The winter garden
Winter gardens, vertical gardens, equipped verandas, urban gardens … is it a simple fashion or is it ancient knowledge that returns today with renewed spirit? Man has always known the importance of nature and the beneficial influence it exerts on him, both on a physical and psychological level.
This newfound awareness of the contemporary man, who has less and less time for trips and holidays, leads him to desire, in everyday life, to live and spend time in environments in which to experience that harmonious relationship with nature.
The winter garden is a wonderful solution that combines the built with the external environment, an ancient solution that has made a strong return in recent years.
Once known as orangeries, historically developed at the end of the 16th century to store citrus fruit trees during the winter period, as a common practice among the rich landowners of northern Europe. They usually were made of wood, brick or stone with large vertical windows. Later in Holland, the use of sloped windows was successfully tested, allowing more light and warmth to enter in the interior spaces.
It was in particular in the Victorian period that a very recognisable style was defined for the winter gardens: metal structures finely crafted in Art Nouveau style and with delicately decorated windows. In addition to housing numerous plants of the most varied species, they became spacious rooms used by the owners belonging to noble families as a place for entertainment and leisure, in which to organise art exhibitions, concerts, banquets and dances.
Over time this type of space has further evolved, becoming less elitist and has been recognised as one of the main elements of biocompatible and environmentally sustainable architecture, thanks to the contribution these spaces make to the equilibrium between building/man/external environment.
More and more sophisticated and trendy, the winter gardens nowadays welcome ornamental plants or small vegetable gardens and are dedicated to the wellbeing and relaxation of the person: reading rooms, solariums, verandas, dining rooms, a shelter immersed in regenerating green islands.
Very evocative solutions can be implemented in the countryside or in urban contexts, where there are large areas for them. However, thanks to elegant glass structures, even small outdoor spaces, such as terraces and balconies, can be transformed into fascinating environments, enjoyable in all seasons, away from the cold and from atmospheric agents.
Smania has chosen to intercept this trend and to listen to these needs. Working in this direction, it is planning a new innovative and versatile collection, able to combine its two souls, both classic and modern.
All that remains is to wait for the next Salone del Mobile in Milan to discover all their secrets.
