martes, 23 de diciembre de 2008

Victorian Greenhouse in La Calera Colombia


In Colombia, greenhouses are practically non-existent. Even in Bogotá, the main greenhouses in the botanical garden are not iron and glass structures with the appropriate romanticism. Of course, we don't have the heritage for that kind of architecture, nor the funds to develop something that, disgracefully, is considered unnecessary by our government.

Personally, as an architect, I think that a home should be more than simply a kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedrooms. A home should be designed in a romantic way that peeks inside the owner's interests and helps him to develop them with the same importance as eating, sleeping, etc..
In the same context, a home should have a way to connect with nature, that which we should consider as our first home in any event.

In my research, I found conservatories a very "popular" addition to North American homes, but unfortunately, almost all of them are built and used very differently than the way they were primarily designed 200 years ago. "Bringing nature to home" (lets get away from the eccentricities of the former European nobles). There is plenty to say about this matter, but I leave you with an example of what I think a home greenhouse should be.

This one I built in 6 months, very slowly, and with less than 20k. In this photograph the glass is not installed and still does not have the tropical plants (palms, ferns, orange tree,....lots of flowers).
Its going to be very interesting since it is located above 3,050 MTS (10,000 feet). Colombia has all the existing thermic floors and sure I live in one of the higher and colder ones (no snow though). It has 700 sq feet and is 27 feet tall at its highest point. Hope you like it.

For photographs under construction, see my other blog (in Spanish) http://victoriangreenhouse.blogspot.com/


Text edited by John Lord (mexjohn), a friend from www.cloudynights.com, the best place for discussing and learning of optics for astronomy,

12 comentarios:

  1. Thanks for joining Blotanical and showing us the way to this great blog. I found it very interesting and enjoyable to browse through your blog and 'soak in' your wonderful conservatory photos. Looking forward to more interesting stories from the beautiful Colombia. Cheers!


    Violet

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  2. Your conservatory is very beautiful. As an architect, I imagine half the fun is building your dream. It will be great watching as you continue to put the glass in and do all the finishing touches. I hope it will be ready for winter in your area and look forward to seeing what plants you will grow.

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  3. Your conservatory is beautiful (and your English is pretty good too). I think it's the most unusual design I've ever seen. I suppose you had to have two levels because of the sloping site, but it looks so elegant!

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  4. My goodness, this is not only breathtaking, it's unique! I am truly not knowledgeable in your area, whatsoever, but I can tell when something is well done, and you are obviously a skilled professional. I am so glad I found your blog today. It's more than amazing:) Jan

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  5. thanks for your comments. In a month It will be finished and whith plenty of tropical palms, ferns and many others. Will publish new photos with those changes. Thank you all

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  6. Gorgeous. That's all I can say. Not only will you be able to have any plant you want inside, you'll have spectacular views while you're in there puttering around. It's a dream of mine to have something even half as beautiful. Fantastic job designing it.

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  7. Hi, just found your blog through Blotanical, and I'm thrilled! Your conservatory (and the house)is, I think, the most beautiful I've ever seen!
    Katarina (Sweden)

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  8. Oh, I can't wait to see how this turns out inside. So good for you. I agree with your statement that your interior and exteriors should be a reflection of yourself, and that art and beauty have value.. not every dollar should be apportioned to 'practical' uses.

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  9. I've never seen a two level conservatory! It is breathtaking. If I had the money, I would have one, then I could garden year-round :P

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  10. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I would welcome you to visit my blog and share your thoughts

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