Conservatory with raised beds against a natural stone wall: Wrought iron and glass in Nandrin

Project Description

Against a natural stone wall on the property, DBG Classics built a classic conservatory with raised beds, tailor-made in wrought iron and glass.

The quarter-circle arch of this lean-to conservatory follows the contours of the wall, forming a seamless transition between the masonry and the well-kept terrace around it.

Inside, two built-in wooden raised beds hold a compact yet productive kitchen garden, where tomatoes, cucumbers and nasturtiums thrive between the natural stone walls.

The result is a conservatory that is as functional as it is atmospheric: a sunny spot for growing during the day, a lit beacon on the terrace next to the pool at night.

Anyone who admired our rounded lean-to conservatory in Gavere will recognise the same flowing quarter-circle shape here, now applied against a completely different backdrop.

Architectural integration against the natural stone wall

The curved roof aligns perfectly with the height of the wall: straight lines at the rear masonry and near the ground, with the graceful arch in between defining the conservatory’s silhouette.

The wrought iron frame is kept subtle, so the view of the historic stone, with its original wall openings, isn’t interrupted, while the farmhouse’s gable rises in the background.

This approach always requires precise on-site measurement, since every natural stone wall has its own irregularities, a challenge we also tackled with our wrought iron and glass wall-mounted greenhouse in Zingem.

The use of natural stone is no coincidence in this region: Nandrin and the wider Condroz have been known for centuries for their authentic stone-building tradition, something this wall also reflects. A fine example is the Nandrin Tower, the medieval keep that still defines the village today.

Conservatory with raised beds for a compact kitchen garden

The heart of this project is the raised beds integrated on either side of the central path.

Built in wood and elevated above floor level, they offer an ergonomic height for sowing, harvesting and maintenance, ideal for anyone who wants a kitchen garden without having to work on their knees.

The combination of vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers) and edible flowers (nasturtiums) shows just how versatile a conservatory with raised beds can be, from classic vegetable growing to more decorative touches.

Ventilation and practical finishing

As with other DBG Classics lean-to conservatories, sufficient ventilation is provided through vent windows in the curved roof plane, ensuring the necessary airflow on warm days.

These can optionally be fitted with our automatic vent openers, which respond to temperature changes without electricity, keeping the interior climate stable.

A wrought iron door with glass panels provides access from the terrace. At the base of the glazed sections, Belgian bluestone windowsills provide a neat transition between the masonry and the glass, a regional detail that strengthens the link with traditional Walloon building style.

Old and new in harmonious contrast

What gives this project extra character is the interplay between old and new. The rough, centuries-old natural stone wall and the authentic barn in the background stand in stark yet deliberate contrast with the sleek, contemporary rear facade of the house and the modern oval pool edged in natural stone.

Rather than letting these two worlds clash, the conservatory forms precisely the architectural link between them: the wrought iron linework looks timeless enough to suit the old wall, while the transparency of the glass connects seamlessly with the modern, open feel of the pool terrace.

The result is an outdoor space where past and present don’t compete, but reinforce one another.

Terrace, kitchen garden and pool: one cohesive whole

What makes this project special too, is the way the conservatory fits into the wider outdoor space.

A natural stone terrace with dining table and sun lounger, a raised pool with its own staircase, and the silhouette of the farmhouse itself together form a setting where the conservatory doesn’t stand alone, but forms the link between living, gardening and relaxing.

We created a similar combination of conservatory, garden walls and pool for our green corner greenhouse with ventilation windows in Dinant, not coincidentally another municipality in the province of Liège.

A conservatory with raised beds doesn’t need to be a separate kitchen garden house, it can just as easily become an extension of the terrace where you sit down to dinner on those nice summer evenings.

Atmosphere in evening light

With string lights outlining both the natural stone wall and the glazed arch of the conservatory, this spot turns into a warmly lit scene each evening.

The raised beds inside remain visible through the glass, making the conservatory an eye-catcher on the terrace even after sunset.

Looking for a bespoke conservatory with raised beds?

Inspired by this project in Nandrin and considering a lean-to conservatory with integrated raised beds of your own?

At DBG Classics, we tailor every conservatory to the existing architecture of your home or property.

Request a quote or get in touch to discuss the possibilities for your project.

Prefer to build it yourself? Discover our self-build DIY kit as well.