• Bespoke Conservatory
  Service
• Aluminium Made
  Beautiful
• Designed for plants &
  people
• Case Studies & Gallery
   
• Orangeries & Atriums
   

Orangeries

The history
Orangeries can be traced back as far as the 14th century but it was the 16th century that saw the establishment of the first European Botanical gardens. This heralded a new era of plant collection and study and created a need to properly house precious new specimens.

The name
Portugese traders introduced the sweet orange to Europe in the 14th century and its name was translated from a Sanskrit word at about that time.

In order to supply royalty and aristocracy with its highly desirable fruit, orange trees were housed in specially constructed buildings that quickly became known as orangeries. These buildings soon evolved to house the growing collections of tender plants that were fast becoming popular.

The structure
Ideally orangeries should be south facing with a series of full-length windows set in a brick-built elevation. The rear north-facing wall should be thick to protect from cold and wind. A glazed roof adds even more light and ventilation to the space.

Aluminium is the perfect material for the orangery roof.

• Light and easy to handle compared to steel alternatives
• Minimum maintenance required - essential in hard to reach locations
• Finer glazing bars and structure so less loss of light

Glass Atriums

An Atrium dates back to Roman house design and was a formal entrance hall with the other main rooms of the house leading from it.

A key design feature of this space was an opening in the roof to let light in – but also rain water, which was collected in a pool beneath and used in the house.

Although now less keen on the rain, we still love the idea of natural light so a compromise had to be sought! And glazed atriums where the answer.

Aluminium is the perfect solution for the atrium roof.

• Light and easy to handle compared to steel alternatives
• Minimum maintenance required - essential in hard to reach locations.
• Finer glazing bars and structure so less loss of light

'The new Alitex Plant Conservatory is a stunning hybrid; it brings the buoyant, breathe easy atmosphere of a greenhouse, together with the warm exotic sophistication of a conservatory. This for me is the most exciting building - full of endless planting possibilities.'

Lisa Rawley - Fleur de Lys

Telephone: +44 (0)1730 826900
Email: enquiries@alitex.co.uk

Alitex Annual Lecture /
2nd September 8pm

Andy Sturgeon, Chelsea's 'best in show' garden

Gardening Myths /
19th October at Wisley

Dr Ken Thompson