glasshouse

A glasshouse, in horticultural use, is a building whose walls and roof are largely made of glass, designed to admit substantial sunlight while allowing for temperature and humidity control. In British usage the term usually refers to a greenhouse used for growing plants, though it can also describe a conservatory or a glass-walled display space in botanical gardens or museums.

Construction and design typically feature a frame of timber, wrought iron, or steel with glass panes set to maximize light transmission. Many glasshouses include heating systems, ventilation such as vents or fans, shading for hot periods, and measures to manage humidity and condensation. Modern facilities may employ automated climate-control systems, insulated glazing, and mechanical ventilation to sustain productive conditions for diverse crops or plant collections.

Types and uses vary. Heated glasshouses support year-round cultivation of vegetables, ornamentals, or tropical species, while unheated or minimally heated structures are used for overwintering plants or displaying collections. Lean-to glasshouses can be attached to existing buildings, and ornamental conservatories emphasize light and aesthetics as much as horticultural function.

History and examples. Glasshouses emerged in Europe during the 16th to 17th centuries, with advances in glassmaking enabling larger and more durable structures. They became prominent on European estates and in public gardens. Notable current examples include large glasshouses at major botanic gardens and city conservatories, such as those at Kew Gardens, which house a range of climates and plant life for study and public display.

Related terms include conservatory and greenhouse, which describe overlapping concepts in glass-walled or glass-roofed horticultural architecture.