There, it’s out in the open. Think what you like. But I don’t want any old conservatory. The one I fancy is more of a space-age pavilion. After 25 years of making the kind of conservatory your mother (and probably grandmother) would love, Bartholomew Conservatories is taking a radical change of direction. Expect much tutting from garden-centre groupies.

“Last year most of our clients wanted the traditional Victorian and Georgian styles,” says Denise Ogilvie, the firm’s marketing manager. And most still do. You know the drill: a bit of stained glass, a few finials maybe. But this year 40 per cent of orders are from clients seeking to dazzle their friends with something contemporary. Something cool.

Conventionally, conservatories are the province of parents with a few thousand to spend. Often they become the final resting place for unloved gifts, unused appliances and uncomfortable wicker furniture. “People buying traditional styles are usually in their forties or fifties,” Denise says. Amazingly, the average age of a client buying a contemporary conservatory is just 28 (my peer group). Many are used as home offices or “kidult” dens.

The first contemporary conservatory, featured at the Chelsea Flower Show this year, doesn’t even have a name. Yet, like a beautiful stranger in the street, it forces you to stop and stare.

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“Everything we build is bespoke,” says Sam Ogilvie, the design director, who is also responsible for the interiors of the Zilli restaurants and the Café de Paris. “But this design is so popular we’ve had to make lots of them.”

Taking his inspiration from aerofoils, Sam has created a streamlined silhouette. The roof rises at one end and the struts are exposed rather than hidden. The door opens like a drawbridge. The only materials used are English oak (kiln-dried to make it stronger) and toughened glass. It is at once ancient and modern. A ribcage and a spaceship.

It couldn’t be more different from the traditional design that imitates the orangery attached to grand country houses in the 18th century. This modular design can fit even really small spaces — hence its popularity in London. “It can be connected to an existing building, stand alone as a garden room, or even be lifted on to a roof-top or balcony,” Sam says. One customer recently fitted a wood-burning stove, creating an ultra-modern retreat in private woodland behind his house.

Such modern designs are likely to send some planning officials into a preservation panic. Those living in or even near a conservation area should consult their council first, as should anyone living in a listed building. “Generally it’s OK, though,” Sam says.

As it is essentially a small building, your conservatory requires a stout foundation. This must be concrete and it must be completed at least a month before construction begins (to avoid that sinking feeling). And the cost? Not cheap, but then you are buying an extra room. Standing alone, the 3m by 3m model pictured would be £20,650. Connect it to your home and it’s cheaper. Your new dining room would set you back £17,650.

Watch out for these futuristic pavilions landing soon in a garden near you.

www.bartholomew-conservatories.co.uk
01428 658771

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