The Arlington Conservatory

Architect

Rossetti, Greg Sweeney, AIA
Detroit, Michigan

General Contractor

TSA - Thomas Sebold & Associates
Birmingham, Michigan

Sitting adjacent to the main residence, the Arlington Conservatory functions as a conservatory, indoor pool house, and compact guest house. The architectural vision called for a fully copper-clad exterior on the guest house portion and an all-glass envelope for the conservatory portion. Given that the main house features a cedar roof with extensive copper flashing, along with multiple copper standing-seam and flat-lock roof elements, the design team sought to harmonize the new addition by incorporating matching copper characteristics throughout the visible roofing and select wall areas.

Butcher & Butcher Construction was the specialty contractor responsible for both the custom copper roofing and wall panels, as well as the structural glass system. Copper, with its renowned natural patina development, ensures aesthetic continuity with the existing residence, while providing exceptional longevity, and low-maintenance performance. The roof and wall panels were fabricated as continuous, single-piece panels extending from ground level to the ridge line with special attachments designed by the contractor to selectively control thermal movement while eliminating intermediate horizontal seams and flashings at the wall-to-roof transition. The copper panels were roll-formed onsite and subsequently mechanically seamed to achieve a tight, durable, time-proven double-lock profile.

Installation required approximately 7,500 square feet of copper coil for the primary panels, supplemented by an additional 600 square feet of copper sheet for custom flashings, transitions, and detailing. Adjacent non-copper materials provide a sophisticated contrast to the warm tones of the copper, and the transparency of the adjacent glass conservatory enhances the overall architectural composition.

The Conservatory demonstrates meticulous craftsmanship, integrating premium materials, onsite precision fabrication, and thoughtful design transitions to create a cohesive, enduring addition that respects and elevates the character of the original residence.