When you think of a custom residential greenhouse, what comes to mind? 

Perhaps it's a charming conservatory perched elegantly overlooking a picturesque landscape or nestled within a secluded garden for a private retreat. But for the owners of this custom residential greenhouse, it's much more than that. This south-facing haven isn't just a space for admiration; it's a sanctuary where they nurture the many specimens that will soon bring their home to life.

With a growing love for nature and beautiful architecture, the owners wanted their custom greenhouse to blend seamlessly into the design of their home as if it were part of the original design. The continuation of the stone detailing, subtle earth tones, decorative corbels, and the unusual contour of the roof, echoing the home's lines, were all small but important details to achieving the family's vision.

The glass cupola invites an abundance of natural light, while the lower roof is clad with copper on the outside and trimmed with mahogany beadboard on the inside, combining aesthetics and durability. Inside, bathed in natural light, hosts a nurturing haven for potting a diverse array of plants that, once blossomed, will liven the rest of their home.

Producing High-Quality Custom Greenhouses Start With The Client's Vision and Strong Collaboration From Their Team

The design and fabrication of a conservatory or greenhouse is highly personal for our clients. It takes strong collaboration between all parties to ensure we execute their vision perfectly, and our collaboration with Architect Jim Davis is the perfect example. Together, with his initial concept and Tanglewood's expertise in greenhouse design, we created our client's dream greenhouse.

"To me, the collaboration with Tanglewood is analogous to commissioning a sculptor for a piece of art. I lay out the design generically and then rely on their specialized expertise. Because of the talent of their staff, Tanglewood can design a conservatory that is sympathetic with my own ideas."

Jim Davis, Architect

So, when you think of your custom greenhouse, what comes to mind? 

Let's take the first step together toward realizing your dream space. Contact our team at 410-479-4700 or via our contact page below. We look forward to hearing about your vision for your custom residential greenhouse. For more information on how to begin planning for your custom greenhouse or conservatory, CLICK HERE.

The post Crafting a Dream: The Story of a Custom Residential Greenhouse 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!

The post Historic Conservatories of the 17th & 18th Century + The Architecture Behind Them! appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

How do you start planning and designing custom conservatories and greenhouses?!

The design of a conservatory is highly personal, so our team approaches each project individually with a clean sheet of paper, fresh ideas, inspiration from around the world, and YOU! We listen. We talk.  We study the architecture of your home, and we learn about you.

We’ll ask many questions, such as:

• What do you like about your home?
• What would you change?
• What appeals to you about the idea of a conservatory?
• How will your new conservatory be used?

To assist in your journey to adding a custom conservatory or greenhouse to your home, we created this three-step series to help no matter where you are in the process! If you are looking for more design inspiration influenced by the great historic conservatories of the world, visit "Estate Greenhouses & Conservatories: An Evolution In Beautiful Architectural Design". For more information about the planning steps and questions to consider early in your journey, read "How To Begin Planning A Custom Greenhouse Or Conservatory". If you just completed the construction of your conservatory or greenhouse, explore some creative decor solutions and use of space ideas in "Just Built Your Custom Residential Greenhouse of Conservatory... Now What?!"!

If you are interested in talking with a member of our team, schedule a FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION using the button below!

1 | Estate Greenhouses & Conservatories: An Evolution in Beautiful Architectural Design

Get your creative juices flowing by exploring these design inspirations influenced by the great historic conservatories of the world! You may find something perfect for your own conservatory or greenhouse!

READ MORE

2 | How To Begin Planning and Designing Custom Conservatories & Greenhouses

Get the process started by exploring these considerations for your own conservatory or greenhouse!

READ MORE

3 | Just Built Your Custom Residential Greenhouse or Conservatory... Now What?!

Now is the fun part! Check out how people around the world use their rooms, décor styles, learn about any maintenance needed for these rooms, and more!

READ MORE

The post How To Start Planning and Designing Custom Conservatories & Greenhouses! appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..

Are you looking to plan a fun Mother’s Day at local public conservatories?

With such beautiful weather approaching and the florals at the botanical gardens beginning to blossom, now is a perfect time to visit local public conservatories! Stroll through carefully crafted garden displays, grab a bite to eat, and participate in an activity (or two!)  at conservatories!

Below are a few conservatories and botanical gardens hosting upcoming events. For a list of more botanical gardens, check out the Conservatory Heritage Society’s Conservatory Library!

Flights of Fancy at Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

Explore the vibrant world of “Flights of Fancy” with fun lighting, a whimsical soundtrack suited to the theme, and a lavender scent filling the space. The colorful display was created by designer Ed Libby and the Bellagio horticulture and engineering teams. This year’s spring display features a larger variety of plants and flowers than the conservatory has ever used before. “Flights of Fancy” is on display until May 14.

Spring Flower Show at Como Park Conservatory

Celebrate spring with an inspiring display of primary colored florals. Red and yellow bulbs along with blue hydrangeas and multicolored tulips. You’ll find the display in the Sunken Garden area of the conservatory. The display is on show until May 1.

Butterflies of the Nile at Krohn Conservatory

Get up close and personal with butterflies in Krohn Conservatory’s Ancient Egyptian Garden. The space is inspired by the gardens of ancient Egypt and based on paintings found in old tombs and temples. Experience the magic of butterflies at the exhibit until June 19. 

Grand Opening of W.W. Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park

After a year of renovations, come explore the new additions to this classic conservatory on Saturday, May 14 from 12 to 6 p.m. at its grand opening. There will be free plants, a scavenger hunt and a naming contest for some of the local wildlife. In addition, there will be a station to make flower crowns and enjoy ice cream and food vendors.

“Pillars of Spring” Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory

Explore the colorful spring world of “Pillars of Spring”. Uniquely, the flowers are arranged vertically on walls and free-standing pillars. The display features flowers, like: geranium,  larkspur, camellias, azaleas, and dianthus. The spring flower show is on disp;ay until May 8. Registration is required to attend the opening event..

If you are on the East Coast of the United States, check out these local public conservatories!

The post Local Public Conservatories: Plan a Fun Mother’s Day in the Gardens! 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/. 

The post Conservatories and Greenhouses: A Transatlantic Exchange appeared first on Tanglewood Conservatories, Ltd..