by The concept of having separate areas for growing oranges grew to a large proportion in the Mediterranean countries. By the time the orange fruits came into popularity in these areas, they were already popular in the tropical climatic conditions. So, by the 19th century, the orangeries were well known and had established themselves are places where the cultivation of oranges could take place.
But then, these were still under the premises of the rich people. Cost of constructing the places where orange plants were grown was quite high. In many of the medieval houses, one could find an orangery and it spelt the classiness and sophistication of the families who cultivated oranges. People gradually took up the building of the orangeries in order to use them as areas of pastime rather than for orange cultivation.
Much of this transformation was because of the manner in which these places were built. Oak and wood panelling along with glasses were the main features in their constructions. People who had such places built within their house campuses started using it as places to relax and used it during the winter months. For growing oranges, there was the need to put in way to warm the environment. So, heaters were used below the floor, sunlight was allowed to pass in from the south west side by use of glass windows and the atmosphere was created perfectly for the warm conditions.
During the winter months, especially in the chilly months in the Mediterranean regions, the orangeries started to be used for the purpose of relaxing and entertainment. In modern parlance, these structures meant a place or building which had glazed side walls and was built on brick or wood support, at a height from the ground. In many of them, the roof was also glazed.
With the attachment to the main house building, these places were possible to be entered from doors connected to the inside. When no plants were put inside these rooms, they were used as part of the houses for the purpose of sitting and bringing in friends and conducting parties. In many places, these are used as extensions of hotels and private homes and even to the farm houses.
In such newly built orangeries, the concept has remained the same but technology use has allowed the introduction of better glazing, good quality and self cleaning glasses, electric heating and such methods. The concept has changed over the years, but the flavour has remained the same as was for the consumption of orange and this is the factor of relaxing and entertainment.
