home sweet home

Conservatories: More Than A Room

Ever since the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, some 600 years BCE, people have been displaying plants and flowers for their pleasure and enlightenment. Every ancient civilization, from the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese through the Roman Empire had some kind of conservatory, and they are more popular today than ever, worldwide.

The Age of Exploration (15th through 18th centuries) brought exotic spices, trees and rare plants from far lands to Europe, where they were treasured and nurtured. Starting with wooden enclosures to protect them from cold weather, more and more elaborate shelters were constructed to shelter delicate tropical foliage, starting with simple greenhouses and culminating in elaborate conservatories. Incorporated into the stately homes of France and England, they became the social centers of the elite, where glamorous dinner parties and balls were hosted by the upper classes. The most opulent of the conservatories of the time was the orangery of Louis XIV, built as part of the Palace of Versailles.

Improvements in glass manufacturing played a large part in the growth of conservatories. The Romans had used the translucent mineral mica in their structures, but they disappeared with the downfall of the Empire. When glass became readily available in Great Britain, its use became so widespread, the British Parliament saw it as a source of income, and imposed a usage tax. This led to glass enclosed rooms becoming an accoutrement of the wealthiest class, and British nobility competed for the cachet of owning the most elaborate conservatory.

Before long, French and English nobility adopted the custom of incorporating glassed-in rooms into their homes, and as time went on, these conservatories became more and more ornate. They evolved into the social focus of the haute monde, who hosted elaborate balls and dinner parties, competing with each other for the most flamboyant architectural designs. Probably the crown jewel of the era was the orangery of the Palace of Versailles, the home of Louis XIV.

The early nineteenth century saw Charles Darwin discovering and recovering heretofore unknown plant species and returning them to the West for study. This gave rise, in turn, to an upsurge in public conservatories which featured new architectural styles and housed extensive indoor gardens. New engineering advances enabled the construction of massive metal and glass enclosures for the display of an infinite variety of plant species and, in some case, birds and butterflies as well.

The first few decades of the 20th Century brought a downturn in construction of new conservatories, along with all other non-essential building. The Depression followed by the war brought such activities to a halt, but the fifties saw a renewed interest in gardening and nature in general. The newly invented insulated glass and enhanced simplicity of inside climate control led inevitably to the acquisition of conservatory-like structures. Ornate Victorian style was replaced by sleek modern additions to every kind of home, from bungalows to palatial abodes, allowing everyone access to the beauty of nature without leaving the comfort of home.

What was once a sign of wealth and nobility is now a commonplace sight. Additionally, as the desire for a greener world becomes a worldwide concern, more and more home owners are opting for the inclusion of a conservatory in their residences. The living room and den have given way to the delights of the indoor/outdoor room, now considered the warm heart of the modern home.

Martin Troughton is an expert in the field of home improvement. If you would like more information regarding conservatories or are looking for a reputable conservatory company please visit http://www.anglianhome.co.uk