Steel and glass were first used extensively as building
materials during the latter half of the Nineteenth Century. The second
Industrial Revolution which swept Europe and America saw the development
of processes for manufacturing large sheets of glass that could be used
in the construction of building facades.
As a result, a new age of architectural possibilities was
born with the conservatory as one of its most exuberant expressions. Working
greenhouses and tropical palm houses were designed to house fifty-foot tall
trees beneath decoratively forged steel structures. With their soaring glass
rooflines and magical cupolas these enchanting gossamer structures became
icons of the age.
One of the earliest examples was the great Crystal Palace
designed by Joseph Paxton and built in London in 1851. It was 1851 feet long
and 108 feet high at its tallest point.
Today, these ingenious creations of nineteenth-century
engineering - whimsical, idealistic and energetic - serve as inspiration to
Tanglewood Conservatories, whose modern day follies hearken back to that
imaginative era.
With the lower roof structure
almost complete, the glass
roof, windows, doors and
beautiful stained glass
panels will soon be installed.
Project architect, contractor and
jobsite superintendant pose with
Nancy and Alan during one of many
site visits to this large swimming
pool enclosure under construction.
The custom made cast iron columns
and steel skeleton tower overhead.
The intricate interior
is reminiscent of the
great steel and glass
constructions of the late
nineteenth century. HVAC
piping is set in place to
check its fit.
These cut, welded and forged
steel parts are pre fit on the
shop floor. Correct alignment
is imperative if the structure
is to fit when it arrives on site
Welding the steel parts requires
the skilled hands of an expert
craftsman as the joints must be
both structural and decorative.
A Tanglewood
craftsman finishes
the roof glazing
atop the pool
house cupola.
Decoratively cut steel
ribs form the skeleton
of this soon to be
completed greenhouse
with curved glass ceiling.
Tanglewood's skilled crewmembers
carefully fit each piece of the
specially fabricated structural
frame into place. Parts are
preassembled and numbered to
assure their correct fit.
As with the great
glasshouses of the
nineteenth-century,
intricate patterns
in the steel parts
of this greenhouse
add design interest
and serve to "lighten"
the structure.
The classic mathematical
"Fibonacci Sequence" is
featured in the steel ribs
of this observation deck.
The exterior of this steel
structure, along with the
exquisite finial, is clad
in bronze.
Bronze cladding over steel reflects
the afternoon sun in this custom-
designed observation deck.
This example of a steel
and glass swimming pool
enclosure nears completion.
The steel roof structure
is erected on the shop
floor prior to sending
parts for painting.
