This section covers the projects that celebrate period detail, incorporating elaborate and exquisite features such as ornate columns, lead covered domes, prominent pediments, and intricate and delicate glaze bar designs. Vale is now the oldest and most experienced major design manufacturer of bespoke conservatories, orangeries, pavilions, and garden room structures in the United Kingdom.
We have a small number of designers that have been with us for many years, and each have a wealth of experience in designing for all architectural eras and styles. Each also specialise in specific periods and we do pool ideas and reference from our in-house library when designing for a unique or outstanding building. On occasion, we have worked closely with the Georgian Group, Victorian and other regional Societies to progress a project through the Planning stages.
No matter what period of property, each designer will use their knowledge, skill and the capability to develop ideas with a client to create a truly magnificent feature, adding architectural value to the site. This approach has ensured that our structures are developed and evolve in a way that is unsurpassed.
Many consider the Georgian house to be the archetypical English home. Georgian architecture is the name given to the set of architectural styles between 1700 and 1840.
The period is recognised for its attention to symmetry and proportion, following the 'Classical Orders Of Architecture' in both structure and detail. Simple mathematical ratios were used to determine the height of a window in relation to its width, or the shape of a room as a double cube. Further architectural principles of the Georgian period are described in our page on Orangeries.
Over the years Vale Garden Houses have undertaken commissions for many beautiful, classical Georgian buildings and are proud to have persevered in ensuring that the proportions and aesthetics are reflected in the period detailing of our structures.
Traditional vertical balanced sliding sashes incorporating individual double glazed units are a regular feature in our orangery designs. Complex to produce, these windows can be made in the traditional style "six over six", or adopt any style to suit the building the conservatory is designed for.
Victorian Architecture refers collectively to several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. "Victorian" as a term refers to the many interpretations and eclectic revivals of historic styles and influences during the reign of Queen Victoria.
By the middle of the 19th century, as a result of new technology, construction was able to incorporate steel as a building component. One of the greatest exponents of this was Joseph Paxton, architect of the Crystal Palace, and in this era of prosperity, many new methods of construction were developed.
There are many fine examples of Victorian buildings that incorporate a profusion of elaborate detail - typically margin arched panels, deep ornate eaves with dogtooth dentils, hand-carved corbels and striking pilasters. Ornate cast metal cresting and finials were included as additional bespoke detailing, and Victorian Gothic went further still with castellations, elaborate finials and highly decorative columns and pilasters.
Edwardian architecture is generally less ornate than high or late Victorian architecture, apart from a subset used for major buildings known as Edwardian Baroque architecture. The late Victorian to early Edwardian era brought about an interesting introduction of decorative flourishes, borrowing style from a number of historical periods often simple - but always stunningly elegant.
If you would like to receive a copy of our brochure on conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms please complete our online request form.
Visit our Case Studies section which has an inspirational selection of some of the many period conservatories and orangeries we have designed.
