Aug 31 2010
The recent issue of Architectural Digest features a multi-page write up on a renovation project by Louisiana-based architect Ken Tate.
The large project includes a unique conservatory which Tate commissioned from Tanglewood Conservatories of Denton, Maryland.
Tate approached Tanglewood with his request for a conservatory pool house which he wanted constructed using steel and glass instead of the traditional wood. Alan Stein, president and Director of Architecture for Tanglewood Conservatories, says that Ken approached Tanglewood for help with the project and recalled Tate's reaction upon seeing Tanglewood's initial design schemes. "Ken was completely enthralled by our design capability and our unconventional approach to his project". "He had never imagined that anyone could design, much less build, the steel-and-glass conservatory as we did".
Interior Pool Pavilion
After Tate turned the design of the project over to Tanglewood the two worked together to connect the unique structure to the rest of Tate's design. Tanglewood conceived the "old-world" steel conservatory building for the pool enclosure relying on years of expertise designing and building custom conservatories.
Tanglewood's Work
Stein remarked, "Ken's project was really no different from so many of the other commissions Tanglewood undertakes". We are hired by some of the world's best architects because they see our understanding and dedication to great design and our experience in the highly specialized field of traditional conservatories - whether wood, steel, bronze or any other material they might want to use." "Our commitment to them is to produce the most innovative, exceptional quality of design and construction in a cost efficient and time sensitive way." "Our job is to make the project architect look great!"
The full page interior shot of the pool house on page 89 of Architectural Digest magazine, shows the steel truss construction which Tanglewood Conservatories specially designed for the project. Other steel, cast iron and aluminum decorative elements add the stylish details that complement the rest of Tate's work.
Tate's remarks upon seeing the finished structure for the first time: "Extraordinary, I want to tell you how fabulous it is, and how great I think your quality is." "I think it's absolutely extraordinary - I hope you like it too!"
Source: http://www.tanglewoodconservatories.com/