T Model greenhouse – a T-shaped orangery with distinct zones for growing and relaxing
The Bloomcabin T Model greenhouse is intended for gardens where growing and leisure can share one glazed building without competing for the same floor area. The long section keeps benches, crops and tools together, while the cross wing creates a natural hub for a dining table, lounge chairs or creative work.
The range includes three configurations with an area of approximately 16.5 to 30.0 m². With an overall width of 310 cm, an approximate ridge height of 267 cm and a door height of 185 cm, it offers considerably more room than a compact hobby greenhouse.
Choose the interior plan before settling on a configuration. Allow for walking routes, sunlight, the foundation, drainage and required services as well as the available garden area. A plant-first greenhouse needs different circulation, ventilation and watering arrangements from an orangery used for meals, reading or work. Defining those priorities early makes the remaining decisions easier. Explore more planning information from Bloomcabin.

The cross wing creates a natural centre without closing off either zone
A rectangular greenhouse usually organizes plants, work areas and paths along one length. In the T Model, the cross wing meets the main body at a central junction. Nothing divides the two sections internally, yet the footprint gives each activity a recognizable place beneath the same glass roof.
Use the long section for growing rows, propagation benches, shelving and taller plants. The broader wing can accommodate a table, freestanding chairs, decorative planters or a creative workstation. Leave the junction open so watering cans, trays and chairs can travel easily between the entrance, growing area and seating.
Because the zones remain visually connected, the interior still feels spacious and the planting stays in view from the seating area.
Three configurations
Three configurations from approximately 16.5 to 30.0 m²
Aluminium and safety glass
Aluminium frame with 4 mm tempered safety glass
Generous interior height
310 cm overall width, 267 cm ridge height and 185 cm door height
Configurable to suit you
RAL colours, roof vents, single or double sliding doors and an optional chimney connection
Arrange the main body and cross wing around how you want to use them
Growing area
The main body is well suited to long work benches, propagation space and plant collections. Group crops with similar care needs to keep watering and checking straightforward. Place delicate or particularly decorative plants where they are easy to see and reach.
Tall vegetables and climbing plants should not obstruct the central junction, doors or roof vents. Lower crops can sit closer to work surfaces, while heavy planters should be assigned a permanent, accessible position from the outset. This prevents mature plants from narrowing important routes or ventilation openings later.
A small clear work or landing area at the cross-wing junction is useful. Harvest baskets, plant trays or watering equipment can be set down there temporarily without turning the dining or seating area into permanent storage. Keep the passage itself clear.
Orangery and relaxation area
Furnish the cross wing for its real purpose. Dining chairs need room to be pulled back, a reading spot should sit outside the main route, and a studio needs accessible work and storage surfaces. Freestanding furniture preserves flexibility when more room is needed seasonally for plants or extra seating.
Larger planters can frame the relaxation area more calmly than many small pots on the floor. Choose furniture, cushions and textiles that can handle the usual temperature and humidity changes in a greenhouse.
Furniture and planters alone can visually define the zones, leaving the layout adaptable as plant collections and seasonal use change.
Aluminium frame, 4 mm safety glass and integrated gutters
The aluminium frame needs no regular protective coating. Clear glazing keeps plants and furnishings in view and supports the open character of the T shape. When planning the interior, allow for roof slopes, frame profiles and clearance around sliding doors; position furniture and tall plants according to the truly usable internal space.
Depending on the selected version, single or double sliding doors are available. Their position affects access, everyday circulation and airflow between the garden, growing zone and cross wing. Roof vents release warm air upward. Integrated gutters carry rain from the roof, while the aluminium base frame forms the connection to the prepared foundation.
An optional chimney connection can be specified for a separately planned heating system. First decide whether the aim is to protect frost-sensitive plants or make the seating area comfortable for occasional use. Those goals involve different approaches to heat distribution, controls, ventilation and energy use. The heat source and installation require professional planning beyond the chimney connection itself.

T Model specifications at a glance
Three configurations
approx. 16.5–30.0 m²
310 cm
Specified overall model width
267 cm ridge height
Door height 185 cm
4 mm tempered safety glass
Part of the model
Single or double sliding doors
According to the selected version
Roof vents, gutters and aluminium base frame
Optional chimney connection; 12-year warranty on the structure; designed for wind speeds of 30 m/s and snow loads of 210 kg/m²

How can a T-shaped greenhouse be used?
Growing in the main body
Long benches, vegetables, herbs, young plants and collections can be arranged along the main body. A clear central route makes sowing, care and harvesting easier without disturbing use of the cross wing. Store frequently used tools in compact, accessible storage close to the work area rather than on open surfaces at the centre.
Hosting and dining
Use the cross wing for dining or conversation while reserving the long section largely for plants. Guests need not sit among propagation trays and work tools, yet the garden atmosphere remains because the open zones stay connected and planting remains visible from the seats.
Bright studio
Natural light suits painting, reading, photography or focused work. Glare and heat gain can change noticeably through the day as the sun moves. A movable worktable and flexible shading help adapt the space to the season and time of day without blocking roof vents or the main path.
Greenhouse for plant collections
Citrus, flowering plants, climbers and decorative containers can be arranged at different heights. Plan for their eventual size, weight and maintenance access. Large containers are difficult to move later, so do not place them in front of doors, drainage points or components that must remain accessible for cleaning and inspection.
Treat the footprint, sunlight, future furnishings and required services as one site-planning exercise. Sketch the T shape with north marked, along with nearby buildings, trees, property access, existing utilities and drainage routes. For a Canadian site, also consider seasonal shade, snow storage and wind exposure. This makes it easier to test the proposed entrance and rainwater route before foundation work begins.
Sunny south- and west-facing sites
A south- or west-facing orangery can warm quickly on clear days. Consider more than the orientation of the main body: the T shape means individual zones receive sun at different times or are temporarily shaded by the other wing. Observe the proposed location through a full day and include nearby trees and buildings.
Roof vents and open doors provide effective air exchange only when air can move freely through the interior. Tall plant rows, tightly filled shelving and large cabinets can block that route. Place lower crops near key airflow routes and keep taller plants well away from doors and vents.
If the cross wing is mainly for seating or work, flexible shading is particularly useful. Use it where needed and adjust it for the season and plant requirements. Roof vents must remain operable, and shaded areas still require adequate airflow.
Frost and foundation
The T-shaped footprint takes more care to set out than a simple rectangle, particularly at the wing junction. Establish its angles, axes and levels accurately. Foundation design must reflect the property's soil, frost and drainage conditions. Have a local designer compare site snow and wind demands with the supplier's stated product values and the code requirements applicable to the project. Soft, filled or unevenly bearing ground can settle and affect frame alignment, glazing and smooth sliding-door operation.
A level, square and dimensionally accurate base helps ensure correct installation of the aluminium base frame. Check external dimensions, the cross-wing position and diagonals before assembly. Corrections are far more difficult once the glass structure is assembled. The planned interior floor must also suit the threshold height and intended drainage.
Rainwater and surface water must not collect at the foundation or entrances. Plan falls and drainage so water moves away from the structure. Around hard surfaces, consider heavy-rain runoff so no hollow forms directly beside the base frame.
Near a patio and home
Near the house, the orangery can make an inviting transition between home and garden. Check how roof runoff, shade and frequently used paths affect the site. A short route is convenient, but it should not run through sensitive growing areas. Open sliding doors must not block important garden paths.
Position the entrance, table and larger plants so the orangery also looks considered from regularly used rooms and paths around the home.
Less decorative work and propagation areas can sit in the long main body, leaving the cross wing visible from the house calm and tidy.
Set out the main route, work area and seating first. Plants, furniture and technical equipment can then be arranged to avoid getting in each other’s way in daily use.
Decide what the heating needs to achieve
A chimney connection is only one provision for a separately designed heating system. Select the system according to the plants being protected, the season of use and the target temperatures. A qualified local professional should assess the heat source, clearances, flue arrangement, combustion air and controls. Check any proposed fuel-burning system with the municipal permit office and local fire authority before installation. Do not operate portable heaters unchecked among furniture and dense planting.
Frost protection for plants and comfortable temperatures for longer winter stays are different goals. Frost protection prioritizes a dependable minimum temperature; seating use also needs more even warmth around the occupied area. A largely glazed interior responds more strongly to outdoor temperatures and sun than an insulated room. Establish comfort and operating expectations before technical planning.
Keep controls and shut-off points accessible without obstructing work surfaces or the central passage.
Evening use
Consider evening lighting when positioning the table, work surfaces and services.
Focused light at the table is usually more useful than brightly lighting the whole greenhouse. Provide separate task lights where plants are tended or repotted. Fixtures and installations must suit the moisture present at their location. Cables must not create trip hazards or interfere with doors and vents.
Switches, outlets and wiring can be neatly integrated before the finished floor is installed and aligned with future work and seating areas.
Clear routes in the T-shaped layout
The junction between the main body and cross wing is the key route in a T-shaped plan. An oversized table, large containers, shelving or stored equipment must not narrow it. If several people use the orangery, they should be able to pass one another while someone waters plants or sits at the table.
Allow for more than an empty path: chairs are pulled out, cupboard doors open and plant trays are carried at the side. Watering cans and bags need temporary landing space. Sliding doors, vent mechanisms and maintenance points also need clear access. A scale furniture plan identifies these clashes before heavy furniture and containers are moved in.
Keep the areas in front of sliding doors and at the wing junction especially clear so the interior remains comfortable to use.
Assign fixed places for frequently used tools, plant materials and cleaning supplies. Work surfaces, doors and maintenance access then remain clear even during busy periods.
Plan furniture to scale
Leave enough room behind chairs and around seating even when every place is occupied. Draw tables and chairs both tucked in and pulled out. A studio also needs space for working movements and materials. Folding or easily moved furniture is practical when the cross wing changes seasonally between seating, overwintering plants and work space.
The largest version is not automatically the right one; choose the configuration where furniture, mature plants and desired circulation all fit sensibly.
Allow temporary free work space for repotting, harvesting and plant care instead of filling every available area with furniture and containers.
Plan services early
Water, lighting, outlets and a possible heating route are easiest to incorporate before the foundation and floor are finished. First establish where watering, work and seating will happen regularly. A water point near the plant zone shortens trips with a hose or watering can, while outlets by the seating area avoid temporary extensions across walking routes. Keep shut-off and switching points accessible.
Bring a qualified local electrical contractor and heating professional into the plan before the foundation and floor are closed. They can assess cable routing, protective measures and whether components suit the location. Ask the authority having jurisdiction which product approvals, notifications or inspections apply at the destination. Position and seal every foundation or floor penetration before assembly; later drilling into installed components can affect drainage, stability and surface finishes.
Record concealed utilities and penetrations on a plan so they can be identified for future work.
Rainwater
Provide a clear outlet for the integrated gutters. Depending on local conditions, water can be directed to suitable infiltration or storage. Drain lines should remain accessible and should not end where people often walk or work. Leaves, flower debris and other deposits must be removable without shifting large furniture or heavy planters.
Collected rainwater can be used to water many crops. A storage tank needs a reliable inlet, controlled overflow and a means of cleaning. The overflow must lead water away from the foundation. Even during a long absence, a full tank must not allow rainwater to run uncontrolled across paths or along the base.
Place the tank outside main routes; short trips to the growing zone make everyday use easier.
Maintenance access
Glass, roof vents, gutters, sliding doors and frame connections must remain accessible for cleaning and visual checks. Leave enough access along external walls and avoid permanent dense planting there. Stable access equipment and firm ground are required for work near the roof. Do not walk on glass, gutters or frame components not designed for foot traffic.
Keep heavy furniture and large containers slightly clear of glass and profiles indoors. This allows debris and dead plant material to be removed and seals and connections to be checked. Keep sliding-door tracks free of soil, stones and leaves so the panels run smoothly. Have noticeable changes to fixings or glass professionally inspected promptly.
Dirt and stored items are especially noticeable where the main body meets the cross wing. Include this central area in regular cleaning and visual checks.
Using the T Model as conditions change
Vent before heat and humidity become difficult to manage. Roof vents release warmer, moisture-laden air, while open sliding doors can admit fresh air at a lower level when conditions allow. After watering, adequate airflow helps reduce prolonged leaf wetness and condensation. Shade lowers solar heat gain, but it cannot replace ventilation.
The optional chimney outlet allows a separately planned heating system to be incorporated. Even so, the T Model remains a glazed garden structure without the insulation of a living space. On cold days, areas close to the glass can feel much cooler than the centre. Match plants, furniture and equipment to changing conditions; seasonal use is generally the more realistic approach.
Comfort is shaped by outdoor weather, sunlight, the amount of planting, ventilation, shade and any heating. Canadian growing seasons and temperature swings vary by region, so respond to the thermometer and conditions inside the greenhouse rather than following a fixed calendar. Spring sunshine may make the orangery pleasant by day while nights remain cold; hot summer periods call for heat removal, and autumn brings shorter days and more condensation. Regular observation helps refine ventilation and plant-care routines.
Choose the right size around furniture, routes and growing space
Before choosing a size, draw the T-shaped plan with the entrance, main route, tables, chairs, planters and work surfaces. Mark door zones, access to roof vents and areas that must stay free for cleaning and care. Use actual furniture dimensions rather than rough estimates. This shows whether the cross wing fulfils its intended purpose and whether sufficient continuous growing space remains in the main body.
Also check whether mature plants could interfere with doors, vents, work areas or the view from seating.
Mark water, electricity and possible heating penetrations on the plan before the foundation and interior floor are completed.
Prepare the site, delivery route and assembly area carefully for the T Model
Before assembly begins, the prepared base must be fully complete and checked. Prepare the immediate surroundings too: the ground should be safe to walk on, components need a dry, orderly storage area, and adequate working room is required around every side.
Check the entire route from the road to the assembly site. Narrow points, steps, gates, slopes, delicate garden areas and low branches can make moving long or fragile components difficult. At the site, provide a level area where profiles and glass can be laid out by assembly stage. The cross wing requires good access to several sides; a tight build area or dense boundary planting makes work harder.
The model is supplied as a kit, but its size and glazing make it a substantial assembly project. Read the assembly instructions in full and check component identification before starting. Store glass on suitable supports and secure it against tipping. Work above head height, fitting larger panes and aligning the structure require enough helpers, suitable protective equipment and calm weather. If uncertain, seek professional installation.
Explore model selection, ordering information and the applicable warranty terms
T Model frequently asked questions
What is a T Model?
The T Model is a greenhouse with a long main body and projecting cross wing. Their junction forms a natural centre, while the sections remain connected without a fixed internal wall. This distinguishes a productive growing zone from a relaxation or work area more clearly than a purely rectangular greenhouse.
How should I divide the main body and cross wing?
Use the long main body for potting benches, propagation and work surfaces. The cross wing can accommodate a dining table, seating or a studio. Keep the junction between the building sections clear as a passage rather than using it for permanent storage.
How do I choose the right configuration?
Choose on more than available property area. Draw furniture, mature plants, work surfaces and clear routes to scale. The right version is the one where both the main body and cross wing fulfil their purpose without blocking doors or vents.
Where should large planters go?
Give large containers a permanent, accessible position from the beginning. They should not obstruct sliding doors, vents, drainage or maintenance points. Leaving some clearance from glass and profiles also makes cleaning and inspection easier.
What matters for the T-shaped foundation?
The base must be level, dimensionally accurate and square. Check external dimensions, diagonals and the exact cross-wing position before assembly. Include soil and frost conditions, together with surface-water drainage, in professional planning.
Is the T Model suitable for entertaining?
Yes. The cross wing can become a dining area, seating area or studio. For comfortable use, plan furniture to scale, keep the central route clear, and account for shading and ventilation. The interior climate remains that of a glazed greenhouse rather than an insulated living room.
Is roof ventilation included?
Yes. Roof vents are included and help warm air escape. Together with appropriately opened sliding doors, they can support effective air exchange. Plants, shelving and furniture should not obstruct airflow routes or vent operation.
Can the greenhouse be heated?
Yes. An optional chimney outlet is available for separately planned heating. The appropriate solution depends on the desired frost protection, plants grown and intended duration of use. Selection, connection and operation must be professionally planned; the chimney outlet alone is not a complete heating system.
How should I prepare for delivery?
Check the route from the road to the assembly location for gates, steps, slopes, tight points and low branches. At the site, provide a level, dry storage area where profiles and glass panes can be organized and secured against tipping. Leave enough assembly space around the T-shaped footprint.
Match use and specification before ordering
Before ordering, align the configuration and equipment with the site and intended use. Canada's National Model Codes do not by themselves create one approval rule for every property; confirm the applicable code and approval route for the province or territory and municipality. Ask the local permit office about zoning and building-permit requirements for this greenhouse, then use the checklist to review the property, interior, delivery route and services.
Checklist before ordering
✓ Select the right configuration for the property, plant collection and intended use, and confirm the local zoning and permit route
✓ Draw the main body, cross wing, furniture, plants and clear routes to scale
✓ Check the delivery route, storage area and assembly access on all required sides
✓ Prepare a level, dimensionally accurate foundation designed for the site's soil, frost, drainage, snow and wind conditions
✓ Choose RAL colour, door arrangement and roof ventilation for access, furnishing and airflow
✓ Have qualified local professionals plan water, electricity, rainwater drainage and any heating before the foundation and floor are completed