Smith Ekblad & Associates have been shortlisted for the Glasshouse Over £50,000 award in the International Design & Architecture Awards 2014.
Constructed of Texas Lueders stone with glass ogee roof forms, this conservatory has a ceramic studio and horticulture centre on each end of a larger, central orangerie.
The east pavilion houses a workshop and equipment for preparing and firing ceramic projects. Workbenches and cabinets handle drawings, tools, and a rolling rack for unfired bisque and glazed ceramics. A separate room houses two kilns and additional rolling racks. Glass shelves front the windows. A central round work table with stools anchors the room. A kitchenette and full shower bath are also provided.
The orangerie is used primarily for entertaining with furniture grouped around the central Grotto waterfall fountain. Marble and iron rolling tables were designed and fabricated especially for the needs of this space. The west pavilion, designed for garden propagation and botanical study, features glass shelves for specimen plants fronting the windows. A large work sink, workbenches and a central work top cabinet complete the furnishings.