A greenhouse as a creative studio

Nestled within a modern garden setting, this beautifully considered Mottisfont greenhouse provides both a productive growing space and an elegant extension of the home, while also serving as a workshop space for its owner’s creative work. Finished in Woodsage, and complemented by an Arthur Jack dipping tank positioned to one side, the greenhouse sits effortlessly within its surroundings while making a striking visual statement.

Choosing Alitex

For Fiona, the decision to invest in a greenhouse had been a long time coming. Intended not only for personal growing but also as a workshop space for her floristry business, Astrantia Studio, the structure needed to balance beauty with practicality.

With a relatively small garden and a house featuring extensive glazing along the rear elevation, the greenhouse would be highly visible from the main living spaces. “It needed to be beautiful as well as functional,” Fiona explains, “and work in partnership with our interiors to create a cohesive indoor/outdoor space.”

After researching many different structures, Alitex stood out for its refined aluminium frames, generous internal proportions and exceptional attention to detail. A visit to the Chelsea Flower Show allowed Fiona to experience the space first-hand. “Being able to ‘feel the space’ and really envisage how I would use it sealed the deal.”

Colour choice: Woodsage

While initially considering Bronze Manganese to suit the home’s modern aesthetic, Fiona ultimately chose Woodsage; a warm, soft green that brings a sense of calm to the space. “It complements our kitchen cabinetry perfectly, which is painted a deep green with brown undertones,” she says. “The kitchen and greenhouse work together beautifully, creating a neutral base that I can add to over time.”

The result is a seamless visual connection between house and garden, with the greenhouse enhancing rather than competing with its surroundings.

First uses and favourite features

The greenhouse was completed just in time for the festive season, with its first additions being workbenches and fairy lights. It quickly became the perfect setting for Christmas wreath making workshops, allowing the messier stages of the process to take place outside of the main studio.

Asked what she loves most about the space, Fiona’s answer is immediate: “All of it.” The flexibility of the Mottisfont has allowed it to be used for workshops, photoshoots, pre-dinner drinks, family meals and even a birthday party. “It’s a magical space.”

Gardening heritage and growing plans

A love of gardening has been part of Fiona’s life since childhood, inspired by her father’s prolific vegetable growing and award winning front garden displays. While time was limited when her children were young, gardening is now a priority once again; a welcome contrast to years spent working at a desk.

Currently, seeds are underway and spring bulbs are planted, with plans to fully embrace the growing season once the busy wreath-making period has passed.

A unique installation

One distinctive feature of this Mottisfont is its installation on the new Wainscott base, bolted directly onto millboard decking. This was the first time a structure had been installed in this way, with Fiona’s husband working closely with the Alitex team to ensure every technical detail was addressed. The result is a seamless finish, with the greenhouse erected in just two days.

A space to live in

Beyond gardening, the greenhouse has transformed how the family uses their garden year-round. Even in winter, it provides a cosy, inviting place to gather. “We love sitting out there eating dinner and looking up at the stars,” Fiona says. “The kids find it enchanting, it feels very special.”

Her top tip for other greenhouse owners? “Use it as a living space as well as a growing space. Serve drinks in it, spend time in it, and don’t think you need a huge garden. Ours is small but perfectly formed and now our Alitex takes pride of place.”