An Orangery in Shrewsbury
Today’s Construction Showcase entry features a project we recently completed in downtown Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. We view every project as a collaboration where our goals are your goals. The knowledge and experience we bring to the fore is what allows those goals to become realities for the clients we serve. This project is a great example of how important the planning and design phase of each project is, as we worked closely with the homeowner to define a specific vision prior to the start of construction work.
Our principal objective was to introduce an orangery-style addition in a rather difficult location without disrupting the architectural style or flow of the existing colonial home. Through a combination of careful planning and active collaboration with the client, we were able to devise the perfect strategy. The final results can be viewed in our portfolio of completed projects. What follows is a picture by picture walkthrough of the entire process from start to finish.
The unique design allowed the the structure to be positioned neatly within the corner of the existing home while still allowing us to use the large windows representative of a traditional English orangery. Andersen architectural French doors were used at the entry. The centerpiece of the design is the custom hip skylight framed in mahogany and outfitted with PPG Solar Ban 70 XL insulated glass.
The entire edifice was constructed with solid dimensional lumber. In addition to the insulated glass used in the glass roof construction, the orangery was also conventionally insulated to exceed international residential building code requirements. This ensures that the client receives optimal glass enclosure performance across four seasons of Massachusetts weather conditions.
Finishing touches include copper flashing, an English AGA stove, bluestone flooring, and decorative elements which enhance the colonial design while creating a seamless transition between the existing structure and the new, custom orangery.
Let’s take a closer look! Scroll down to view the progression of the construction process.
A structural elevation of the orangery’s rear design.
Our lead designer can create structural elevations in virtually any style.
A work photo taken of the existing home prior to the beginning of construction.
We carefully consider the existing structure’s style before settling on a design strategy.
The stunning, orangery-style hip skylight is being assembled in advance.
By constructing key components in the shop, we ensure reliability and performance.
The mahogany roof system begins to take shape as shop work continues…
…while the concrete foundation is placed on-site.
Looking good! We’re now ready to start on the conventionally constructed frame.
The wall frame begins.
We offer full service general construction in addition to our glass structure product lines.
One of the structural beams is placed in anticipation of the glass roof elements.
We use only the highest quality materials in our residential construction projects.
The roof is now framed and ready to accept the glass section.
Doug is hard at work!
The roof has been sheathed in order to create the opening for the new glass roof.
The hip-style skylight will flood the orangery with natural sunlight throughout all four seasons.
Protective membrane roofing has been installed over the existing and new roof sections.
Our glass structures are designed to withstand the full assault of a New England winter.
The curb for the new glass section has been installed.
Copper flashing has been installed over the new curb system.
This important step is completed before the glass system is set into position.
Fresh from the shop!
The custom mahogany roof system is ready to be lifted into place.
The roof system is carefully lifted and boomed into place.
The roof system has been positioned.
Soon: high performance glass will be installed.
A skyward view from the interior with the skylight frame in place.
The glass roof is in place and copper flashings are being added.
The completed glass roof has a beautiful design.
Our copper flashing selection adds a gorgeous effect.
With the glass roof system complete, our talented crew begins wall construction.
Work on the exterior walls continues.
The French doors are now in place.
A view of the interior structural framing at this point in construction.
With the exterior woodwork complete, the orangery is now ready for paint!
A view of the colonial orangery’s exterior wood columns. The stately details are impeccable!
Our versatility allows us to work in any style.
The completed interior of the roof system.
A view of the completed exterior.
It’s difficult to imagine a better entryway for this elegant residence.
A view of the warmly-lit entryway taken from inside the orangery.
We went with a rustic bluestone floor that pairs wonderfully with the style.
Another view of the exterior.
This glass structure will be a showstopper in every season.
An alternate view of the exterior.
The large windows and glass roof introduce an abundance of sunlight.
A traditional orangery can be an excellent addition to any home, and we’re proud that our clients were able to achieve their goals with our help. Whether you’re in the market for a large home renovation, a new greenhouse to shelter your plants with, a pool enclosure to provide your family with 365 days of pool access with, a glass roof system of any size, or an orangery-style addition like the one featured in this update, Sunspace Design is the right choice for you.
You can contact us by submitting a completed contact form, sending an email to info@sunspacedesign.com, or calling 1-800-530-2505.
Thanks for reading! Check back soon as new blog entries are posted regularly.