Mr and Mrs Macphie and their gardening team had been managing the Glenbervie Estate for over twenty years, making vast changes and overcoming significant challenges – not least of all, the replacement of their dilapidated wooden greenhouse.
National Trust Collection
Project Overview
The old greenhouse stretched across the south facing wall and its poor state was starting to show up this awe-inspiring garden. The Macphies decided an aluminium structure would be worth considering and looked at three companies with a clear brief to replicate the existing structure in hard wearing aluminium.
One company said the design would have to be dictated by their capabilities; another company came to visit and then simply said they could not create it, which left Alitex who could produce a replica in aluminium. The Macphies wanted to see other large scale aluminium greenhouses and we were able to show them.
We produced various design options; one fulfilled the exact replication brief and the others had improvements on the functionality of the greenhouse, such as improved guttering and vents. The Macphies decided to go with the improved functionality option. They were impressed that Alitex were able to replicate the curved beading, the castings of the finials and cresting, even the curved vine supports which were specially created for their aspirations. The lean-to greenhouse at Glenbervie was designed with partitions which contain individual heat settings to suit varying growing needs. Alitex designed hanging beds to create the optimum growing conditions for a passion flower display – this also provided shading for the other plants in this area.
Although a major project – the Macphies felt that Alitex made it a stress free and an enjoyable experience, they thoroughly adored the addition to their wonderful gardens, both aesthetically and functionally.