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Design a conservatory


Designing a Conservatory - Mansion Global

By Jennifer Tzeses

 |   |  Mansion Global

Designed by Rupert Martineau, a conservatory in a home at Belgravia House features an oak leaf chandelier, eclectic garden furniture and green touches for an elegant-yet-earthy feel.

Adam Woodward

Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week, we look at how to create a beautiful conservatory that connects to the outdoors.

A garden room under glass, a conservatory is a room of possibility. “Whether it is used for entertaining, relaxing or lounging, the modern conservatory brings the outside in and can create a connection with the natural landscape,” said Rupert Martineau, associate director at SHH London. “More than anything, a conservatory adds value in a property as it provides an additional space which benefits from ample natural sunlight making it a pleasant room to enjoy throughout the year.”

For ideas on designing this sunny space, we turned to the pros for inspiration.

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Think About Year-Round Living

“Conservatories are often fitted as an extension at the rear of a building or they can just become the link between different wings, creating a unique point of reference in a residence.

“For the space to be enjoyed year-round, use high-spec modern efficient fenestrations: double-glazed windows for the winter and solar-control glazing, which prevents the room from overheating during the summer months as well as automatically opening roof vents.

“In our conservatory at Belgravia House [in London] we aimed to create a sense of charm and elegance by applying subtle natural shades, which match the stone flooring. An oak leaf chandelier, eclectic garden furniture and green touches with discreet potted plants at the perimeter of the room bring the outside in.

“Floor insulation with underfloor heating should be considered with any kind of material that is selected for the flooring. A dark wood floor can create a warm feel, whereas colder surfaces, like a stone floor, can make the space appear seamless and calming.

“Touches of foliage ooze a garden feel and can create connections with the outside space. Always bear in mind how the type of planting you choose will be affected by the heating solution and if you need some additional shading on the fenestration to protect from overexposure to sunlight and heat.”

— Rupert Martineau, associate director at SHH London, an interior design firm

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Consider the Sunlight

“A conservatory, and its variations—a solarium, a sunroom, an orangery or enclosed porch—all add an indoor environment for growing plants throughout the year. In addition to being a beautiful room, it extends the sense of being outside throughout the colder months.

Even if the homeowner chooses not to use the conservatory as a space for growing plants, the open views to the landscape provide a comfortable space to enjoy the natural world. Spending time in nature exposed to natural light has proven health benefits, including reduced stress and improved sleep quality.

“For me, an important factor when choosing a location is the view. However, you must also consider the orientation. A good rule of thumb is to have your conservatory facing to the southeast or the southwest. It will get exposure to the sun for a portion of the day but will also get some time to cool off. In the summer, when the days are longer, you do need to be careful of overheating, but this is easily done by ensuring proper ventilation systems are installed.

“This is the perfect place to add large, overstuffed seating, or a free-standing hammock, mixed chairs and a table. Make sure all decor is lightfast and able to hold up in the sun. Avoid framed wall art and mirrors. The sunlight will cause fading and the reflections may cause areas of sharp glare. Add large pots and urns—planted or empty they are a stunning transition to the exterior.

“Conservatories were originally used as a place to overwinter fruit trees and any potted tree will be a beautiful statement piece. If you want to start slow, try using some big palm trees and topicals. Orchids, begonias and wide leaf philodendrons are bulletproof and lush. This is time to have fun and try what looks beautiful to you.”

Built in a garden designed by Janice Parker, a home's conservatory extends the outdoors inside.
Neil Landino, Jr.

— Janice Parker, principal of Janice Parker Landscape Architects based in Greenwich, Connecticut

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Make it Multipurpose

“You can outfit the room for multiple uses, greenhouse growing as well as a study or office, a casual family sitting room or dining area with uplighting in the plants.

“The best conservatories work when attached to both the house and the garden, as a connecting structure. Near to the kitchen or breakfast room, especially if facing southeast, is a good orientation and adjacency.

“Create a close connection to your home’s vocabulary. A more traditional home befits a more traditional glazing pattern in a conservatory; a more modern home warrants something sleeker. If you are going to do a true conservatory with misters for watering of plants, et cetera, then think metal or aluminum windows and ventilating windows. If it is more of a living space, then wood windows, operating as casements, give a historical feel. For a glass roof, motorized shades are best. You can choose to bring the garden inside with rattan furniture and iron tables, large terracotta pots, ceramic pieces and wood.

“Bluestone or reclaimed limestone can be excellent as the base floor. Then you can throw a sisal or an oriental rug at the sitting area for comfort. I would also look at radiant heating.

“The conservatory can be ideal for rotating orchids and other plants in and out of the main house. Just plan for a means of watering, such as a hose bib or drip line if possible. Citrus trees add some height in coordination with palms and lower leafier vegetation.”

— Manhattan-based architect Eric J. Smith

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15 wonderful ways to boost light and space |

(Image credit: Conservatory Craftsmen / Landmark Photography)

Looking for conservatory ideas? Our love affair with conservatories can be traced back to the botany-mad Victorians, who would retire to their ‘glasshouses’ to cultivate rare and exotic plants.

Since those days, design, technology and engineering have come a long way, making the once-traditional conservatory one of most flexible rooms in the modern-day home. Efficient heating and air conditioning systems, plus heat-control glass and insulated window treatments ensure the space is comfortable year round, making a conservatory suitable for a home office, play room, dining room, or to use as a relaxed living space.

Below, we bring you conservatory ideas, both traditional and modern.

Conservatory ideas

The informality of a conservatory is perfect for modern-day living and, as interior designer Steven Payne of Maison AD explains: 'I’m often asked to design conservatories that open up the back of older houses. Well-planned sunroom ideas bring the outside inside so that even on chillier days you can still enjoy a sense of being outdoors.’

1. Take inspiration from nature

(Image credit: Westbury Garden Rooms)

If you are looking for home addition ideas with a view of the garden but a deep connection to the house, a conservatory should be high on your list. Careful styling and clever color choices can transform a conservatory into a true restful retreat from which to enjoy the glorious garden views.  

‘This space boasts super large double doors on both the rear and side aspects that ease out into the garden for a harmonious indoor/outdoor lifestyle,’ says James Upton, Managing Director and Designer of Westbury Garden Rooms .

(Image credit: Future / Emme Lee)

If adding a conservatory would require planning a home addition, consider adapting shed ideas or a greenhouse to your needs instead. 

While most people use their greenhouses for horticultural reasons, as you would expect, many are using their greenhouses in a more multifaceted way introducing living, relaxation, dining and lifestyle elements into their greenhouse or garden room use. The same goes with sheds.

While these spaces may be too warm for some, you do have the added benefit of being able to set your greenhouse right in the middle of your backyard or garden, so you can feel fully enveloped by nature.

3. Choose a traditional style conservatory

(Image credit: Malbrook)

Many house styles lend themselves naturally to classic white conservatories. These white frames not only look beautiful from the outside, they help bounce light around. While uPVC frames were popular for many years, painted wood is becoming a stronger choice. 

‘Traditional sustainable hardwoods are recommended,’ says Mark Wild, designer at Malbrook . ‘New ultra efficient eco glass specs will also future proof the new extension to add value to any home.’ Add further interest with decorative frames, such as gothic arches. 

4. Or, go completely contemporary

(Image credit: Conservatory Craftsmen / Landmark Photography)

If your conservatory ideas are contemporary and to be a new addition, maintaining the architecture of the main portion of the home creates a seamless flow.

'There are many design considerations when planning a conservatory,' says Evan Cohoe of Conservatory Craftsmen . 'The biggest it the existing architecture. When you hear conservatory most think of something Victorian but we can also go ultra modern,' like they did for this conservatory at a modern Minnesota home.

5. Double up 

(Image credit: Vale)

Why have one conservatory when you can fit two? Double up on your conservatory ideas by building two styles to achieve the best of both worlds. In this elegant project, there is a classical orangery on one side, incorporating full panel sliding sash windows within a framework of decorative pilasters and entablature. 

‘The main orangery provides a living room from which to enjoy spectacular views of the garden. Adjacent is a more solid construction housing sliding doors and a roof lantern, which provides a formal room for dining,’ says Lisa Morton, Director, Vale . 

6. Opt for a wooden structure

(Image credit: Prime Oak)

Oak conservatories are a wonderful choice, especially for homes in the country. ‘Oak has been used for construction for centuries due to its remarkable beauty, strength and durability,’ notes Jonathan Stackhouse, Planning Manager at Prime Oak . 

‘A timeless material that matures gracefully over time that also offers a sustainable eco-friendly solution, designed to be enjoyed for lifetimes to come. Today oak still provides unrivalled quality and a well-maintained oak building would add value to any property, regardless of its age. To help maintain and keep the building looking new, we recommend an oil based waterproof coating, usually to be reapplied 1-2 times a year, as required.’

7. Capitalize on a view

(Image credit: Conservatory Craftsmen)

A conservatory is the original room with a view, so it makes an excellent choice for a home addition in a panoramic setting.

'This room was intended for dining, housing  greenery and gazing out at beautiful Lake Geneva,' says Evan Cohoe of Conservatory Craftsmen, about this Minnesota home. 'This is technically an orangery. In the summer the plants live on the patio terrace. In the winter the plants are pushed in. This is the way the Victorians used orangeries also.'

8. Be sympathetic to the main building

(Image credit: Julius Bahn)

Historic homes can often benefit from the addition of a light enhancing conservatory, as they often feature small windows resulting in dark rooms, but ensure you are careful.

 ‘A successful orangery design on a period home should not over-dominate the appearance of the existing building but be visually subservient to it,’ says Jonathan Stackhouse, Planning Manager, Prime Oak. ‘Oak framing utilizes traditional construction and carpentry methods which local authority planners often welcome in period settings.’ 

This project from Julius Bahn also carefully matched the new roof to the existing roof tiles in order to blend harmoniously with the existing home.

9. Boost light with a roof lantern or skylight

(Image credit: David Salisbury)

One of the most common reasons to build a conservatory is to boost the amount of light that enters a home, and exactly how much extra light you want will depend on the intended use of the space. 

‘Orangeries with roof lights are ideal for kitchens as they provide a controlled amount of light through the roof and an opportunity to focus this above a kitchen island or dining table; whereas a conservatory, with its typically fully glazed roof will be the ideal design for plants to thrive,’ notes Karen Bell, Sales Director at David Salisbury .

10. Dress the windows

(Image credit: Blinds 2 Go)

Adding blinds into your conservatory not only adds an extra splash of beauty to the space, but will also help the space to be as functional as possible. 

‘As your conservatory is likely to be the brightest room in the house, you’ll need blinds that adequately cut out enough sunlight to ensure the room is habitable in summer and on those blindingly sunny winter days too,’ says Leah Aspinall, Head of Design at Blinds 2go .

‘Another consideration is the heat. As conservatories tend to be mostly glass, they can get extremely hot in the summer months and cold in winter without adequate window coverage,' she says.

11. Make it modern with a glass box

(Image credit: Jonathan Gooch / Future)

From modern box to traditional conservatory, a glass-walled addition will boost your living space, brighten your home and provide a greater connection between indoors and out.

There is now a huge variety of high performance glass available, designed to improve energy efficiency and control solar glare. The type of structure and direction in which it faces will dictate what type of glass is most appropriate. ‘A north-facing conservatory will have a different glass requirement to a southwest-facing one, simply because it is exposed to less direct sunlight,’ says Lee Vaughan, managing director of Breckenridge Conservatories.

12. Opt for a sunroom addition

(Image credit: Future / James Balston)

A conservatory doesn't have to be an addition, it can also be a freestanding structure. Building a conservatory out in the garden allows it to double as a potting shed or greenhouse. 

13. Create a space for rest and relaxation 

(Image credit: Jody Stewart / Future)

The defining feature of a conservatory paints this option as a bit of an add-on as opposed to integral part of the building. A conservatory should have a lockable door to the main house and not share heating and plumbing services. But most conservatory specialists are happy to build conservatory-style extensions that flow with the main house and which have connected services that can support a kitchen, and certainly a comfortable living, dining or office area.

'Years ago, homeowners simply had a conservatory bolted to the back of their homes as sunrooms for use during warm weather,' says Paul Schofield, Apropos' technical sales manager. ‘These days, conservatories and other glass-heavy home additions are a fully-integrated part of the home thanks to improved thermal ratings, so homeowners can use and enjoy them all-year round.' 

Conservatory structures are usually made of uPVC, wood or aluminum, with all three available in a huge range of colors.' The choice is mainly aesthetic,' adds Paul, ‘although aluminum is particularly strong, yet light and is also resistant to corrosion, unlike wood which will require maintenance.'

14. Optimize an indoor and outdoor space

(Image credit: David Cleveland / Future)

A successful addition can dramatically improve your lifestyle – and the value of your home. Whether you’re based in the town or country, there’s a solution to suit every property. Here wall-to-wall modern glazing at the back of this rear extension completely opens up the kitchen-diner-living room to the garden. Continuous stone flooring inside and out link the interior to the outside space. Adding a conservatory or orangery to the back of a period property may require planning permission.

15. Make more living room

(Image credit: Parish Conservatories)

There are plenty of creative ways to use a conservatory, but they're also suited to meet the simple need for more living space.

Paul Zec, of Parish Conservatories in Connecticut, says he's quoted conservatories for use as aviaries, orangeries, and pool shelters, but the company designed the space above as a living area for a homeowner that wanted a sunny room to relax in. 

How to choose the right conservatory?

While the range of conservatory styles – from Victorian glasshouses and Edwardian pavilions to minimalist boxes – has never been wider Mark Jones, of Town and Country, specialist in bespoke designs, says the market is dominated by two distinct looks. 

‘On the one hand we still have lots of requests for traditional Victorian conservatories which look wonderful in a range of settings. On the other side, we are increasingly being asked to design a more hybrid, orangery-style structures. Typically these have solid timber or masonry walls with semi glazed roofs and tall windows or folding doors opening on to gardens or patios.’

Proportion is key. ‘Cheaper kit-form conservatories are often made for new-build houses so the design will be dwarfed by larger Georgian or Colonial properties,’ explains Mark Jones. 

Privacy is another priority especially if you live in dense areas where fewer windows may be a more prudent option.

You will also have to consider the location. The best planned conservatory will capitalize on views of your garden. Do you need storage? If so, then an orangery style with more wall space will be more practical then a fully-glazed construction. For larger open plan spaces, roof lanterns placed above separate eating and kitchen areas add definition.

Will a conservatory add value to my home?

According to the Chartered Institute of Surveyors, a conservatory can add at least 5 percent in value to your property but only, says architect Jeremy Preston-Jones of Malbrook Conservatories, if the scale and quality of the glasshouse matches your existing house.  

‘I’d say that most of our customers spend between five to ten percent of the property value on their conservatories. So, if a house is worth $900,000 a budget of $90,000 is realistic.’

What are the types of conservatory available?

Whether you choose to call it a conservatory or orangery there is a range of styles and design features to choose from. What you pick should ideally reflect your house style.

If you opt for a bespoke design, one idea is to replicate features from your house, such as arched windows or gabled roof in the conservatory to link the two structures. There is no reason to be slavishly faithful to the period of your house either. A sleeker modern style on a farmhouse could work just as well as a more conventional model, provided the scale and silhouette is complementary.

Victorian

The quintessential Victorian house style bleeds into conservatory design, with features such as a pitched roof with ornate ridges and facetted front, like a bay window.

Edwardian

Often square or rectangular, the early 20th century conservatory is less ornate than Victorian styles with a flat sometimes pedimented front and more useable floor space.

Orangery

The classic orangery combines stone or timber walls and corners with tall windows and a flat roof with glass skylight.

Lean-to

The simplest shape with a single-sloped roof and the longer wall adjoining the house. Can be useful for filling in corners and to avoid taking up too much space in a small garden design.

Gable Fronted

A vertical and front and steeply pitched roof that can be plain or ornamented. The design creates a generous ceiling height.

P-Shaped

Typically combines a Victorian-style section with a lean-to structure to make the P-shape.

T-Shaped

A symmetrical design featuring a larger middle porch section and wings that make a T-shape.

Lantern

Featuring a two-tier conservatory roof, the overall impression is of height, light and grandeur.

Do you need zoning or planning permission to build a conservatory?

In the U.S.

In most instances, if the conservatory is extending the footprint of your home or requires moving walls, you will need building permits before breaking ground. The exact regulations and types of permits you will need depend on the city where you live, since these regulations are governed at a local level. Your town planning and zoning commission is the best resource for information on building permits for a sunroom or conservatory.  

In the U.K.

The recent brouhaha surrounding the Government’s proposed relaxation on planning has drawn attention to conservatories. According to Jonathan Hey of Westbury conservatories, planning rules and building regulations are often conflated. ‘Planning permission applies to the look and size of a structure, not it technical specifications. Like any extension, the conservatory will be subject to planning permission if it exceeds the permitted development area around a property. 

‘It’s vital that you check your contractor or designer is up to date with the latest regulations’ says Jonathan. According to the Conservatory Association, ggf.org.uk, planning permission is often not needed for a smaller domestic conservatories that meets the criterion listed below. However, rules are constantly being updated so always check with your local planning office.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

With contributions from

Designing a winter garden "Aluminum constructions of St. Petersburg"

Only real professionals can design a winter garden. This is due to the fact that this structure is one of the most complex types of structures made of transparent materials. The creation of a winter garden is possible only as a result of solving a full range of tasks for the construction of a separate structure. This requires high qualifications and considerable experience in this field of construction.

The result of construction, namely the design, functionality and reliability of the winter garden, depends entirely on the quality of the architectural and design project. It is necessary to professionally link the created structure to the existing structures, the production and installation of which can be handled by each construction organization. In this article, we will pay special attention to the intellectual part of the winter garden, since a competent project largely depends on this. nine0003

Architectural part of the project.

Any consumer makes his own choice of what he wants to buy, paying special attention to the quality of this product. No one questions why Lexus is ten times more expensive than domestic cars. The outlook of consumers largely depends on market criteria. But, despite this, customers very often do not understand the obvious differences in the cost of a winter garden made of materials from the German company SCHUECO, which meet the highest safety requirements and have high heat-saving qualities, and materials from other manufacturers. It is quite natural that such a winter garden will cost several times more than what is built from simple materials. nine0003

No less important is the timing of the project. A high-quality, well-thought-out project cannot be done in less than one month. This is not only difficult, but also simply wrong, since all the various ideas and solutions of the technical side of the project must pass the test of time in order to further select an acceptable option, and possibly a simpler solution.

The technical culture of the Russian consumer is significantly different from the Western European and therefore there is always a need to explain all the features of what is presented in this work, for which this article is intended. nine0003

What initial data are given by the Customer or the Architect? First of all, this is the geometric configuration of the entire structure under construction, the architectural type of racks and crossbars. No less important is the type of material from which the supporting structure of the building will be built, that is, wood or a certain type of metal, the colors and shades of the building structure in the middle of the room and outside, possible paintwork. When choosing a glazing, its type, quality, functions, as well as its color and specularity are important. It is necessary to determine the locations in the future structure of windows, doors, hatches, various handles, hinges, a remote opening mechanism. It is possible to choose additional requirements in the form of anti-vandal protection, shock and heat resistance. nine0003

When creating a professional winter garden project, it is especially important to coordinate the actions of the Architect and the Constructor in the implementation of the named initial data of the project. The technical side of the project can significantly limit the actions of the Architect, but special technical solutions are also possible, which, on the contrary, contribute to the expansion of architectural fantasy. An example is the replacement of box-shaped racks with T- and I-beams, as a result of which the design acquires visual lightness. Creating curly holes in the racks makes it possible to place additional light sources in them. The use of cable-stayed systems in both vertical and inclined versions makes it possible to use spider systems. Great opportunities are provided by the use of many different crossbar-rack-mount gratings, bent non-rectilinear parts, clamping elements, and so on. nine0003

Situations often arise when a non-trivial approach to creating a project makes it possible to change the moment of inertia of standard profiles and to a large extent increase their bearing capacity.

"Linking" to existing structures.

As you know, there are no right angles and perfectly flat planes in the real world. Therefore, when obtaining actual measurements, it is always necessary to perform a three-dimensional model using the AutoCAD program using a measurement technique based on a triangular geometric figure. In real designs, so-called fiducial points are used, which are interconnected by virtual straight lines, and the resulting distances are determined using a laser tape measure. nine0003

Engineering.

After receiving the initial data, the next stage is the design of the winter garden structure. The designer must solve several important problems.

One of the tasks is to maintain the necessary indoor climate. This task is complicated by the fact that along the perimeter of the winter garden construction, various materials with different physical qualities are joined. Not all customers know that the expression "the filling axis should come to the middle third of the insulation" is a statement that does not require proof. This difficult task can be dealt with using the method of drawing a zero isotherm. nine0003

The next most important design task is to ensure the tightness of the winter garden structures. In solving this problem, you need to remember the following well-known expression of designers: "You don't have to fight with water, you have to be friends with it." Exclusion of moisture ingress into the structure after many years of use cannot guarantee thorough sealing with the use of modern sealants. Moisture can always easily show up on internal components due to a physical concept known as dew point. In this regard, the tightness of the structure must be included in the design during the design. For this, a cascade drainage of condensate and the resulting moisture is intended through a system of special channels in the profiles. nine0003

Glazing is the most important element in a winter garden. The microclimate of the winter garden depends on the quality of the glazing. The implementation of glazing is linked to the orientation of the winter garden relative to the cardinal points, its purpose, the presence of sun protection elements on the glass, and the color of the room.

The soundproofing of the winter garden depends on the choice of double-glazed windows of the required formula.

During the design period, the issues of ventilation and air exchange in the room should be considered with the determination of the possible presence of stagnant zones. It is important to consider that the humidity in the winter garden may vary depending on its purpose. calculation of the zero isotherm is required. nine0003

When designing, heat losses through the surface of the winter garden, ways of supplying and distributing the heat required in the room are calculated.

Creation of winter gardens has become a part of architecture not so long ago. Winter gardens are part of the house, but require the creation of a mandatory project. A professional, high-quality winter garden project, created by experienced specialists, will help create a real oasis of wildlife in a residential or office space, which will become a wonderful place to relax. nine0003

Other related articles:

Winter Garden - a fairy tale that can become a reality!

Winter garden: what is it like?

How to create a winter garden in your house.

Manual with photos

Winter garden is a special corner in the house or on the plot where various indoor plants are placed. Most often, plants are selected in such a way as not only to please the eye with harmony and perfection, but also to create a special atmosphere. Green plants are able to purify the air from harmful substances, saturate it with oxygen and a unique floral aroma. In this article, we will talk about how to organize a winter garden at home: design the room correctly in accordance with the conditions for keeping plants, which plants to choose and how to care for them. We will also talk about the main trends in the design of the winter garden in the house with photos. nine0003

Building a winter garden according to the photo

Yes, you heard right! To realize your idea, you first need a good example, in the role of which photography will fit. You must be sure that the selected project is fully installed in your interior, otherwise it runs the risk of being simply inappropriate.

How to make a winter garden from a photo? First you need to decide what it will be: a separate relaxation room with exotic plants, or a continuation of the living room with aromatic herbs. nine0003

You also need to decide what plants you will fill the resulting space with, that is, decide on its style. Depending on your taste, it could be an interpretation of the Amazon rainforest, or vice versa, the dry Mexican desert.

Organization of an indoor winter garden

After looking at the photo of the winter garden, there is a great temptation not to bother with the calculation of complex structures, but to order a ready-made project from specialists. This option has the right to life, however, armed with our tips, you can easily master the construction yourself. nine0003

Most often, a winter garden is made in the form of a separate building - a greenhouse. It can also be organized as an extension to the house, in the attic, in a separate well-lit room inside the building.

options for creating a winter garden in the house

And so, let's start. First of all, you need to take care of the constant flow of fresh air into the room. This is a very important point, because otherwise moist air will stagnate in the room, which can cause the spread of fungus and mold. In addition to the air circulation system, expanded clay boxes can be placed in the room, which will help maintain the necessary moisture balance. nine0003

Sufficient illumination for plants is achieved by a large area of ​​glazing walls and roofs. Glasses are fixed on aluminum profiles (they are lighter and stronger than plastic ones). Currently, glass with a special coating is available for sale, allowing heat to enter the room, but preventing it from escaping to the outside. For a glazed roof, double-glazed windows with a heating function are an excellent option, they can prevent the accumulation of a snow coat on the roof in winter.

Most greenhouse plants will require additional lighting . This is due to the lack of natural lighting in the winter season or low illumination of certain areas of the room. Lighting can be arranged using fluorescent, sodium or metal halide fitolamps, which are selected in accordance with the characteristics of green spaces.

Ventilation and heating of the greenhouse must be provided. For a winter garden of a large area, an automatic irrigation system can be provided. The most acceptable option in the house would be a drip irrigation system in combination with ultrasonic humidifiers (they form a small “fog” at the signal of the hydrostat). At the same time, sensors are placed in the soil that record its moisture; when the soil dries up, watering is triggered through a hose connected to the plant. nine0003


No less important is the temperature regime. Given the individual needs of plants, it is worth selecting only similar representatives. This will make it much easier for you to provide them with proper care, which means that your chances of success increase. Believe me, nothing will please you as much as the blooming appearance of your pets, so it’s worth trying for this. If you plan to allocate a separate room for the winter garden, then it is important to take care of good thermal insulation. In the role of heating devices, it is better to choose heaters or heat sources powered by solar energy. So you will not depend on energy resources and can save a significant amount. nine0003

Be sure to provide a place where you will carry out work on caring for plants (their transplanting, top dressing). In the corner of the room, you can place a small table with lockers for storing garden supplies and a sink.

Plants in the winter garden

There are several types of winter garden depending on the nature of the plants:

The selected type of winter garden will require the creation of optimal conditions for it (temperature, humidity, light intensity). nine0003

Winter garden design and photos for your home


When choosing plants, opt for diverse green spaces. Create a so-called height difference. Let tall plants (shrubs or miniature trees) grow on the floor, lower ones on shelves and stands. Mix flowering and non-flowering species. Thus, you can simulate a natural oasis of nature. Trees should be planted in beautiful floor flowerpots and placed in the corners of the room. nine0003

The ergonomics of the space should also be considered. Arrange light and comfortable furniture in the room (a table for tea drinking, chairs, ottomans, small armchairs or a sofa). Furniture should not be massive. Light-colored furniture (white, milky, coffee, etc.) will be combined with the green color of the plantings. Stone can be used as wall and floor decoration in the winter garden. This material will give an additional resemblance to the natural environment in the room. In addition, the stone is durable, strong and easy to clean. nine0003

The design style is largely determined by its footage. For large premises, a tropical or subtropical type of winter garden (or their organic combination) with zoning of the walking and recreation area is suitable. You can also allocate space for originally designed beds with greenery. Small rooms should not be loaded with bulky plants. Here the mini format will be more harmonious.

Garden care

Firstly, the winter garden requires regular (once a week) wet cleaning (removal of dust on the floor covering, shelves, stands and window sills). Secondly, it is necessary to carefully remove withered leaves and faded inflorescences with garden shears. We recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the features of the care of each plant in your greenhouse and, in accordance with the recommendations, transplant and water the plant. nine0003

If there is no automatic watering system, then you can use our advice. Divide all plants into groups: moisture-loving (requiring constant watering) and moisture-resistant (requiring watering after a certain period of time). Mark flowerpots of plants from different groups with bright stickers or markers that differ in color. Next, water according to the schedule drawn up for plants from different groups.

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