A new gabled greenhouse roof designed by Keast & Hood improves ventilation and light transmission and provides an elegant space for garden displays.

The Longwood Gardens East Conservatory was constructed in the 1970s with a basket-weave framed lamella roof system. It was poorly ventilated and let in little light. The soaring design of the new East Conservatory roof draws upon classic greenhouse-style framework, but is comprised of stainless steel members and an exposed structure. Two rows of columns support the roof structure and create a 48-foot wide center bay and two 24-foot wide side bays down the length of the 200-foot building. This design creates numerous small display spaces, including a Court of Palms.

A new gabled greenhouse roof designed by Keast & Hood improves ventilation and light transmission and provides an elegant space for garden displays.

The Longwood Gardens East Conservatory was constructed in the 1970s with a basket-weave framed lamella roof system. It was poorly ventilated and let in little light. The soaring design of the new East Conservatory roof draws upon classic greenhouse-style framework, but is comprised of stainless steel members and an exposed structure. Two rows of columns support the roof structure and create a 48-foot wide center bay and two 24-foot wide side bays down the length of the 200-foot building. This design creates numerous small display spaces, including a Court of Palms.

CLIENT: Longwood Gardens
LOCATION: Kennett Square, PA

TYPE: Cultural, Landscape, Special, SERVICES: Renovation, MATERIALS: Steel, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Completed project photography © Larry Albee