8 Ways a Conservatory Events Center Can Increase Your Bookings

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The global outdoor living structure market was valued at $1.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow from 2021 to 2028 at a compounded growth rate of 6.1%. And among these outdoor structures, conservatories are quickly serving a purpose other than what they were originally intended for—now, conservatories are becoming picture-perfect event venues. Thus making the return on investment real – and positive!

Conservatory events centers provide a unique and beautiful setting that can be more attractive to potential guests than traditional venues. As experienced event center builders, we’ve helped clients build breathtaking structures that combine elegance and practicality. The perfect combination to host events of all types.

With our expertise, let us share a few ways how conservatories can be used for events and can drive up bookings at your venue. Market your event venue for a variety of occasions including:

Weddings

With the natural beauty of plants, flowers, and trees adding to the ambiance, a conservatory is a romantic and picturesque setting for weddings. You can create a space for dining and dancing while providing a safe and sheltered outdoor atmosphere.

Parties

Birthday parties, corporate events, baby showers and anniversaries are all perfect occasions to host in a conservatory. Events centers can accommodate large groups and provide plenty of room for decorations, food tables, and other activities.

Meetings and Workshops

Meetings and Workshops

Conservatories also make great meeting spaces, with the natural light creating a cozy atmosphere for meetings or business presentations. Events centers can be arranged to hold multiple break-out rooms or offices for a more professional experience.

Cultural and Spiritual Gatherings

Conservatories can provide the perfect backdrop for culturally specific events, such as Diwali celebrations or religious ceremonies.

Fundraisers and Galas

Conservatories are ideal venues for hosting galas and fundraisers, with their expansive space allowing for mingling, dining and entertainment. 

Food and Drink Festivals

Conservatories can accommodate large numbers of guests, allowing them to sample the best food and drinks while immersed in a tranquil and scenic atmosphere.

Music and Art Shows

Conservatories make great venues for music and art shows. They provide a stunning backdrop for performers and artisans. Events centers can also provide space for vendors to showcase their wares or provide services, making it an ideal one-stop shop for guests.

Fitness and Wellness Classes

Conservatories are perfect for fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates and martial arts. The natural light and calming atmosphere provide the perfect setting for guests to focus on their well-being.

A Versatile Events Center Attracts More Clients

By offering events that cater to a variety of occasions and interests, you can draw more guests to your venue and increase bookings. With the right combination of services and activities, your venue can be transformed into a dream destination for all events! 

So, take advantage of the growing trend in outdoor living structures and transform your conservatory into a versatile events center. Conservatory Craftsmen is one of the most trusted and experienced event center builders. We provide custom design and construction services to help you turn your vision into reality. Investment in a conservatory is well worth it – contact us today.

Popular Flower Varieties for Conservatories

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Plant lovers like to be surrounded by greenery and blooming flowers all year, from bougainvillea to mandevilla, hoya, aristolochia, cacti and succulents. To fulfill this need to be surrounded by plants, many decide to convert their conservatories and garden rooms into a flower paradise. 

Choosing the right flowers for the continental Minnesota climate can be challenging, as not all plants can survive the humid summers and frigid winters. Let’s see which flower varieties can make it in a conservatory in Minneapolis. 

Bougainvillea

A favorite among those who love the Mediterranean atmosphere, the bougainvillea creates a flowery indoor garden throughout the summer. For a smaller conservatory, choose a dwarf variety like Pixie or Helen Johnson. This plant loves large pots with drainage holes and likes shade and fresh air in the height of summer. 

Hoya Carnosa

Just like the bougainvillea, this sweetly scented plant can decorate the walls of your conservatory. You can use wires to attach the plant and enjoy the white waxy hoya flowers. They feel comfortable in large planters with drainage holes. 

Keep them moist from spring to fall, and in winter, add water only when the top feels dry. Don’t forget to provide the plant with some shade during the hot summer days. 

Donkey’s Tail

Donkey's Tail

Sedum morganianum, or Donkey’s Tail, is an irresistible, cute plant. Hang it in a basket and enjoy the gentle cascading stems of small, pale and fleshy leaves, creating a stunning textural effect. Since it’s a succulent plant, be careful not to overwater it. Add water only when the compost top is dry.

Pincushion Cactus

Also known as Mammillaria, it comes in different shapes and sizes. These versatile cacti have proven tough and resistant and can enjoy life in both heated and unheated conservatories. 

Cacti are a great option for conservatories because they enjoy bright light. Leave the top compost to dry out before watering it during summer. In winter, simply mist it once every four weeks. 

Rose of China

If you are looking for a splash of color in your conservatory, the Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis is the right choice. Enjoy white, yellow, red, or pink trumpet-shaped flowers produced in succession over a long period nestled among glossy green leaves. 

Some shade is needed in the summer, and mist is required regularly. It can reach heights of up to 6ft and spread out. So, to keep the growth in check, prune it in spring. 

Money Tree

Parchira Aquatica, or the Money Tree, is used to add some structure and height to conservatory plants. The tall stems are often plaited with a canopy of glossy green foliage. The Money Tree doesn’t like much water, so water only when the compost feels dry – during winter, it should barely be moist. 

Other than being aesthetically pleasing, this plant is known to bring good fortune, which is why it’s called the money plant. 

Jade Plant

Crassula Ovata, or the Jade Plant, is another tough succulent you can use to decorate your conservatory. The fleshy oval leaves and woody stems retain moisture, so the plant can withstand long drought periods. Keep it in a pot with drainage holes, and do not overwater.

Conservatory Craftsman: Stunning Conservatories with Foliage

Creating a plant paradise out of your conservatory can be a little complex if you’re doing it alone or without ample knowledge about flowering plants. Turn to the professionals at Conservatory Craftsman for assistance.

We have been in the business for a long time and understand the secret behind a well-constructed and thriving conservatory. Consult a Conservatory Craftsman expert for your next project, and we’ll guide and advise you throughout the whole process. 

Reach out today, build the conservatory of your dreams, and give your favorite flowers and plants a good home.

How Venue Businesses Benefit from Conservatory Event Centers

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Event venues need to be more versatile to meet market demand in 2021. The pandemic has had a massive impact on the events industry globally. Scheduled events were canceled or delayed throughout 2020. The pandemic gave birth to new trends and innovations, hence Zoho’s prediction that 2021 will be the year of hybrid events (“hybrid” being a combination of in-person and virtual attendance for events).

This signals a need for venues that cater to a very niche and specific clientele (e.g., a barn wedding venue) to hire contractors to build event centers that can accommodate all types of events and themes.

Conservatories: Structures for All Occasions

From weddings and birthday parties to corporate launches and conferences, clients will look for event venues, facilities, and equipment that can support virtual and in-person attendees in one event.

Event centers with conservatories meet this need. These beautiful, classic, and versatile structures can be the perfect venue for private celebrations, corporate events, industry gatherings, etc. Big or small, a well-appointed conservatory can accommodate all kinds of events.

Usable Features and Characteristics

Many conservatory designs don’t have center columns, so event organizers and stylists are not forced to break the venue into segments and can have free rein regarding the event’s floor layout.

For example, if you are hosting a wedding, your clients can have a big dance floor right in the middle of the hall. If your clients are organizing a bazaar or industry event, they can plot partitions for booths, walkways, and mingling areas any way they like.

Another notable feature of conservatories is the abundance of glass in the ceilings and walls. If at least one of your event halls is a conservatory, you’ll be able to satisfy the aesthetic and functional requirements of both indoor and outdoor events.

Conservatories attract clients who yearn for outdoor parties and indoor venue perks, like air conditioning and protection from the rain. They also draw the attention of clients who need spacious and private venues. A conservatory equipped with smart technology like automatic blinds and drapes, for example, will be just as good as (if not better than) a large conference room for corporate events.

Conservatory

The Versatility of Modern Conservatories

As a trusted contractor for conservatories for event centers, we can vouch for the versatility of the structures we build at Conservatory Craftsmen. With our conservatories as event halls, you can accept bookings from clients looking for:

  • Wedding venues
  • Cocktail party venues
  • Corporate event spaces
  • Venues for industry-wide conferences
  • Venues for bazaars
  • Versatile spaces for media production

Hire Conservatory Event Center Builders, Conservatory Craftsmen

If you own or manage a venue rental space, we highly recommend building a conservatory events space. As discussed above, its versatility can cast a wide net over the market for event centers.

Make your investment count by hiring Conservatory Craftsmen as your contractors for the construction and design. We design and build modern conservatories that attract all kinds of clients, from families looking for places to rent for a birthday party to companies preparing for a product launch.

Your event business is in great hands with Conservatory Craftsmen. Contact us for a consultation.

 

Garden Room Ideas for Functional, Home Conservatories

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Since conservatories seamlessly connect the outdoors with the indoors, many homeowners treat them as indoor gardens. Here are some ideas on how to decorate the interiors of garden rooms and turn them into beautiful, comfortable, and functional indoor-outdoor rooms.

1. Plants

Make the most of the sunshine that enters your home conservatory and put real plants around the room.

You can’t go wrong with a potted Bird of Paradise plant or a Meyer Lemon tree in a corner or against a bare wall. If there are lots of empty shelves or bare counter space, try a Jade plant, young aloe, cactus, succulents or even consider growing your own coffee or tea. These plants can fill your space up nicely.

Have a bare wall but don’t have a painting for it? Hang some ferns, philodendrons, or orchids and it will no longer look so blank.

The best part? You can add more plants if you want a tropical home conservatory.

2. Sofas, sectionals, and loungers

inside a conservatory

If you thumb through travel magazines and browse interior decorating websites, you might find a picture of a luxurious outdoor living space that boasts a custom, round sofa with a grill or bonfire pit in the middle. Such a space is a dream to own, but the sofa and its accessories can be a logistical problem.

Your conservatory puts all those problems to rest. You can finally have a comfortable, giant sectional in what feels like the outdoors without worrying about rain or dirt getting on the seats and wetting the pillows. And when the sun shines, you can still enjoy the daylight without having to move a single piece of furniture into shade. So, furnish this garden room with comfortable seats or a daybed for good measure. Trust us: this is the best room for them.

3. Lighting

Another exciting thing about conservatories is that they benefit from the night’s darkness as much as from the day’s light. When the moon is bright and the stars are shining, for example, you can still appreciate them from inside this part of your home.

This makes adjustable interior lighting a must for conservatories. You can have the room as bright as your kitchen when you have guests or dim the lights on quiet evenings so that the moonlight can shine in.

4. Blinds, shades, curtains

Natural light completes the interior of a garden room. There may be times, however, when you’ll want to take a break from the sun, like during the peak of summer.

Automatic blinds and shades will be especially useful on such days. They are very convenient and easy to use: with just one tap of a button, you can protect your furniture and indoor plants from the excessive heat and the blazing sun. So, if your conservatory is 90% glass, we recommend that you install automatic blinds and shades immediately.

Curtains, meanwhile, are useful for days when you need privacy but don’t want to completely block the view of the outdoors.

It would be ideal if you can have a combination of these three window treatments in your conservatory.

5. Heating and cooling

When you live in Minnesota or other places that experience all four seasons, your home is equipped for extreme weather differences.

Make sure your conservatory is hooked up to your home’s heating and cooling systems if you want to enjoy this indoor garden all year. More than for your enjoyment, it is for your plants to flourish and grow healthily in your care.

If adding a conservatory to your home is already in the works, think further ahead to what you want it to look like. Consider the home conservatory ideas in this article so that you can make the most of your very own garden conservatory.

Don’t have a conservatory yet but thinking of building one? Conservatory Craftsmen is the company to call. We offer a complete conservatory construction service, from design to construction. We also design and install window treatments like automatic blinds and shades. Check out some of our projects-in-progress and previous works on our website.

For inquiries, contact Conservatory Craftsmen today.

Flowering in Frost: How to Care for Orchids in Winter

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People have different motivations for growing and caring for orchids. Some like to compete in prestigious contests. Others raise orchids for profit, and still others grow them in the hopes of creating a more beautiful flower via crossbreeding. Whatever the reasons, orchid enthusiasts can agree on common issues — like ensuring these blooms survive the winter.

We offer the following tips on how to help your precious orchids make it through the colder time of year.

Ration Sunlight

As available sunlight becomes scarcer during the winter months, move your orchids to a sunnier spot. A good location to make the most of sunlight when days are shortest this season is at an east-west position. Add a grow light if the orchid is a type that needs a higher light intensity, such as the cattleya, dendrobium or vanda.

You can see if the amount of light is too much for the orchid by observing the leaves; it’s too much light if they turn yellowish-green or red. If the leaves turn dark green, it’s exposed to too little. Also, feel the leaves. If they’re warmer to the touch than the ambient air, it’s overexposed to sunlight and should be moved to a darker spot.

You can also control the amount of sunlight your orchids receive without constantly moving them by using greenhouse window shades. Using shades to limit or maximize sunlight exposure for your orchids can more easily be done with the industry leading automated versions we install.

Watch the Temperature

Common types of orchids require a temperature of between 55° and 80° F to thrive. Should the temperature average 60° to 65° F, you must resort to artificial means of raising the ambient temperature. Adjust the thermostat, or you can augment it with the use of cheaper portable heaters.  Never expose the orchids to higher temperatures by placing them near fireplaces or heating vents. The heat needed by orchids must be humid, not dry.

Water them Right

Regardless of the weather or season, it’s common practice to water orchids early in the day, so they dry out by evening. To prevent your orchids suffering from cold burn, water your orchids less often in the winter. Your orchid container’s size likewise dictates how often you need to water them. A 6-inch pot requires water every seven days, while a 4-inch pot, five to six days.

The potting medium used by the orchid is also important; an orchid set on bark needs more water than an orchid set in sphagnum moss. Note that bark tends to dry out faster than sphagnum moss, but a bark-mounted orchid’s roots may be sufficiently moist.

Poke the pot with your finger about an inch into the pot; if you feel moisture, don’t add any more water. Your orchid’s potting medium should be damp, not soggy, and never bone-dry.

As a rule of thumb, it’s better for orchids to be slightly under-watered in winter as less water means less moisture in the plant cells, as excess moisture could crystallize and kill the orchid.

Worst-Case Scenario

Should something go wrong and your orchid or orchids appear to have perished, don’t assume they’re dead and send them to the compost heap– they may have life left in them and can be revived.

When this happens, let the orchid medium dry, and keep it in a humid area (you can use humidifiers), away from direct heat and sunlight.

Don’t water the orchid and wait for new sprouts to grow. Once there are new sprouts, water the orchid with plain water, then follow up with a small dose of fertilizer and elements as new roots grow. You may even notice that this winter shock your orchid experiences may trigger new buds and flowering.

Final thoughts

Ensuring your orchids survive the winter is a delicate balance. Apply the right amount of water, light, and temperature. If the worst happens and it appears that your orchid or orchids have died, don’t give up on them and treat them as if they were newly re-potted.

Reduce the light exposure, apply some fertilizer and nutrients, space watering by 10 to 12 days, and your orchid could come back from the brink and make it through the winter.

And if you’d like to tilt the odds in favor of your orchids surviving the cold, choose the more acclimated species like cymbidiums, masdevallias, miltonias, odontoglossums, oncidiums, plain-leaved paphiopedilums or sophronitis orchids.

If you found this information on orchid care during winter interesting, we have other resources you can read.

We can assist you in every aspect of building a new luxury greenhouse that suits your tastes and meets your particular needs and specifications. Our mission is to ensure homeowners like you can enjoy the splendor of greenery within or close to your home, year-round.

Should you desire a quote for building your own conservatory today, you can contact us here.

Beyond a Greenhouse: Creative Uses for a Garden Room

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A garden room has become commonplace in backyards (or attached to homes). These stunning structures can double as a sunroom, greenhouse, personalized office, studio, or even just a quiet space to unwind.

Besides adding extra space to your home, garden rooms contribute to property value. A Forbes article revealed that adding square footage is one way to increase home value. Larger houses usually lead to higher values – something that homebuyers tend to notice.

Additionally, a HomeAdvisor report stated that room additions could raise property value. Homeowners, for instance, can expect to see a return of investment (ROI) of 49 percent for sunrooms.

If you’re going to have a garden room constructed on your property, you’ll have the opportunity to use the space for various purposes. Apart from growing plants, you can utilize the space in the following ways:

Guest Room/Airbnb

Having company over? You won’t need to worry about accommodating everyone in your house. Garden rooms can provide extra privacy and space for any guests you may have. When you set the room up as your Airbnb, you can gain your investment back and even make money on the side.

Home Spa

Fitting a rainfall shower or a home sauna in your garden room will help you relax and relieve stress after a long day at work. You can make the room your perfect sanctuary by personalizing the space. You could, for instance, use incense or oil burners and extend the spa experience by fitting in a hot tub.

Vintage Game Arcade

While the game arcades of the 80s and 90s are long gone, you can relive those eras and satisfy your nostalgia by transforming your garden room into a vintage arcade. If you want to experience a blast from the past, think about setting up arcade machines, music and dance games, and retro consoles.

Hobby Room

Certain hobbies, such as sewing, painting, wood carving, and reading books, need less space. If you’re passionate about a hobby that doesn’t eat up a lot of space, consider turning your garden room into a hobby room.

Workout Room

You don’t need to leave your house just to get the exercise your body needs. With your very own gym, you can work out at your own pace. When setting up an exercise room, choose a few pieces of equipment and leave space for floor work. You can also add large mirrors so you can watch your form while you work out.

You have the option of transforming a garden room into a guest room, home spa, vintage game arcade, hobby room, or workout room. When you’re looking for a contractor that can build the most amazing garden room, turn to Conservatory Craftsmen. Designing and constructing a room that makes you ecstatic is our goal. Count on our team to build a durable and elegant structure that enhances the surrounding landscape of your property.

You deserve a luxury garden room that matches your preferences and personality. Reach out to us today to discuss your project and ideas.

A Guide to Keeping Your Greenhouse Toasty During Winter

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The polar vortex this year left many Americans shivering in temperatures as low as minus 28 degrees. It was so cold that even the postal service in states like Minnesota suspended their services. If we humans are struggling to actively keep ourselves warm during winter, what about our crops?

Whether you’re protecting your plants with a simple greenhouse or luxury greenhouse, you have to take extra steps to keep them toasty. Even winter crops need warmth to grow. Here’s how you can keep your plants and crops comfortable.

Install a Greenhouse Heater

Greenhouse heaters are a surefire way to keep your crops warm during the winter. However, you have to consider the energy source and positioning. Heaters come in gas, oil, electric, or coal variants. Your choice depends on which resource is abundant in your area.

If you live somewhere in Wyoming or West Virginia, opt for coal. Live in Texas or California? Oil or gas is your best bet. If you’re afraid of exhaust from gas, coal, and oil heaters, get an electric one.

Position your thermostat at plant-level so it can get accurate readings. Like the one you have at home, keep your greenhouse thermostat away from direct sunlight to prevent its sensor from going haywire.

Reinforce Your Windows

Your greenhouse windows let sunlight in, while protecting your crops from the elements. But is it enough?  Check the glass for cracks and seal them with putty immediately. If you want to double down on heating, literally do so by double glazing them.

Double glazing means having two layers of glass in one window. This technique reduces heat loss in your greenhouse. If you’re on a budget, replace your panes with multi-wall polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a plastic material that comes in two, three, and five-wall variants. Apart from being affordable, they’re durable, and they diffuse sunlight evenly. No more worrying about hotspots.

Classic Composting

Composting has been practiced for over 2,000 years now. You probably now that it’s a way to introduce nutrients to your plants. But its process also creates heat that insulates your crops. You can buy compost from your local gardening store and spread it on top of your soil.

You can also create your own compost pile in your backyard. Although you can add to a compost pile in the winter – freezing temperatures prevent it from breaking down into ‘soil’, so plan way ahead. Compost can be made from a mix of dead leaves, flowers, sawdust, newspapers, banana peels, and more. Don’t add any dairy or meat because they will rot and attract pests.

You also need a bottomless bin to store them in while keeping them on the grass. Pile them in the bin and add water for moisture. It will take around four to five weeks before the compost breaks down into a soil-like consistency that you can then incorporate into your crops. Feel free to throw in more scraps into the pile so you will have a steady supply.

Keeping your greenhouse warm can be physically and financially tough. You’ll spend a fair amount of cash on acquiring new equipment like a heater and double glazing. You’ll also be in the harsh cold while maintaining your greenhouse and compost. However, all those efforts will be worth it once you get a bountiful harvest.

Get Your Dream Greenhouse

The best way to protect your garden is by keeping them in a greenhouse. Conservatory Craftsmen offers beautiful glass rooms for your plants with their luxury greenhouses. We build using the latest technology and the finest materials.

Get your dream greenhouse with us today. 

Winter Gardening: Ways to Keep Your Plants Healthy During Cold Season

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Although it’s too late in the game to prepare your plants for winter, this is probably the time when you’re looking back and wondering what it was you should have done differently. Winter may be hard for some plants to live through, but you don’t need to “put your green thumb” into hibernation during this season.

You can still keep your plants healthy and thriving during the cold weather. Installing a greenhouse made of luxury materials, for example, is not only a beautiful addition to your property, but it can also protect your plants during winter. 

If you don’t have a greenhouse to continue to grow year-round, we know some great tips that can contribute to maintaining the health of the plants in your outside garden. And it all stems from early preparation.

Prepare Your Garden for Winter

It’s essential that you started preparing your garden as early as fall because this will give you enough time to do what is necessary to keep freezing temperatures from damaging your plants. One way to make your garden winter-ready is by ‘putting it to bed’. You can do this by pulling out all your annuals and leaving the perennials. 

You may also consider seeding in cover crops, like winter wheat. These plants serve as cover and protection for your soil during winter. When spring comes, you can till the crops into the soil. 

If you have indoor plants like cacti, you should start cutting back on watering because they will need less water in the winter. Water your cacti when the soil gets very dry and place them away from windows that let chilly air in so they won’t get too cold. 

For vegetable gardens, you need to cover tender seedlings. Most fall vegetables can survive temperatures of about 28 degrees Fahrenheit without damaging tissues. But it would be better if you have a few blankets ready to protect them overnight. Remove the blankets when the temperature increases above freezing so the heat won’t stay beneath the coverings. 

Taking Your Outdoor Plants Indoor

You can also save your container plants from the freezing temperature by bringing them indoors where the temperature is warm. But remember that not all of them can survive indoors due to their required growing conditions. It’s essential that you transfer them to a space that can provide for their unique needs for light, warmth, and humidity. 

When you’re moving outdoor plants indoors, prioritize those that are healthy for a greater chance of survival. Avoid bringing plants with pests or diseases, too. These plants can contaminate other healthy plants because problems spread easily indoors. 

It can be challenging to bring all your outdoor plants indoors, especially if you don’t have enough space for them. You may consider growing new plants using cuttings, which is a piece of a plant, be it a stem, a leaf, or a root. Plant cuttings could take much less space and they may also adapt better to new growing conditions than established plants.

Consider Building a Greenhouse

However, if you truly want to keep your plants alive during winter, adding a greenhouse to your property is really the most effective option. It allows you to have more space to grow your plants all year round. A smart greenhouse is even better because it allows you to automate the temperature, lighting condition, water, humidity and other crucial factors that contribute to a healthy growing condition. 

Our team at Conservatory Craftsmen focuses on building smart greenhouses using the finest materials and building techniques. We equip each greenhouse with automation and climate control technologies. With us you can always expect a luxurious outcome. 

Contact us today for more information.

The Conservatory as a Wedding Venue: A Business Opportunity

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Conservatories are an ideal venue for events with its range of beautiful flowers, well-groomed trees, and charming fountains. Who wouldn’t want to get married amid lush greenery and vibrant blooms? It’s like having an outdoor ceremony in spring, except the couple and their guests are safe indoors, in any season or weather.

Clearly, this offers an opportunity when you own and run an events venue. You can work with us to ensure your conservatory can be a romantic, picturesque venue for weddings.

Here are important factors to consider when adding this sought-after space to your venue.

Your Finances

Your expenses and financial health will determine the kind of business loan you’ll need. You need to know how much capital you need to get construction going or to make a down payment on a conservatory.

Do you need to acquire more land space? Do you need to lease another property?

Other potential expenses you’re likely to incur with this expansion include new furniture, audio-video system, signage, and other operational elements that are essential for your venue.

The Location

Once you’re confident about your finances, it’s time to look at another important factor: the location. You have to ask yourself whether your location is ideal for building a conservatory or a greenhouse. Or do you need to relocate the business to make room for more space?

If you’ve decided to relocate, consider the accessibility of the location as well as its price. You’ll want to choose an area that’s popular for weddings or one that’s up and coming in the market.

The Design

The design of your conservatory could contribute to attracting potential customers. Apart from the plants and flower beds, you may want to add romantic fountains and a path lined with trees that are endemic to the area.

The combination of high-glass ceilings and lush greenery can appeal to any couple who wants the dreamiest wedding venue.

You’ll also want to consider access to views, which means choosing the right type of windows. Another crucial aspect to the conservatory’s design is the glazing and insulation. You’ll want to make sure that the venue is comfortable all year round.

Of course, sturdy materials are essential in the construction of your conservatory. Our team of conservatory contractors can help you decide on the key elements, such as a covering, frame, equipment configuration, and size.

Customized Conservatories, Optimized Profits

We have a flexible team who build event center and wedding venues. Our conservatory builders can create custom designs that fit your needs. We’ll also help you run the structure with as little effort as possible by installing automation features. A well-designed conservatory allows you to grow and cultivate an array of plants and flowers without any trouble at all. And we add automated features for climate control, moisture exposure options, and ventilation systems. This way, you can run your conservatory efficiently and profitably.

Our team, however, doesn’t stop at designing your conservatory. We’ll also take care of the paperwork because we aim to deliver a hassle-free process.

Contact us today for more information.

Planning Ahead for Heating and Cooling Your Conservatory

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Another homeowner concern that I read on the internet is that of temperature control in the conservatory.

The orchid lover's greenhouse dreamhouse

The Orchid Greenhouse

Comments on Houzz often say “it’s beautiful but you will never afford to keep it warm in the winter” or “you will roast like a bug in an oven in the summer”

Funny thing, I never see that objection about a new Lexus or Mercedes! Couldn’t you say the same about them? Oh, but one thing, you assume the manufacturer has considered climate control in the vehicle, and you will always be comfortable.
I guess the ‘sunroom’ industry has deserved the bad rap it has earned. Too often, a sales guy, eager to close a ‘deal’ will do so with no consideration or discussion about climate.
That is a different company than Conservatory Craftsmen. Ask anyone who has worked with us. The discussions are long and detailed about how the conservatory is going to be used and what are the expectations of the homeowner.

Let’s start with the plants. When building a greenhouse, we assume all owners of a conservatory are going to grow some plants. Some people build the conservatory because they want to grow a serious crop of citrus and vegetables. Others want to enjoy sitting in the starlit evenings with the fragrance of Meyer Lemon filling the air. Either way, I have to make sure the humans and the plants can co-exist. Conservatory Craftsmen has been building conservatories in Minnesota for over 25 years. Does that say anything? We use these rooms 365, and my customers are happy.

A few rules to consider:

  • Jasmine at night in the conservatory

    Jasmine at Night in the Conservatory

    Plants never sleep. Keep a door between the house and the conservatory. In the winter, when it’s below zero, the conservatory should not be kept at 70 degrees while you are in bed sleeping. Plants respire at night, they have no sun so they change their activity from photosynthesis. They don’t want it to be 70 and dark. They grow long and leggy looking for the mythical sunshine that only lasts 8 hours in Minnesota.

  • Thermostat. The temperature of your conservatory should be set 45 to 50 degrees at night.
  • Heat Sinks. One of my customers has several ‘heat sinks’ going in their conservatory. Water columns hold heat and can be fun. Trombe walls and heat sinks all help to hold the day’s free heat into the night. This very customer is also a professor of engineering at the University of Minnesota. He keeps very close track of the energy consumption of the conservatory and tells me he has never spent more than $40 in any month of heating in Minnesota. My heating bill is more than that, but not crazy. We will spend as much as $250 in the winter to heat the entire home, conservatory and our hot water in the worst month of winter (ok, I admit, I have a heater in the garage set at 40 degrees too). That is less than many spend on just their homes.
  • Insulation. I will honestly say, the high-tech insulation and thermal efficiency of our conservatories make them easy to heat in the winter. You should never say ‘it’s too cold to use the conservatory today’.

Cooling, however, requires discussion also. One cannot build a conservatory and expect to cool with air conditioning. That is not a responsible choice.

Here is how we manage summer climate.

automated conservatory blinds and shades

Click for Info on Blinds and Shades

Plant a tree. If you are on the south or west exposure, you need shade. The beauty of a shade tree is that it is a natural, free air conditioner that loses its leaves in the winter and provides plenty of sun and warmth that time of year.

Use efficient glass. There is a battle between plants and humans when it comes to glass. We will have that discussion when planning the room. However, we can achieve great things with the glass we use, so chat with us about high-efficiency glass.

Blinds. We offer blinds for sloped glazing. We have the best products in the world for conservatory roofs. Our blinds can be manually operated or they can be automated to work themselves when it becomes too hot or sunny.

Move air. Commercial greenhouses don’t air condition. They move air and lots of it. Chat with us about air movement and how we can help you design a system to exchange the air in the room all day long. In the winter, capture that air for your house, in the summer; exhaust that air to the outdoors.

So, you naysayers who scribe on the walls of Houzz speak not from the hip, but talk to us and you will enjoy your conservatory, and the weather, any day of the year.