We have recently had the opportunity to showcase a challenging project: a large scale greenhouse which has been assembled ahead of its departure for upstate New York.
We were approached with a brief to create a large scale glasshouse of distinction for a large garden in New Jersey. The client wanted the greenhouse to be made in aluminium but to have the classic look of traditional timber; it meant that the upkeep of this large structure would be much simpler than wood and would be more sustainable. The glasshouse was to be built in three parts; one to provide the perfect growing conditions for a prized orchid collection, another for general planting displays and also a potting area.
The glasshouse was to be located 20 meters from a new build Georgian styled house therefore the height of the glasshouse was required to be visually coherent with the house providing a focal point reminiscent of the grand Victorian conservatories. The house is surrounded by traditional formal planting which opens out onto greater parkland beyond the glasshouse.
It was essential for the Alitex design team to add detail that would be sympathetic to the Georgian feel of the house; horizontal beading has been especially commissioned for the glazing, even the finial cast has been based on a finial of the era. The choice of display benching used in the greenhouse has been selected to provide a traditional entertaining space; all important details to retain the original ideas of the client.
One of three current transatlantic projects, this awesome structure eventually took over four times as much of everything – design time, manufactured elements, production time – whatever the “normal”, quota for a typical Alitex Greenhouse, times it by at least four. It felt at times as though we were building The Golden Gate Bridge, with all the excitement that involves and the certain feeling that you are involved in a structure of importance and relevance. All the research and design which has made this project such a fascinating one can be seen replicated in the high design and manufacturing processes used everyday here in the factory.
The team which have worked to assemble the structure here at Torberry, have been amazed by how well this greenhouse came together, particularly the siting of the atrium, which weighing in at over 1 tonne, was winched into place by crane. Jason Deacon, the designer of the project has been equally satisfied with the manufacturing and assembling processes and was on hand to nurse his project to fruition.
Time to sit back and relax now!?
For your own version of this wonderful awe-inspiring greenhouse, take a look at our Alitex Bespoke Greenhouses Collection by clicking here. We offer a unique opportunity to combine the high functionality of a working greenhouse with the visual aesthetic of a garden sculpture; always there to be admired and really adding a beautiful dimension to your home and garden.
“It has been a real challenge for the Alitex design office to get stuck into – we love the scale and detail of our smaller greenhouse projects been up-scaled in this way. We all enjoyed the assembling of the structure at Torberry – it was a special opportunity for us to see our designs made real, before it sets off for America.” Tony Spooner, Head of the Alitex Design Office.
