an indelible mark on their hearts and have filled them with fresh inspiration.

As they return to their work at Tanglewood, Alan and Nancy carry the spirit of Scotland's historic architecture with them. Their commitment to creating exceptional conservatories, inspired by the world's most beautiful designs, continues to shape the legacy of Tanglewood Conservatories.

Here are just a few glimpses at the inspirations they captured in their travels!

During their remarkable journey through Scotland, Alan and Nancy made a captivating stop at the Kibble Palace in Glasgow's Botanic Gardens. This iconic glasshouse, with its intricate ironwork and towering glass walls, left them in awe of its Victorian grandeur. One fascinating tidbit about the Kibble Palace is that it was designed by John Kibble, a wealthy Scottish businessman, as a private conservatory to house his collection of exotic plants. However, in an act of remarkable generosity, he later donated it to the city of Glasgow in 1873, allowing the public to enjoy its botanical wonders. It stands today as a testament to the power of shared passion for conservatory architecture and the beauty of preserving historic treasures for all to admire.

While Alan & Nancy were there they visited the Winter Garden Glasshouse at the People's Palace, a place of historical and architectural significance. However, they discovered that this cherished glasshouse is currently closed for extensive restoration, with an estimated closure period of another five years. This news, while disappointing in the short term, also offered a glimpse into the dedication to preserving Scotland's architectural heritage. Alan and Nancy understood the importance of such restoration efforts, recognizing that when the Winter Garden Glasshouse reopens its doors after this significant endeavor, it will emerge as a shining example of historic preservation and a true testament to the enduring legacy of conservatory architecture. Visitors can anticipate a remarkable and revitalized experience in the heart of Glasgow when this beloved glasshouse is finally unveiled!

Alan and Nancy's adventures led them to the Dunmore Pineapple, a striking 18th-century architectural curiosity. The Dunmore Pineapple is renowned for its unique design—a grand stone pineapple perched atop a Georgian villa. What truly intrigued them was the villa's glasshouses disappearance, leaving only the pineapple behind. The Earl of Dunmore, the villa's owner, is believed to have removed it intentionally after his European tour, leaving the pineapple as a lasting symbol of his grand adventures. 

A remarkable twist to their story is that Alan and Nancy had the rare opportunity to spend the night inside the pineapple itself. This added a touch of magic to their journey, allowing them to immerse themselves even more deeply in the history and charm of this iconic Scottish landmark.

"It was so intriguing to me, when you look at photographs of this Pineapple house, it is always the exterior but we never saw what lives inside of the pineapple itself! So of course, our curiosity got the better of us and knew we had to stay there and figure out what was inside the building and the stunning pineapple crown at the top!"

While in Edinburgh, Alan and Nancy also made a stop at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, where they encountered the historic glasshouses. These remarkable structures, once vibrant and teeming with botanical wonders, are currently closed for extensive repair and restoration. We had no idea all of these conservatories were under restoration but are truly glad the community is dedicated to preserving these architectural wonders. We can’t wait to visit when they are restored to their former glory!

Have you ever visited any of these beautiful, historic cities?

Are you feeling inspired? Elevate your lifestyle and explore the art of conservatory architecture with our team! Give us a call at 410 479 4700 or fill out our inquiry form.

 Look out for our next blog from our different team members traveling!

The post A Journey of Love and Historic Architecture: Alan and Nancy’s 30th Anniversary Adventure in Scotland appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

In a world where glass is no longer just a building material, but a medium for storytelling, what story would you tell through your custom conservatory?

As glass transcends its utilitarian role and becomes a canvas for captivating narratives, envision the story your very own custom conservatory could tell. Imagine. . . designing an extension of your home that reflects your passions and brings back wonderful memories shared beneath its glass roof. Just like the pages of esteemed publications such as Architectural Digest, Boston Home Magazine, and Traditional Building, are ablaze with discussions about these architectural marvels, the excitement is tangible. It's easy to find yourself lost in your vision, imagining the possibilities that lie within the graceful contours of a bespoke conservatory.

Take a leap from the glossy pages into your own realm, where the bold and the classic combine in harmonious design. Journey from the sleek lines of modern minimalism to the timeless charm of tradition—your custom conservatory stands ready to embrace any style you envision.

When you think about the design of your own custom conservatory, it's not merely about architectural aesthetics. It's about summoning the spirit of exploration that resides within us all. With each stroke of design, our team will help to redefine what's possible, pushing boundaries to forge new frontiers of creativity to create a room that is crafted uniquely for you. The dance of sunlight upon glass, the delicate interplay between transparent walls and verdant life, culminating in a symphony of sensory delight, a symphony we've meticulously composed.

Take this stunning sapele mahogany and steel conservatory for example.

An artist’s sanctuary, the undulating contours of this unusual pool house conservatory contrasts with the classical architecture of the home to which it belongs. The cast iron and steel structure, inspired by industrial revolution steelwork, is further defined by the use of naturally finished mahogany. Notice the beautiful cut-outs and details, the artful treatment of the floor The swimming pool and spa are conveniently hidden beneath the floor, which at the push of a button, drops hydraulically to become the bottom of the pool and opens up for endless swimming fun for our clients and their grandchildren.

So, as you immerse yourself in the captivating features gracing the glossy spreads of architectural magazines, remember that each dazzling masterpiece conceals a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and an unwavering desire to create something profoundly unique. When you are ready to start exploring your story in a conservatory, give us a call! We look forward to dreaming with you.

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Imagine... living during the great evolution of conservatory design from the 18th to 19th century... what an experience it would have been!

In the nineteenth century, Britannia ruled the way things were created. Into England's ports flowed an array of exotic goods, including plants never before seen in the Old World. By the mid-century, botany was the country’s most popular science, pursued not just by wealthy men but by both sexes of the rising middle class.

By the mid-nineteenth century, architects began to explore new ways to design and build conservatories as new technologies and materials became available. The discovery of wrought-iron glazing allowed these curved forms to be produced. The use of these curvilinear shapes for the building itself devised an unconventional system of glass roof panels that maximized the amount of light to pour through. Much different from the typical build of conservatories people were familiar with such as the Conservatory at Syon Park, Castle Ashby Orangery, and the Conservatories at Kew.

As word spread over the next few decades, interest rose in creating a space for more exotic plants to flourish that prior would never have been possible in England’s climate. New techniques to advance the cultivation of food and medicinal plants grew through the use of conservatories and orangeries, allowing the trading of exotic plants and seeds to flourish in England never before. Although functionality was a priority of these glass houses, people began to see the true beauty behind the conservatory and what they could become.

These new desires for more creatively designed glasshouses opened new opportunities for architects and builders to break the boundaries of traditional conservatory design to create some of the world’s most beautiful and interesting conservatories that set the stage for future generations. More notable works designed by John Claudius Loudon, Joseph Paxton, Decimus Burton, and Richard Turner are some of the most revolutionary conservatory concepts that were birthed during the time.

Richard Turner was an Irish iron founder and manufacturer of glasshouses, born in Dublin. Known as one of the most important glasshouse designers of his time, his works included the Palm House at Kew Gardens, the Curvilinear Range at the Irish National Botanic Gardens, in Ireland and the Palm House at Belfast Botanic Gardens (see below). Turner's knowledge of the unique uses and abilities of iron allowed these glass houses to be the turning point of conservatory architecture of the 19th century.

Just look at those transformative the conservatory became…

If you are interested in learning how these beautiful glass structures began, check out our previous article exploring the first conservatories and orangeries of the 17th & 18th century! To continue reading about the entire evolution, order a copy of The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass on amazon.com!

The post Historic Conservatories of the 19th Century & the Architecture Behind Them! appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

Have you ever wondered what started the trend for conservatories and why they are still desired after over 200 years?

The humble beginnings of glasshouses were first introduced during the 17th and 18th centuries. Developed by “a royal appetite and a doctor’s command”, as Alan states in their publication The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass, to overwinter tender plants in cool European climates, the first conservatory was created using cold frames covered with oilcloth or translucent stone like mica to act like glass. Much different from the typical build of conservatories we are familiar with today such as Syon Park, the Crystal Palace, and the Conservatories at Kew Gardens. During this time, garden beds would be moved outside during the warmer months and when nights become too cold and the light too dim for growing, gardeners would move the beds back inside.

As word spread over the next thousand years, people began educating themselves on the world around them. What had been rudimentary havens for the cultivation of food and medicinal plants evolved into orangeries created to house citrus and other exotic trees brought back to Europe by explorers who traveled the world searching for useful plants. These new buildings were usually constructed with thick masonry walls and south-facing windows to provide just enough light and heat to keep citrus, bay, myrtle, pomegranate, and other tender exotics alive until they could be moved outdoors in the spring. Plants were grown in containers specifically designed for ease of movement. Although functional, overall aesthetics were not a priority when it came to protecting delicate tropical plants from the cold. It was not until later that wealthy Renaissance merchants built orangeries more worthy of their status.

Aristocrats grasped the opportunity to show off their rare treasures by commissioning architects to imagine structures even more beautiful than those built by preceding generations. Nobles and wealthy merchants across Europe and the United Kingdom built grand orangeries, such as the Versailles Orangery, large enough to hold hundreds of these citrus trees. Nestled against south-facing walls, under terraces, or within larger buildings, these orangeries became places for gatherings, feasts, and parties where guests could be enveloped by the fragrance and beauty of prized citrus trees. 

As time progressed, architects and builders became more creative in their expressions of conservatories and their use. From the introduction of glass to hand-carved decorations into the stonework, take a stroll through some of the most iconic conservatories from this time period! 

To continue reading about their evolution, order a copy of The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass at amazon.com!

Bowood Orangery

| London, England, 1760, Architect: Robert Adam |

The orangery at Bowood House & Gardens in England started as just a place to house orange trees but has proven to be the longest lasting element of the estate because of its timeless design and beautiful glass windows. 

In the medieval period, a hunting lodge was on the site of what would become Bowood. The first proper house was built on the site in 1725 and was purchased by John Petty, 1st Earl of Shelburne, in 1754. While in Petty’s ownership he expanded the house by adding a service wing and a porticoed entrance designed by architect Henry Keene. The estate was passed to William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne in 1761. Scottish architects Robert and John Adams were then hired to update the home and its surrounding property. In doing so, the Adams decorated the main rooms, added a mausoleum for the 1st Earl, and created the glorious orangery. 

The Orangery at Kensington Palace

| London, England, 1761, Nicholas Hawksmoor |

Inherited by Queen Anne, the daughter of British monarch James II, Kensington Palace housed the queen’s passions, including her orangery. The Orangery in Kensington Palace always served as Anne’s greatest place of refuge. Few changes were made to the structure once she inherited it, save for the orangery. The interior of the space had been decorated for royalty and Anne kept it that way, but with the addition of her plants. She used the space to entertain guests and host lavish parties. As an elderly woman, she enjoyed spending time in this space sitting amongst her plants.

Zwinger Palace Orangery

| Dresden, Germany, 1761 |

The orangery at the baroque Zwinger Palace in Dresden, Germany is Frederick-Augustus I’s grandest project. It was designed by architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann in collaboration with sculptor Balthasar Permoser. Orangeries were an immense sign of wealth and luxury in the 18th century. Citrus was the most coveted of the fruit trees because of the numerous health benefits of vitamin C, hence the popularity of orangeries. What once started as an orangery to store exotic trees, eventually evolved into a well-known and quite grand space for court activities. 

In the beginning, the orangery was planned to be a modest garden consisting of U-shaped terraces with stairs at the pinnacle to join the levels displaying and housing Frederick-Augustus I’s coveted orange tree collection. Following 1711, terraces were built with arcaded galleries and the ground floor of the south pavilion was decorated to be a grotto. In the north pavilion, a nymphaeum, a Greco-Roman grotto dedicated to nymphs, was installed. Shelves on two sides of the uppermost level held life-size figures of nymphs created by Permoser. 

The Orangery of Versailles 

| Versailles, France, 1663 |

 In the mid-17th century, it was considered a great sign of wealth and status if a citizen could grow fruit trees all year round, especially orange trees. Oranges are citrus which brings the healing benefits of vitamin C, something people at the time desperately needed more of and Louis XIV was no exception. 

In 1663, the Palace of Versailles was endowed with an orangery as one of the many expansions to its grounds. The orangery was originally built by French baroque architect Louis Le Vau. About 20 years after it was built, from 1683 to 1685, Jules Hardouin-Mansart doubled the width and length of the original orangery. The central gallery is now over 150 meters long while the barrel vaulted ceilings stand 13 meters high. The barrel vault ceiling along with the use of stereotomy, the art of arranging stones, gives the space a grand and palatial feel, while sticking to its Baroque influences. The renovations opened the orangery into a large space capable of storing more plants and more people. 

The orangery structure has an ideal location facing southward and nestled below the South Parterre, shielding the space from the strong winds of the area. Thick walls also protect residents from the elements. 

“The 4-5-meter thick walls, double windows and south facing position enable it to maintain a temperature in winter that is not lower than 5º C,” according to World Heritage.

Interested in learning more about these unique architectural structures? Check out the Conservatory Heritage Library or stay tuned for more blogs about the evolution of custom conservatories and orangeries as we explore the 19th century next month!

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Have you missed travelling abroad?

Our team just returned from Italy for the first time travelling abroad in almost two years and it had us reminiscing on our time studying the beautiful historic conservatories around the world. It is amazing to see how far conservatory architecture has come. From their exquisite details and materials to the connection they bring with the outdoors, they truly are a unique home addition. But they weren’t always that way!

The idea of a conservatory-like space has undergone numerous advancements since the 17th century, both in function and form, that have helped them transform into the dreamy spaces they are today. Their advancements in materials, technology, and architecture are inspired - paving the way for even more unique design possibilities as we evolve!

An Extraordinary Evolution of Conservatories

When the idea for a “covered, well lit” space was first conceived in the 17th century, the overall goal of the structure was for royalty to have a place to sun their orange plants during the day and safely store them in the winter months. Oranges were a delicacy at this time because of their healing vitamin C properties. Since this space was designed for orange plants, these rooms became known as Orangeries. The Orangery is the first evolution of conservatory design before the introduction of glass. Perhaps the grandest of the early orangeries was designed for Louis XIV at Versailles in the 17th century.

Opulent and bold, the Orangery at Versailles,  was designed by André Le Notre with no glass, arched doorways, arched windows, expansive grounds, and plenty of room to move the plants about - the space is entirely open air. The exterior walls are ornately decorated to reflect its grandeur.

As the neoclassical style rose to popularity in Europe, so did the orangeries. The Bowood Conservatory was one of the first examples of neoclassicism and is a far cry from the open air, park-like layout of the Orangery at Versailles.  The orangery was built using stone with holes left open for windows, rather than creating the glass first as it is done today.

Years later, with advancements in new building materials, Castle Ashby was designed and built with soaring glazed ceilings and large window openings set between narrow columns of stone. Alton Towers was one of the first orangeries to include cast iron and glass, funnelling the light into the space even more beautifully than before. These spaces transitioned from housing just fruit trees to containing all types of plants thanks to the addition of glass panes.

From Orangeries to Conservatories: A Pivotal Transition in Conservatory Architecture

With greater availability of glass and other building materials came more room for experimentation. Syon Park was constructed in the early 1800s and built of gunmetal, bath stone, and a 38-foot diameter glass dome.

The large structure was more transparent than we previously saw in orangeries, thanks to the ability to have glass produced in larger sheets. Glass could finally encompass the whole ceiling and bring in more natural light than ever. Notice in its structure the balance of orangery style merging with a more transparent, conservatory look. It is almost like they started to design it as a traditional orangery and then changed directions!

The Belfast Conservatory was another revolutionary glass structure that featured a huge amount of seemingly curved glass panes wrapped around the curvy cast-iron structure. This curvilinear structure was also historically experimented with at Kew Gardens. It was innovative for its use of wrought iron and an impressive 66 foot-tall dome that can house a palm tree. Another notable change is their availability to the public! From residing in the private homes of the wealthy, as botanic gardens began adopting these conservatory structures it allowed entire populations to benefit from their grand displays. People wanted to be close to nature and these botanic gardens gave people the opportunity to get away from city life and stroll amongst the gardens.

The structures continued to advance as the technology allowed. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Conservatory, built in 1877, has large arched glass windows over the hallway which transitions into a grand glass panelled double dome ceiling. With a 57-foot-tall octagonal dome and two vaulted arcades, the conservatory has an Italian flair. The supports each have intricate designs spanning the length as well. As railroad systems became more abundant, the easier parts could be imported to complete complex projects like this. 

As time progressed and people’s desires to be closer to the natural world grew stronger, conservatories changed from garden spaces for the nobility and the very wealthy, to a place of relaxation reserved for private estates around the world. The White House even added a wood-framed conservatory to its property in 1857 at the suggestion of former President James Buchanan’s niece. Inside, fresh flowers and fruit were grown and used for the house.  

As it got easier to build conservatories, private estates began to experiment more with the luxury structure. Ever the trendsetter, Mark Twain had a conservatory built for his Connecticut home in 1874. It had a fountain inside and housed his tropical plants. Similarly private yet grand, the Biltmore Conservatory was built for the wealthy Vanderbilt family in 1895. It was a luxury to have your own private conservatory!

Advancing into the 21st century, modern styles have begun to shine through as new technologies allow for more advancements in how structure pieces are made. Glass spheres make up the corporate headquarters for Amazon in Seattle, Washington. A complex design of geometric and irregular glass shapes creates a modern, futuristic design. The spherical design is intended to help employees connect with nature better. With new technologies, energy-efficient systems are keeping the conservatory more temperate than ever.

The world of conservatories is always progressing. From starting as open-air orangeries, run by servants, to glass spherical, environmentally-friendly conservatory office spaces, there are endless possibilities to integrate conservatories into our lifestyle. Learn more about historical conservatories around the world by visiting our Conservatory Heritage Society library or purchasing our book, “The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass.”!

The post An Evolution of Design: How Conservatories Have Changed Their Look Over The Last 3 Centuries appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

JOIN US APRIL 13TH @ 7:00pm EST

The Albany County Historical Association Ten Broeck Mansion is hosting guest speaker Alan Stein to discuss the fascinating evolution of conservatories and greenhouses!

In this FREE introduction to conservatory architecture, explore the impact these structures had on society when they first came to the Americas, their architectural transitions as a result of new technologies, and what role they play in society today!

All registered participants who also purchase a copy of The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass will receive 20% off their purchase - code valid April 9th - April 17th 2022 to be provided at registration!

Background on Conservatories & Greenhouses

Occasionally in history, there is a fortuitous confluence that brings together the potent and energetic streams of capability, creativity, opportunity, fashion, and desire… The world’s great glasshouses are the emblematic products of periods of great creativity and innovation. In addition to being stunning architectural creations that allow us to experience the floras and environments of places far different from our own, they provide us with insights into the cultural development of our societies and communities…

Richard Barley | Director of Horticulture, Learning & Operations
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Passage from "The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass"

Conservatories first appeared during the 17th century as simple, temporary structures designed to protect fruit trees and delicate botanical specimens from the harsh European winters. As the nobility and newly wealthy found pleasure in the preservation and cultivation of exotic specimens from around the world, they wanted more substantial conservatories, built of brick and stone in the same architectural styles as their castles and country houses - these became known as Orangeries.

In the latter half of the 19th century, grand transparent jewel boxes appeared across the European continent, the Americas, and around the world; turning away from the traditional stone and brick structure and embracing modernity in the engineering and architecture of the times. The results were glass palaces, each pushing the boundaries of convention.

About the Albany County Historical Association Ten Broeck Mansion and Gardens

The Albany County Historical Society was founded in 1942 to preserve, present, promote and interpret the stories of the rich and diverse history and culture of Albany County.  The ACHA offers tours of the Mansion and gardens, free and low-cost educational programs for families, schools, and senior centers, cultural events, lectures, and exhibits.  The ACHA is a 501c3 nonprofit educational museum with a permanent educational charter from the State of New York.

To learn about the Albany County Historical Association Ten Broeck Mansion and Gardens, click the link here: https://tenbroeckmansion.org/history/. Their contributions to their community and the preservation of Albany's history are inspiring. Use the following link to become a member or make a contribution to their cause: https://tenbroeckmansion.org/donate/. 

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