Designed and fabricated in England, Blue Diamond Systems™ Conservatories and Portals are truly unique to each and every homeowner. From magnificent room additions to architecturally monumental living spaces or expansive pool enclosures, these masterpieces are the perfect compliment for those with discriminating standards and refined lifestyles.

The origin of these structures dates back to the mid-1800’s. The first of its kind, The Crystal Palace was designed in just 10 days by Sir Joseph Paxton. Built with an abundance of iron beams and over a million feet of glass, this marvel housed the Great Exhibition of 1851: a symbol of the industrial, military and economic might of Great Britain. The Crystal Palace showcased over 13,000 exhibits of English technological advancements as 6,200,000 visitors bared witness to the country’s symbol of power at the time.

Above: Using “state-of-the-art” three-dimensional rendering software, BDS designers began with photography of the Foland home to construct these photo-realistic images of how the final installation of their Blue Diamond Conservatory would appear.

The immense sensation that arose from The Crystal Palace prompted a trend of standardized Conservatories for the Victorian era and into the brief Edwardian period of 1901-1910. They quickly progressed in lush and lavish detail, providing the rich and noble with a definitive symbol of wealth and high rank in society, as well as the perfect setting to display and cultivate rare flora and fauna.

Demands for the spectacular additions would fluctuate however during the 1900’s. As new monarchs, devastating wars and shifts in the economy emerged throughout the new century, so emerged a new outlook on the Conservatory. Love of their aesthetic beauty never faltered, but the appreciation of their architecture and construction quickly came into light. They were now also considered for the practical uses of plant cultivation and conservation. Widespread ownership of Conservatories began to build yet again, as did their reputation of charm, comfort and value. With time, homeowners soon recognized the Conservatory as a part of the home that not only brought the outdoors in, but the indoors out.

A Conservatory is the optimum way to add year round living space to a home, while also adding 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 U.S. market…until now. In grand splendor and tradition of Great Britain, Blue Diamond Systems™ brings a line of stylish English Conservatories and Portal systems to the North American market.

From Victorian to Edwardian, from simple room additions to expansive multi-story architectural complexes or swimming pool enclosures, Blue Diamond Systems™ (BDS) has the right fit for any lifestyle. Conservatories and Portals can even become environmentally conditioned areas. The thermostatically and automatically operated heating and cooling sensors create comfortable living areas for hot, cold, humid or dry climates. A custom-designed Conservatory or Portal is just that – a design specifically crafted to accommodate your specific tastes and lifestyle needs and uses. It is an impressive showcase for entertainment or a personal retreat for rest and relaxation; a sanctuary for your hobbies or a family space that makes outdoor living a comfortable, year-round activity.

Dale and Dorothy Foland of New Philadelphia, Ohio now reap such benefits from deciding to add a Blue Diamond Systems™ Conservatory to their home. “I love looking at it,” gushes Mrs. Foland, “it is so attractive.

It was made-to-order and my husband got exactly what he wanted!” Mr. Foland had decided to take up gardening as one of his many hobbies during retirement, but neither a greenhouse nor a solarium suited his liking.

As an accomplished man in both business and taste, Mr. Foland required a sophisticated and functional addition to his home. On a recommendation from a close family friend, the Folands approached Blue Diamond Systems™.

It is important to first note that while some companies offer kits for assembly, Blue Diamond Systems™ does not. The number of situations in which these “kits” can be used is limited. To avoid later issues, only trained personnel should handle installation. Therefore, from initial contact and on, only BDS technicians handle the building of your Conservatory or Portal.

Like the Folands, once you have decided on the addition of a Conservatory or Portal, the first step is to choose a basic style that compliments your taste and fits the architectural qualities of your home. Photographs of your home or property and a survey of the land are needed, and based on the combined information BDS will then create your soon-to-be addition using Virtual Reality rendered images. With 3D CAD engineered designs, life-like pictures will allow you to have a more comprehensive understanding of exactly what BDS proposes for your home. If you are in the midst of constructing a new home, simply supply BDS with your building plans and they will construct a model of your future home with the integrated Conservatory or Portal for you to review.

The next stage involves an on-site meeting and a detailed survey by BDS to confirm the exact measurements of the Conservatory site before the engineering process begins. Details such as accessories, interior decorative trim, decorative glass, panels, the type of ventilation and airflow and other various options and features will also be discussed to complete the final design.

Once approved, craftsmen in England will begin construction on your unique Conservatory using only state-of the-art materials and precision computerized fabrication equipment. Rest assured, in addition to all the sophistication and efficiency, Blue Diamond Systems™ still retains the touches of craftsmanship and attention to detail that make quality the most important component in every Conservatory or Portal.

Following completion, BDS technicians install your Conservatory, ensuring that the process is correctly handled to give you a durable and weather-tight Conservatory. “We were so pleased throughout the whole building process. The men working were nothing but polite and accommodating…in fact, they were fun to have around,” Dorothy says with a smile. She quickly follows up by stating, “Dale was also very impressed with their work. He said ‘this company fits the bill!’” The Folands are very happy on their decision to add a Conservatory to their home and especially with whom they chose to build it. Mrs. Foland also said they would “absolutely” recommend Blue Diamond Systems™ to anyone considering an addition for their home.

From start to finish, concept through completion, the personnel of Blue Diamond Systems™ are with you at every step to assure that your Conservatory or Portal meets and exceeds your expectations. In spirit and authenticity, these home embellishments uphold the standards set forth by their predecessors and royal ties. Most of all, your Conservatory will be completed with recognition of the fact that it is, truly, your Conservatory. It was designed solely for you and is the perfect, fitting expression of your individual taste, preference and style.

For more detailed information, contact Blue Diamond Systems at 1-800-654-5589 or e-mail the company at ishearer@vekainc.com Visit them on their website at www.bluediamondsystems.net