Recently, a client shared a comment that stopped us in our tracks.

As our clients researched options for their conservatory, their architects met with a few companies to determine the right partner for the work. They looked at design capabilities, experience, quality, and pricing, then they told us something unexpected:

“While Tanglewood was not the cheapest option, we left every meeting with you feeling like you were the team that needed to build this conservatory. We have selected Tanglewood as the partner for this project.”

We were deeply moved by the architect’s comments.

In that moment it reaffirmed that while our design capabilities, experience, quality and price are important considerations when finding the right partner to work with, what may be even more fundamental to the success of a project is the experience of sitting across the table from someone, feeling understood, talking the same language, and realizing that these people “get it”.

Conservatories are rarely a simple addition to a home. It is a decision about how a family wants to live. That is why Tanglewood’s process begins with listening.

Before discussing materials, details, or engineering, we spend time understanding the vision behind the project. What draws someone to a conservatory? How do they hope to use the space? What role will it play within the home and landscape?

The answers to those questions shape everything that follows.

Over the past three decades, we have learned that exceptional projects emerge through collaboration, thoughtful dialogue, and shared purpose. While every conservatory we create is unique, the most successful projects have one thing in common: they begin with trust.

Trust allows ideas to evolve and challenges to be solved creatively. It also allows architects, homeowners, builders, and designers to work together toward a common vision.

When clients choose Tanglewood, they are not simply selecting a conservatory builder. They are choosing a partner who will help guide a highly personal project from the earliest conversations through final installation.

That responsibility is something we never take lightly.

Whether you are beginning to explore a vision for your own home or seeking the right partner for a client's project, our team is always happy to start the conversation.

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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..

What are some of your favorite memories from the fall season?

Perhaps it's wandering through enchanting spaces, surrounded by the mesmerizing glow of twinkling lights and the delightful fragrance of winter blooms, or participating in holiday-themed events such as wreath-making workshops or live music performances. Experiences like these hosted by public conservatories and gardens are some of our favorite ways to create new cherished memories that will make your holiday season even more magical.

Some of our favorite conservatories are hosting a plethora of events this season. You might just find the next yearly tradition to make your holiday season even more memorable for you and your family!

Balboa Park Gardens | CALIFORNIA 

The charm of end-of-summer nights extends into the fall season at Balboa Park Gardens. From exploring the museum's wonders after dark to testing your knowledge of trivia or expressing your creativity during the sketch party, there is something for the whole family! It's a fun way to spend your fall evenings with loved ones, making new memories while cherishing the old. Learn more about these events and more at Balboa Park Gardens through the link below.

Longwood Gardens | PENNSYLVANIA

Prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant colors and the quintessential beauty of fall's Chrysanthemums at Longwood Gardens this autumn. Wandering through these botanical wonders, the Chrysanthemum Festival transforms the gardens into a canvas of painted landscapes. While strolling through the gardens, be sure not to miss the mesmerizing performance of the open-air theatre fountain show!

Desert Botanical Gardens | ARIZONA

If you're someone who loves getting into the holiday spirit a bit early, the Arizona Desert Botanical Gardens has just the thing for you! Experience the Desert Botanical Garden's "Las Noches de Las Luminarias" and transport yourself to a world reminiscent of those cozy winter evenings spent by the fire surrounded by family and friends. Mark your calendars for select dates from November 24th to 25th, December 1st to 2nd, 8th to 9th, 15th to 16th, and 19th to 23rd, as well as from December 26th to 30th. This magical event is sure to create lasting memories.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens | GEORGIA

For a captivating fall harvest celebration, you will want to learn more about the Atlanta Botanical Garden's "Garden Lights, Autumn Nights" event. On selected evenings throughout the fall season, the gardens undergo a magical transformation, adorned with captivating lights and festive displays that evoke the cozy memories of autumn. As you wander through the grounds, revel in the mesmerizing beauty of the garden illuminated by millions of twinkling lights and more! Read more about this extraordinary event by clicking the button below.

Missouri Botanical Gardens | MISSOURI

Immerse yourself in a festive wonderland at the Missouri Botanical Garden's "Garden Glow Preview Night" and DIY Flower Arrangement Classes for fall. For the DIY'er and fall decor enthusiast, on selected evenings, the gardens are transformed into a dazzling display of fall lights and decorations. It's the perfect way to ignite the fall spirit, bringing the family together to celebrate the beauty of the season. In addition, discover the latest tricks and trends for adorning your home with fall flair during this popular program. Hosted by the experts from Planthaven Farms Garden Center, this year's presentation is an opportunity to seek advice from seasoned professionals. Click the link below for more information!

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden | OHIO

This fall the Franklin Park Conservatory has a full calendar of events ranging from culinary arts to crafts to gardening and environmental topics! For the artistic family, join them in the gardens during Autumn Sunset in Watercolor to paint your own masterpiece under the guidance of expert artists. Families with younger kids and grandkids may want to check out Breakfast with Santa or a Winter Wreath Workshop! For more events and details, visit their website using the link below!

While you and the family immerse yourselves in these delightful fall events at your local conservatories, we warmly encourage you to make it a shared experience and capture those precious moments. Share your family's experiences on social media, and don't forget to tag us in your posts. We would be excited to hear how you and your loved ones are relishing in these seasonal activities!

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When you think of your favorite place, where are you?

For many of our clients, when they describe their favorite place, most often they describe a scenario where they are connected to nature. Whether it’s the serenity of a lush garden where they can nurture plants and seedlings, a waterfront view, or a welcoming space where they come together with family and friends, they describe those experiences as wanting to be outside or surrounded by an abundance of natural light. That is why they partner with Tanglewood to create a space in their home where they can have this experience year-round! There are a number of ways we can create this connection in our homes – the most common are custom greenhouses and conservatories!

But which one is best for your family? Let’s find out!

How Are Custom Greenhouses & Conservatories Used?

Pause for a moment to envision how you'd like to immerse yourself in this unique space. Do you envision strolling from your kitchen into the greenhouse, plucking fresh herbs and vegetables for delectable home-cooked meals? Perhaps you dream of starting your day with a cup of coffee, gazing at the sunrise while overlooking your scenic property. Visualizing yourself in the space is the first step to designing the perfect custom greenhouse or conservatory so your room is tailored to you.

Estate greenhouses are a horticulturist's haven, with their architecture tailored to fostering plant life. Their primary goal is clear: creating an optimal environment for plant health and propagation. By maximizing natural light intake and maintaining high humidity, they facilitate seedling propagation, herb and vegetable cultivation, and the winterization of outdoor plants. While not designed for long-term human habitation, greenhouses offer a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the nurturing and growth of botanical wonders.

A custom conservatory is a versatile architectural space typically designed to provide a comfortable and inviting space primarily for the comfort of humans. While the specific use may vary depending on the owner's preferences, conservatories offer an idyllic setting for reading, enjoying a morning coffee, hosting social gatherings, or simply basking in the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape. Like greenhouses, plants often accompany families in the conservatory, but they are often plants that can thrive in normal house conditions and are more for decoration than propagation.

Designing Custom Greenhouses & Conservatories

Historically, the term greenhouse and conservatory was used interchangeably as both rooms welcome various plant species. As time progressed, their architectural traits remained very similar such as their exquisite detailing, emphasis on maximizing the amount of natural light exposure, and a transparent feel, but as technological advancements were made, it was the fine details that differentiated them, creating two very different environments inside.

Take a look at these two rooms above. Notice the similarities in the materials and beautiful architectural details such as the custom columns, tiered roofs that optimize sunlight exposure, and the decoration in the windows. Their transparent appearances immerse guests in their surroundings while also protecting them from the elements, but as we take an even closer look, the design of the glass in the roof can tell us a lot about their differences.

The room on the left has these elegant, smaller panes of glass that overlap one another! This unique layering of glass, while not required, is a key sign of a greenhouse as these structures are looking to create an environment that promotes heat gain so plants and seedlings can thrive. Conservatories, like the room on the right, require insulated units of glass where the temperature on the interior can be controlled much like your house – we want to ensure the atmosphere below is suitable for people to live in year-round. They may also house beautiful plants, but our main priority is human comfort.

Architecturally, the design of a custom greenhouse or conservatory is very similar. When thinking about what space is right for your family, take the time to explore how you see this room being used daily, how it can tie into the rest of your home, and what design styles capture your attention! When working with our team, we seek to uncover your passions and desires to ensure we are designing and building a room that will be a staple in your family for generations.

"The design of the conservatory evolved in a rather wholistic way. It took the entire house into consideration and our home became so much more livable."

R. Wright

Where Should I Put My Custom Greenhouse or Conservatory?

The location choice for an estate greenhouse or conservatory can influence its design and function. When attaching a greenhouse to a house, for example, energy efficiency and temperature control are just a few details we need to consider when thinking about its design initially. It may be best to have doors separating the greenhouse from the rest of the house to regulate temperature. In contrast, conservatories can integrate seamlessly with a home's interior, allowing a smooth indoor-outdoor transition. Additional considerations when attaching to your home may also include height restrictions, flow, foundation treatment, and more.

Freestanding greenhouses and conservatories that are detached from a main structure, offer a lot more freedom in their design and functionality. Not having to consider limitations that typically come with attaching to an existing structure, they can be thoughtfully positioned within the landscape to create inviting outdoor retreats or showcase botanical treasures. Being disconnected from the main estate, a freestanding room may offer a sense of escape and a deeper connection with the surrounding environment.

Your vision is our inspiration, and we are eager to bring it to life. Share your dreams with us, and together, we can craft the perfect space to create an enchanting haven tailored just for you. Contact our team via form or 410 479 4700.

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In this edition of the Tanglewood Times, we invite you on an exclusive journey behind the scenes, where we delve into our exciting collaborations, share invaluable project tips and inspiration, and offer a sneak peek at upcoming events in local public conservatories!

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We are excited to launch this next edition of Tanglewood Times to kick off the 2023 summer season. In this issue, join us as we take you on a journey behind the scenes of Tanglewood’s latest projects, useful tips and inspirations for your next project, things to do with friends and family, and a look into our Tanglewood family.

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How would you design your ideal entertaining space?

One of the many desires of conservatories is their incredibly versatile properties. Expansive glass panes create the perfect environment to easily transform from cozy, intimate spaces where you comfortably watch the sunrise in the morning to the ultimate gathering space by night!

As families across the U.S. gather in honor of Memorial Day this weekend, we thought to share some inspired ideas on transforming custom conservatories and backyards into the ultimate gathering space that will leave your guests in awe! Whether a conservatory is best suited for your lifestyle or a beautiful custom folly or gazebo - these additions will surely make you the ultimate host.

Embrace the Indoor-Outdoor Connection and Incorporate Outdoor-Inspired Decor in Your Custom Conservatory

Embrace the indoor-outdoor connection of conservatories to host your unforgettable gatherings! Bring the vibrant colors of nature indoors by using potted plants, floral arrangements, and fresh greenery as part of your decor. Additionally, arrange your furniture strategically to encourage a seamless flow between the conservatory and the adjacent outdoor area. By placing comfortable seating near the glass walls, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere where guests can relish the beauty of nature while being sheltered from the elements.

Create a Versatile Layout

Consider the different activities that may take place during your gatherings with family and friends, and design a multifunctional layout that accommodates various needs. Use movable furniture or section-off areas with room dividers to create separate zones for dining, lounging, and entertainment. This flexibility allows guests to mingle, engage in conversation, or find a cozy spot to relax.

Some families also consider creating collapsable doors for a wall of their conservatory to open up their space to the outdoor living areas. When they are done and ready to take the party indoors, they can close the doors but continue to feel like they are outside!

Design an Enchanting Ambiance in Your Custom Conservatory

Begin by setting the mood with carefully chosen lighting fixtures. Install adjustable options that allow you to effortlessly dim or brighten the space. Consider incorporating string lights, lanterns, or elegant chandeliers to cast a warm and inviting glow. During evening celebrations, soft, warm lighting can add a cozy feel, while harnessing ample natural light during the day creates a refreshing and invigorating environment.

Enhancing the sound experience is another way to elevate the ambience in your conservatory. Set up a sound system to infuse the space with a carefully curated playlist. Whether you prefer upbeat melodies to enliven the gathering or soothing tunes for a tranquil atmosphere, a thoughtfully chosen soundtrack enhances the overall experience. For music inspiration, have you downloaded our Tanglewood playlist? Collaboratively curated with our clients, our playlist is available on popular platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and Youtube!

Combine the art of lighting and sound to effortlessly create an enchanting ambience in your conservatory that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Savor the Outdoors: Elevate Any Celebration with Outdoor Cooking

If your custom conservatory has direct access to an outdoor area, consider incorporating an outdoor cooking experience into your hosting festivities. Install a grill or a barbecue station just outside the conservatory, allowing guests to enjoy the mouth-watering aromas while keeping the food preparation area separate from the main gathering space.

If you desire to add a distinctive touch to your estate but prefer not to invest in a full custom conservatory, consider options such as custom gazebos, follies, or custom canopies! These structures provide great benefits that elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your property! Charming and versatile, they enhance outdoor living spaces, providing a delightful retreat or a picturesque focal point while infusing your estate with elegance and individuality.

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In this edition of the Tanglewood Times, we invite you to explore the enchanting moments unfolding at Tanglewood. Uncover the magic of our ongoing partnerships, discover handy insights and creative sparks for your upcoming endeavors, and stay tuned for the blooming calendar of events at nearby botanical gardens and nature reserves!

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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!

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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/

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