Love is in the air—and at Tanglewood Conservatories, our hearts beat for something extraordinary: the romance of bespoke conservatories. Our designs are not just about creating spaces; they are about creating experiences—places where mornings feel softer bathed in golden sunlight, where evening gatherings glow under the stars, and where every season is a celebration of nature’s artistry.

There is something undeniably poetic about a carefully crafted glass room that captures natural light, blurs the lines between indoors and out, and cradles its occupants in an embrace of artistry and craftsmanship. They are love letters to timeless design, where every mullion, column, and pane of glass tells a story of passion, dedication, and beauty.

Take a stroll with us as we explore key details in some of our most beloved bespoke conservatories.

The Details That Steal Our Hearts

In conservatory design, true love is found in the details. Their lightweight, transparent nature exposes every detail of the room from its structural members to the decorated corbels and columns. At its core, every conservatory is designed to reflect the personality and aspirations of its owner, blending old-world charm with modern innovation.

Whether it’s a Victorian-inspired glasshouse, a sleek steel-framed retreat, or a delicate garden room designed for quiet moments of reflection, our approach ensures that, like a beautifully written sonnet, each conservatory is a unique expression—one that stands the test of time, growing more cherished with each passing year.

As you scroll through the projects below, take note of the marriage of materials, decorative cutouts and accents, carefully designed stained glass accents, and the integration of nature with architecture. With every design, each tells a piece of our client's story.

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate the love affair between design and nature, light and space, and artistry and craftsmanship.

Are you ready to fall in love with conservatories? Let’s design something breathtaking together.

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Reflecting on our 30th year, we are overcome with gratitude for the incredible people who make Tanglewood Conservatories what it is today. This season, we want to celebrate the clients, partners, and team members, who allow us to live our passion daily - creating extraordinary glass architecture.

To our inspiring clients:

Your unique style fuels our creativity and drives us to design spaces, unlike anything of its kind. We are delighted to share a passion for these great glasshouses - the love for what they stand for, the desire for the visual appeal they add to a home, and the feeling that overwhelms you once you step inside. There is something about the architecture and technology which makes these great conservatories possible and with your vision at the heart of our work, we can continue their legacy.

To our trusted partners:

Together, through collaboration and a commitment to excellence, we push the boundaries of design and innovation to achieve breathtaking results, as seen in every meticulously crafted detail. Your expertise and shared passion for quality allow us to explore new possibilities, blending cutting-edge ideas with timeless craftsmanship. We are honored to work alongside partners who share our vision for creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

To our talented team:

 It is your dedication and creativity that bring our client's visions to life, turning each conservatory into a timeless work of art. Your attention to detail, artistry, and innovative problem-solving ensure that every project is a perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Together, we share a passion for designing and building extraordinary glass structures that inspire and elevate the spaces they transform. 

We are truly fortunate to work alongside such extraordinary people. Your contributions make it possible to create spaces that inspire and delight. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and craftsmanship, building timeless designs that enhance and transform the homes they touch.

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Imagine… crafting an enchanting dining experience where guests savor delectable cuisine, surrounded by the beauty of nature under the stars in a glass room.

Custom commercial conservatories have become a captivating choice for hosting unforgettable dining events that offer a unique blend of culinary delights and the magic of the night sky. In this article, join us as we will explore the allure of commercial conservatories for dining under the stars, highlighting their architectural beauty, starlit ambience, and effortless blend of nature and gastronomy.

Architectural Beauty: Where Elegance Meets Nature

Have you ever had the pleasure of exploring a beautiful conservatory? Sat beneath its transparent glass panes to admire the sunrise while drinking your morning coffee? Custom commercial conservatories are architectural marvels that seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings. These structures, with their expansive glass walls, soaring ceilings, and intricate designs, create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. The sleek lines and organic elements provide a breathtaking backdrop for dining events, immersing guests in a setting that celebrates the beauty of human creativity and the natural world.

Immerse yourself in a romantic haven at The Blu Grotto Ristorante at Monmouth Park, where alfresco dining takes on a new level of enchantment within their exquisite conservatory dining room! As you step inside, the decorative wood beams adorning the roof and the captivating blue decor transport you to a world of whimsy and elegance. Within this glass conservatory, intimate yet open, the artful blend of sheer walls and intricately detailed woodwork creates a captivating rhythm, making this conservatory restaurant dining room a cherished attraction in its own right.

Starlit Ambiance: Dining in Nature's Spotlight

One of the most magical aspects of dining in a commercial conservatory is the opportunity to dine under the stars. As daylight fades and darkness blankets the surroundings, unobstructed views of the stars emerge as glittering diamonds, casting a romantic and ethereal glow over the dining area. The starlit ambience adds a touch of wonder and whimsy to the dining experience, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

For nights when the stars are not visible, consider adding additional light to bring the conservatory alive with an ethereal glow. Their illuminated interiors create a captivating sight!

Immersion in Nature: Bringing the Outdoors In

Commercial conservatories provide a unique opportunity to dine amidst nature's embrace, even during inclement weather, guests enjoy panoramic views of gardens, landscapes, waterfronts or lush foliage, creating a sense of connection with the natural world.

As you consider the design and experience you want for your guests in the conservatory, a popular integration is operable highlight windows! The soothing sounds of rustling leaves, the fragrance of flowers, and the gentle breeze enhance the sensory experience, transporting diners to an oasis of tranquillity. This immersive dining environment fosters relaxation, conversation, and an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Culinary Delights: Exquisite Gastronomy in a Unique Setting

The pairing of exceptional cuisine with a custom commercial conservatory creates a truly remarkable dining experience. Whether it's a gourmet multi-course meal, a themed culinary event, or a fine dining extravaganza, the design of a venue can elevate the flavors and presentation of the dishes. Talented chefs and caterers can curate menus that harmonize with the natural surroundings, incorporating seasonal ingredients, botanical inspirations, and innovative culinary techniques. The combination of exceptional gastronomy and the picturesque views of the conservatory can leave a lasting impression on the taste buds and the senses.

Unforgettable Memories: A Night to Remember

There are few dining experiences that allow guests to experience the magic of being in a glasshouse. Dining in a luxurious conservatory creates memories that will be cherished forever. The unique blend of architectural beauty, starlit aura, and nature's embrace sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two, a celebratory feast, or a corporate gala, guests are transported to a world of elegance and enchantment. The setting fuels engaging conversations, fosters connections, and creates a sense of shared wonder, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of those who partake in this extraordinary dining experience.

Are you ready to create a unique, luxury event venue?

Call our team at 410-479-4700 or fill out our contact form below. Our team would be happy to explore your visions for the space and see how we can bring them to reality!

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Celebrate the mothers and mother figures in your life at the Conservatory! 

With Mother's Day around the corner, public conservatories around the U.S. are joining in on the celebration of Mother's! Hosting family fun events from stunning flower displays to markets to unique exhibits, here are a few of our favorite conservatories to explore with our family.

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden  | PENNSYLVANIA

Join Phipps May 11th through May 14th  in celebrating the arrival of spring at the much-awaited annual May Market!  Immerse yourself in a bustling marketplace where expert Phipps horticulturists, along with local nurseries, farms, and other vendors, unite to offer a market experience like no other. Admission to the May Market is free, and the event is open to the public, making it an ideal outing for the perfect Mother's Day weekend!

Franklin Park Conservatory  | OHIO

 Is your mother an art and/or music enthusiast? From 11am-2pm, guests can decorate a flower pot and plant a flower to give as a gift. The Conservatory offers families the opportunity to explore the springtime gardens, view current exhibitions, shop at Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse and share a meal at the Garden Café. Then, at 2pm, The Magpie Consort, a mixed-voice choral ensemble based in Columbus, will present selections from their upcoming summer repertoire, Sounds of Summer. Guests can enjoy music and pageantry evoking sun, rain, rivers, greenness, skies, heat, birds, dragonflies, kites and summer fun! Check out the link below to get your tickets for this fun filled weekend today!

New York Botanical Garden | NEW YORK

On May 14th, the New York Botanical Garden is hosting their annual Mother’s Day Garden Party! With over 1.5 miles of beautifully lush flower garden pathways while also lighting up historical landmarks along the way. Get tickets to travel through the gardens and parks!

Garfield Park Conservatory | ILLINOIS

For the mothers that love horticulture, May 11th through May 14th, Garfield Park Conservatory are inviting families for an informative tour of the Spring Flower Show exhibit! The exhibit showcases blooming spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth, in addition to hydrangeas, delphiniums, azaleas, and other floral delights. The tour includes a wealth of information about the plants, history, and behind-the-scenes work involved in creating the Spring Flower Show, as well as a brief walk through the Palm House!

Biltmore Estate | NORTH CAROLINA

At the Biltmore Estate, they have a full schedule this weekend in honor of Mother's Day! With winery tours, spring blooms tours, or even Italian history events, see what events you may want to attend!  Click the link below to learn more about these activities.

If you are able to make any of these events at public conservatories, let us know your experiences by tagging us in your social posts!

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If you have ever googled Conservatories or Conservatories near me, you probably have come across some fun concert venues to enjoy the arts. There is even an event venue named Tanglewood in the towns of Lenox and Stockbridge in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. It has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937!

But did you know your custom conservatory lends great acoustics to host your own concert right at home?! With the New Year approaching quickly, a conservatory is the perfect place to ‘deck the halls’ and host parties for your family and friends. A combination of the warm wood and an open view to the outside on a frosty night is the perfect backdrop for a festive gathering.

A Tanglewood custom conservatory provides a lovely agrarian setting when tables are brought in and nestled among the plants. Soft, ambient lighting with candles and lanterns set an ethereal scene while soft tones play in the background, providing a truly joyous entertaining venue for a holiday dinner party.

Many of our clients host small, intimate concerts in their conservatories ranging from classical selections to jazz.   The acoustics in a conservatory is mesmerizing. One client frequently hosts concerts and boasts of a waiting list of those requesting to attend! For a more intimate gathering, a single harpist playing carols will set the stage for a warm and enchanting evening.

While a conservatory is a superb choice for a large gathering, many clients also enjoy just streaming their favorite playlist while relaxing with family or staying up late to admire the night sky while staying comfortable and warm indoors.

Our team has put together a few of our favorite acoustics to play in the conservatory to share with you. Check out Tanglewood’s first conservatory music collection: CONSERVATORIES: Here Comes The Sun, now streaming on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. Click the icons below to listen on your favorite station!

If by chance you have yet to design and build your conservatory – give us a call so we can help you design and build your dream room! Until then, the public conservatories offer a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the magical ambiance of a glass house!

From our Tanglewood family to yours, we would like to wish you

a very joyous Holiday season and a happy New Year!

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From the beautiful changing of the leaves to events to fresh, new displays, Fall is one of the most fun times of the year to explore historic conservatories! Travel around the world with us in exploring some of the hidden gem conservatories you may not have heard of.

The Majorie McNeely Conservatory - St. Paul, Minnesota

Originally known as the Como Park Conservatory, it sits on about half an acre of the almost 400 acre campus of the Como Park Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota. Designed by German-born architect Frederick Nussbaumer, Nussbaumer modeled this Victorian style glass domed conservatory after Kew Gardens in London. Completed in 1915, it is one of the few glass and wood conservatories left from that era.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is about 60,000 square feet, its footprint well over an acre (43,560 sq. ft.) and anchors the gardens. You’ll find, for example, a large collection of Bonsai plants, a continuation of St. Paul’s annual fascination with the chrysanthemum plus the marvellous Palm Dome. Here over 150 varieties of palms are on display along with a color selection of orchids. For more details about this marvellous conservatory confection, click here. With every visit, this Conservatory is guaranteed to inspire you for your own conservatory. View their website to plan your visit - they always have something extraordinary going on!

Syon Park Conservatory - London, England

At Syon, the eighteenth-century conservatory is transformed into an orchestrated interplay of solid materials and light. Neither the masonry nor the glass and metal dominate the composition; rather, the glass is liberated from its former function as windows. This concept of glass and metal as a singular expressive medium in architecture prefigures the grand glass palaces of the later nineteenth century and all of the modern architecture to come.

Syon Park Conservatory, one of the most famous in the world, straddles the line separating orangery from conservatory. It marks the high point of the orangery as a building type and the beginning of the true conservatory. 

Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory - Atlanta, Georgia

The Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory was opened in 1989 to highlight the botanical abundance of selected tropical and desert regions around the world. They teach the important issues of conservation and plant use through classes and fun family exhibits in hopes of spreading awareness.

Did you notice how unusual this conservatory looks compared to others we have shared? The Fuqua Conservatory is divided into four main display areas:

• Conservatory Foyer
• Orangerie
• Desert House
• Tropical Rotunda

With so many beautiful displays, it is no wonder the 16,000-square-foot Conservatory requires heat, hand-watering, ventilation and occasional organic pest control and fertilizers to maintain optimal climates for the variation in plant life. Sensors throughout the Conservatory check each minute, humidity, measuring light, and temperature, and automatic ventilation systems adjust accordingly.

For more information about their conservation and research efforts, learn more HERE. For upcoming events, exhibitions, and classes, click the button below!

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Las Vegas, Nevada

The Vegas Strip seems like an unlikely location for a lovely glass conservatory... or does it??

The Bellagio Hotel Conservatory is a true oasis of calm. Referred to as a “14,000 square foot floral playground…”  it lives up to its billing with changes in the flora every season. Of course, its soaring 55 ft glass ceiling perfectly sets the stage for a truly over-the-top ever-changing display. Not only that, there is no charge to wander through this earthy space.

“Seasonal display” hardly describes what the talented team of horticulturists actually produce. For example, the theme of the 2019 summer production was “Under the Sea.” It consisted of some 80,000 blooming plants, including 6,000 tulips weekly. Interspersed were colorful statues of seahorses and with a delightful collection of jelly-fish like installations hanging from the glorious glass ceiling.

If you visit Sin City, make a point to see and experience exactly how a glass conservatory can change a frenetic atmosphere into a peaceful and restorative setting – food for thought as you think about a conservatory of your own. This marvelous spot is more than worth the trip!

Flower Dome & Cloud Forest, Singapore

Two amazing conservatories, both located in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, offer perpetual spring in the Flower Dome and the mystery of a high mountain Cloud Forest.

Flower Dorm was listed by the 2015 Guinness World Records as the world’s largest glass greenhouse, made up of some 3,332 glass panels of 42 different shapes and sizes. With almost 3 acres under glass it comes by its record honestly. Its volume is equally startling – about as much as 75 Olympic size swimming pools.

Inside the climate is kept a balmy 73-77 degrees with humidity of about 80 percent. That precise temperature control is what allows the amazing variety of plants, from succulents to olive groves and everything in between to grow there in its various gardens – there’s even a bistro that features edible plants.

Cloud Forest is perhaps even more spectacular. The mountain inside rises to well over 100 feet and is designed to mimic an altitude of about 6,500 feet high. There is an impressive waterfall which has a viewing deck near the top. 

You reach the top via a path known as the Cloud Walk. It’s built out from the mountain in an almost undulating fashion giving you a close-up view in some places, and a bit more distance in others. 

The temperature and humidity are controlled to let you experience the mist so often found in a forest that high. You are, of course, surrounded by an amazing number of tropical trees and other plants.

This spectacular conservatory has 2,577 glass panels of 690 shapes! Together, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are a conservatory experience not to be missed.  They will awe and inspire you.

Phipps Conservatory - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Phipps conservatory, set in "one of America's greenest public gardens," is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the Oakland neighborhood. Developed in 1893, this steel and glass Victorian conservatory is found in one of the city's biggest green spaces. This greenhouse, originally housing tropical plants from the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition (now known as the World's Fair), was a gift to the city of Pittsburgh by Henry Phipps, Jr. After emigrating as a child from England to Philadelphia, this son of a cobbler became a very wealthy man after becoming Andrew Carnegie's business partner in the Carnegie Steel Company. He was the company's second-largest shareholder before selling his stock and deciding to devote himself to more philanthropic efforts, the first of which would be the Phipps Conservatory.

The current Conservatory consists of thirteen rooms on 2.5 acres of land, with gardens, ponds, and fountains, surrounding the outside of one of this country's largest Victorian "crystal palaces." The entrance pavilion of the Phipps Conservatory currently boasts a LEED silver-level certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system started in 1998 for the "design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings."

Palacio de Cristal - Madrid, Spain

The Palacio was the first non-industrial building in Spain to be constructed of iron and glass and was built in only five months. Wrought iron in the shape of angels' faces decorates the upper ledge of the building; these decorations also serve as supports for the rain gutters. The ceramic tiles surrounding the perimeter of the building were made by Daniel Zuloaga, and are adorned with flowers, dragons and stars.

Roman Ondák, a Slovakian-born artist, is the most recent artist to have his work exhibited at the Palacio de Cristal. Ondák's creations are notable for their grand scale and specific purposes. The scene (the name of Ondák’s creation) was constructed and designed specifically for the Palacio de Cristal. It is an elevated walkway that is accessed from the inside of the building but which encircles the outside of the building. A brochure describing the walkway notes, "this walkway… offers all its visitors the opportunity of a new perception of the space, for the Palacio de Cristal can now be looked into from the outside in a way not previously permitted by its architecture."

The Palacio de Cristal has only needed to be restored twice. Once in 1975, when an addition at the back of the building was removed and enhancements were made which allowed the rooms to be used as exhibit halls, and then from 1994 - 1998. This restoration reinforced the metal structures, updated the security systems, and repaired some of the ceramic tiles.

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In the heat of the summer, swimming pools are a popular gathering place! But what happens when the season ends and you're still wanting a fun outdoor space to host friends and family?

Conservatories As Pool Enclosures

In 2004 Tanglewood met a family looking to build one of the largest enclosures we had done to date! As Nancy describes it, "This project is particularly special and near and dear to our hearts because it was one of our firsts...paving the way for many more!" With intricately crafted glass panels, climate-controlled interiors, and doors that easily open to the lawn, it is no surprise families adore a decorative glass enclosure for their pools.

The family's property was beautiful with a grand lawn overlooking the water and coastal architecture. After the addition of a new guest house and art studio, they wanted something unique to create a continuous flow between the addition and the main house and serve as a place of relaxation.

It was important the conservatory enclosure encompassed key elements from the existing architecture but also had a sense of independence that kept it from blending completely into the existing homes. In collaboration with the architect, we put pencil to paper to create various sketches to solve difficult design and detail issues - one of which was how to incorporate the client's love of palms. We had to carefully design the pitch of the roof to accommodate the growing palms and incorporate a climate control system to keep the enclosure at the perfect temperature year-round.

Another was the unique way we approached the construction of the conservatory. At its core, there is a structural steel skeleton then clad in sapele mahogany! Much different than we typically build these rooms - but at almost 4,000 square feet, it required this special approach.

The resulting final pool house design looks deceptively simple. On one side, it is a straightforward symmetrical conservatory pool enclosure. On the other side, it is a subtle blending of the new conservatory with the original shingle-style architecture of the existing home. The elegant design of the roof structure bridges the two just as the pool house enclosure itself bridges the two wings of the house.

As summer returns, we are reminded of our first grand pool enclosure - we hope it provides some inspiration for your own enclosure! For more inspiration, take a stroll through our Pool Enclosures & Spas portfolio.

Have a fantastic summer from our team to yours!

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