Custom Steel and Glass Palm House

— 8 —The Palm House

During the nineteenth century, great palm houses were built around the world. These fantastical greenhouses were designed as much to showcase the new building materials – steel and glass that had become available to architects and builders, as they were to house specimens.

They were whimsical, transparent, crystalline conservatories often attached to a formal manor home, and they provided their occupants the opportunity to bask in light and congeniality. Cast iron, steel and glass were the materials that made them possible and this custom, steel conservatory greenhouse is no exception.

Custom steel and glass palm house roof and cupola

Enter through its “headhouse”, the name traditionally given to the part of the greenhouse that houses the utility systems and be astonished by the soaring steel girders with their decorative cast iron embellishments. Even the headhouse is a work of art. The reception room for large parties, weddings and intimate get-togethers, its details draw us in and invite us to explore further.

Custom steel and glass palm house, exterior front view of the head house

Inside the palm house, ferns, full-grown palm trees and their humid aroma abound. The curves of their delicate fronds are echoed by the playful forms of the conservatories’ steel and cast iron. Intimate pathways through the abundant foliage suggest we duck behind and explore a hidden sensuous world.

Custom steel and glass palm house roof and cupola, an interior shot

A conservatory has to be a perfect marriage of form and function. Therefore, we strive to build graceful, intricate structures to complement and enhance our client’s homes.

A fanciful fern-frond chandelier hangs from the center of the cupola to light our way and a fireplace beckons us with warmth as the snowdrifts outside. A three-tone color scheme accentuates the different materials and architectural accents. Mahogany windows and doors with leaded glass frame stunning views of the surrounding gardens. Though historically styled, this palm house uses thoroughly modern technology. High performance insulated glass and thermally broken glazing systems assure both flora and occupants will be comfortable year-round. The steel ribs that hold the glass overhead are delicate and insubstantial, the effect – a crystal jewel of light.

Custom steel and glass palm house, interior steel view with tropical plants

Project Architect: William J Thomas Studios

Design: Tanglewood Design Team, M. Selman, Sr. Designer