Conservatory design is unique. The amount of knowledge, craftsmanship, research, and attention to detail greatly differs from the creation of any other room in the world. According to President and Director of Architecture, Alan Stein:

We believe that a beautiful conservatory begins with your vision – and your passions. However, you will use your conservatory, whatever the style that best reflects your home, whatever the materials you choose, it will be a room like no other.

A. STEIN, TANGLEWOOD PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE

We sat down with our Senior Designer, M. Selman, to give you an inside look into how he approaches every project and what makes conservatories such an interesting architectural form – here is what we uncovered…

Function & Form: The Core of Conservatory Design

For over 25 years, our senior designer has been creating some of the country’s most unique conservatories for private residences and commercial venues. Whether he is working on an elegant greenhouse, luxurious conservatory, or a large pool enclosure, he always says: “In architecture, two major factors determine the success or failure of a structure, the form and the function. From there, we are only limited by our creative thinking.”

The trick, of course, is how to get from concept to final product. Close attention to details, he points out, is integral to the process. According to our designer, “Eye-pleasing form and specifically defined functions, whether it be a greenhouse, conservatory, or pool enclosure, should complement each other and come together harmoniously to create a true conservatory design.“

We often pull inspiration from important details of existing structures on the estate or from the beautiful historic conservatories around the world. For greenhouses specifically, if we were also integrating say grow systems, we have to make sure these added features do not disrupt the overall design but blend seamlessly within the millwork – almost hidden in the design itself.

The challenge is finding a creative solution that maintains the light, transparent feel that is the essence of a conservatory or greenhouse.”

   M. SELMAN, TANGLEWOOD SENIOR DESIGNER

If you have ever stepped foot in a conservatory, then you know what he is talking about. These lightweight, transparent rooms expose every detail. Unlike traditional construction where structural details are hidden, most often conservatory designers must come up with creative solutions to make these structural details functional AND decorative as most will be seen.

Conservatories Are a Work of Art

Carefully handcrafted to fit your specific needs, conservatories for private residences have become increasingly popular over the years. In our designer’s experience, what sets conservatory design apart from say the design of your home or office building is the attention to detail not only in the furniture, the items within the room and its function/purpose, but the details built into the core structure of the room itself. These exposed details allow our clients to truly express their style, whether that means combining materials, adding decorative cut-outs in the rafters, or even creating interesting roof shapes designed to be an art feature itself!

We approach every design as a blank sheet of paper with endless possibilities.

As our designer always says. . . “I’ve been designing for Tanglewood for over 25 years, and of all my favorites, they have one thing in common, I was given total freedom to design from scratch and each structure was built unlike anything else in the world.“

When we asked our designer what he liked best about designing for Tanglewood, he said:

“We never build the same thing twice. Each and every conservatory is different and has its own unique personality and challenges. I’m often amazed at what we’re able to do. Of course, we learn from each one too. It never gets boring. The more complex and challenging the design the better I like them. I would not have lasted 28 years if I did not enjoy the work I do. It’s not just designing and building – we really are creating art.“

The reasons why our clients want conservatories are myriad. Many are looking to create a space to enjoy a sense of outdoor living year-round or realize a glass conservatory creates the ideal place to retreat and commune in the tranquil ambience of growing plants.

Others are looking to add a statement piece to their home, desire a place that captures the beautiful views of their estate, and even view these rooms to help increase productivity by using them as home offices and gyms! Click the button below to read a few of our client’s stories in our Dream Book!

Families and friends make memories that last a lifetime and leave a legacy in these rooms. Imagine what those memories you and your family might make surrounded by such beauty!

What would you add to this list?

What dreams might the idea of a well-designed conservatory spark in you?

For more information about our planning and design process to help you get started for your own conservatory, visit: https://tanglewoodconservatories.com/process/conservatory-planning-and-design/