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In 1851 Great Britain was arguably the leader of the industrial revolution and feeling very secure in that ideal. The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London was conceived to symbolize the industrial, military and economic might of Great Britain. They did it so the world could witness the advancements in technology pioneered by the British in its many colonies and protectorates. It was decided to make the exhibit truly international with invitations being extended to almost all the civilized world. The British also felt that it was important to show their achievements right alongside those of "less developed" countries. Many felt secure, economically and politically, and Queen Victoria was eager to reinforce the feeling of contentment with her reign. It was during the mid-1850s that the word "Victorian" began to be employed to express a new self-consciousness, both in relation to the nation and to the period through which it was passing.
Conceived by Prince Albert, the Great Exhibition was held at Hyde Park in London in the specially constructed pavilion. The Crystal Palace was originally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton in just 10 days and was a huge iron goliath with over a million feet of glass. It was important that the building used to showcase these achievements be grandiose and innovative. Over 13,000 exhibits were displayed and viewed by over 6,200,000 visitors to the exhibition. The millions of visitors that journeyed to the Great Exhibition of 1851 marveled at the industrial prowess that was propelling Britain to be the greatest power of the time.
After the Great Exhibition closed, the Crystal Palace was moved to Sydenham Hill in South London and reconstructed in what was, in effect, a two hundred acre Victorian theme park. Queen Victoria opened the new Crystal Palace Park at Sydenham on June 10th, 1854. In later years the new park played host to many sporting events like football (soccer) and automobile racing. The magnificent structure itself was destroyed by fire November 30th 1936, but the park that the Crystal Palace once sat still remains.
In the grand splendor and tradition of Great Britain, Blue Diamond SystemsTM, a division of VEKA USA, Inc. (www.vekainc.com), which is nestled in the heart of Western Pennsylvania just 30 miles north Pittsburgh, brings to the North American market, a line of stylish, English conservatories and portal systems.
VEKA is world renowned in the fenestration industry as being a pioneer in the PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) window and door market in Europe, and in 1983, VEKA brought this innovative and versatile material to the North American market. Vinyl windows and doors today, are the most energy efficient, maintenance free products available for your home and share almost 60% of the new construction and retrofit housing markets.
Blue Diamond SystemsTM brings this gracious way of living to the US residential and commercial markets. By combining old world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art materials, Blue Diamond SystemsTM goal is to create a private world that is elegant, comfortable and as unique as it is beautiful.
Originally designed as a place for the rich and noble to display the rare flora and fauna from the far reaches of the empire, the charm and comfort of the Conservatory soon made it a popular feature on many exceptional homes. In Europe, where space has often been at a premium, homeowners have long recognized the value of the Conservatory as a part of the home that not only brings the outdoors in, but the indoor out. Conservatories are being featured frequently in editorials in North America as a European (UK) concept that can now be looked at as a way to add year round living space to a home that also adds architectural interest in a unique, upscale manner.
Even though many homes in the United Kingdom feature a conservatory, the concept is still fairly new to the US market.
In fact, VEKA's vertical wall systems have been used for conservatories for over 20 years in the UK.
To many, the word "Conservatory" may conjure up images of a greenhouse. Or perhaps, even a two or three season sunroom or patio enclosure. But, the company says Blue Diamond SystemsTM and their expansive Portals are far more than any of these.
From Victorian to Edwardian, from simple room additions to expansive multi-story architectural complexes or swimming pool enclosures... Blue Diamond SystemsTM claim they have the right solution for any lifestyle. Conservatories and Portals can even become environmentally conditioned areas. They state that, thermostatically and automatically operated heating and cooling sensors create comfortable living areas for hot, cold, humid or dry climates.
Ian Shearer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing states, "A Blue Diamond SystemsTM Conservatory becomes a extension of the living space that changes with each passing hour of each passing day. It is a versatile living space for every day of the year in any climate. It is designed to become an integral part of the home, crafted to reflect the unique and individual character of each family. Imagine enjoying a swimming pool or hot tub all year round on either a hot, humid day or a snowy winter night with your very own climate controlled environment".
With a custom designed Conservatory or Portal, it is whatever you want it to be.
It is an impressive showcase for entertainment or a personal retreat for rest and relaxation. A family space that makes outdoor living a comfortable, year-round activity.
For all the comfort and enhanced living it provides, a Conservatory is a sound investment for any homeowner that will significantly add to the home's value. In fact, thanks to advanced, computer aided fabrication systems and state-of-the-art components, you may well discover that, compared to conventional construction, a new conservatory is one of the most gratifying additions anyone can make to their home. From start to finish, concept through completion, Blue Diamond SystemsTM will assign a local design specialist to accompany you on each and every step along the way to assure you that your final conservatory meets and exceeds your expectations.
Your conservatory will be completed in recognition of the fact that it is, truly, your conservatory. It is designed for you, as an expression of your individual taste, preference and style - and, as an enduring symbol of Blue Diamond SystemsTM commitment to quality craftsmanship. And most important of all, it is designed to your satisfaction.
Explore the options, refine your thoughts and express your tastes and preferences.
Then Blue Diamond SystemsTM will design and create a custom Conservatory plan expressly for your needs, your lifestyle and your home. Whether added to an existing home or planned as an integral part of new construction, Blue Diamond SystemsTM creates each individual Conservatory not only to reflect architectural and aesthetic requirements of the home, but to complement the lifestyles, interests and tastes of you, the homeowner. Once you've approved the final design, the Blue Diamond SystemsTM team begins constructing your Conservatory in a dedicated production facility using state-of-art materials and precision, computerized fabrication equipment.
Despite all of the sophistication and efficiency, the company still retains the touches of craftsmanship and attention to detail that make quality the most important component in every Blue Diamond SystemsTM Conservatory or Portal.
| Features of a Blue Diamond SystemsTM Conservatory or Portal |
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For more detailed information, contact Blue Diamond SystemsTM at 1-800-654-5589 or email the company at
ishearer@vekainc.com.
Visit them on their web at www.bluediamondsystems.net
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