Throughout their history, conservatories have not only
provided an indoor space for nature,
they’ve also extended homes out into nature.
T
his classic Victorian conservatory is linked
to the main house by a glass walkway, nudging
the home out into its landscape, where it
settles easily among tall woodland trees.
The addition of the conservatory was part of
a large renovation project that created a new residence for the
owners by remodeling an old carriage house on the former estate.
The Victorian conservatory is designed to be an intimate sitting room
conveniently situated adjacent to - but separated from - the new
kitchen and affords a secluded sanctuary away from the bustle
of modern family life.
Despite the many
wonders of the modern
world, there still is no
substitute for the glory of
nature. The conservatory,
unlike any other structure,
puts that unrivaled
beauty on full display.
The design concept utilizing the glass entryway
as a "link", allows flexibility in connecting different shaped
conservatories and greenhouses to other structures. In this case,
the use of the "link" makes it easy to connect the conservatory
to the main house.
An existing window at the lower level was
removed to create a new doorway into the conservatory while
the "link", with its lower roof height, does not interfere with the
existing window above.
In addition to saving cost, the strategy also
enhances the concept of a "connected yet separate" space.
Upon entering the room under the lower roof line of the glass
passageway, arched highlight windows rise up around to
dramatic effect.
On the exterior, custom eave brackets add
architectural interest and accentuate the cornice. The brick
basewall of the new custom conservatory connects it visually with
the main structure and the long stalks of lavender just outside
the windows draw the eye out into the garden.
With its simple yet elegant design, the 19 foot
by 15 foot room is just large enough for a sofa, two wing chairs and
an old-fashioned card table - a peaceful retreat indeed!
