Global Solarium: Conservatories
Edwardian Conservatory
The Edwardian style conservatory has a ridge running perpendicular to the
host house wall, as in the Victorian conservatory. Differing from the Victorian
conservatory design the Edwardian conservatory has rectangular or square floor
plan.
The rectangular floor plan tends to be more flexible than the bell-shaped
floor design of the Victorian conservatories. Like in most other conservatories
and sunroom designs, the owners of Edwardian conservatory may incorporate all
sorts of grid designs, cresting, finials, and transom with stained or etched
glass.
Georgian Conservatory
The Georgian, also called the Gable-Ended Conservatory, design dates back to
the late eighteenth century. It was developed during the time of King George
III. Georgian conservatories are characterized by straight lines, large windows
and variable roof pitches. Like in Victorian and Edwardian conservatories, the
Georgian conservatory has a ridge running perpendicular to the host house wall,
and ending with two back-to-back gables in front. As in most other sunrooms and
conservatories, the Georgian conservatory grew out of the classical architecture
that were originally used as orangeries to house and protect tropical plants in
the winter months.
Modern Georgian conservatories in most cases have a rectangular shape floor
design with a ridge running perpendicular to the main house wall. Many Georgian
conservatories have a roof lantern that forms superstructure on top of main
roof. Most of the lanterns have venting windows that allow the ventilation of
hot air to keep it cool in summer months. As with many other sunroom and
conservatory owners, Georgian conservatory owners also romance themselves into
custom design grids and choose etched or stained glass. The installation of
crests and finials add more grace and Gothic design.
Victorian Conservatory
A Victorian Conservatory is perhaps one of the most difficult conservatories
to design and build. A Victorian conservatory has a ridge running perpendicular
to the host house wall. Differing from the Edwardian conservatory design, the
Victorian has half round or half hexagonal floor plan.
Many of the Victorian conservatories have a roof lantern that forms
superstructure on top of main roof. Most of the lanterns have venting windows
that allow the ventilation of hot air to keep it cool in summer months. Like in
most other patio rooms, the owners of Victorian conservatories may incorporate
all sorts of grids designs, cresting, finials, and transom with stained or
etched glass. The roof s and walls in most cases have high performance glass
which provides the comfort in summer as well in winter months.
The materials used in construction of sunrooms and conservatories were
originally just steel. Now with new technology, owners have several choices;
wood, aluminum or vinyl—depending on desire and budget. They can choose from the
most expensive, exotic hardwoods to the least: aluminum and vinyl. Most of the
sunrooms and conservatories are designed with insulated, high performance glass
in the roof and walls. Many owners, especially in warmer climates, choose to
build a more conventional roof with a tile or shingle
overlay.
