A Glass House In The Garden

Boston firm Flavin Architects have collaborated with Zen Associates to design a ‘Glass House In The Garden’, a small glass-walled building in a backyard, that includes a nice relaxing tearoom and a greenhouse for the owner’s bonsai plant collection.

The architect’s description

Our clients wished for a greenhouse where they could practice the art of training bonsai trees. Colin Flavin of Flavin Architects collaborated with Peter White of Zen Associates on the design of this modern glass house set in the garden. White suggested the idea of transforming Philip Johnson’s glass house.

A large chimney clad in glazed concrete block divides the building into two distinct volumes and evokes a mid century vibe. Project Architect Howard Raley refined the building to its essence of structural steel, aluminum window system and glass.

The front of the building is a tearoom and bonsai display space and looks out on a traditional Japanese garden in the style of a dry river bed, also designed by Peter White. This space features a polished concrete floor and red cedar ceiling.

The rear of the building is the working part of the building, with a gravel floor and teak and galvanized metal work benches. A granite counter with stainless steel sink cantilevers from the masonry core.