About Our Janssens Helios Retro Greenhouses
Janssens Helios Retro Greenhouses are premium Belgian-designed structures that blend Victorian elegance with modern engineering. Unlike traditional greenhouses, the Helios Retro features doors positioned along the long side rather than the gable end, creating a conservatory-style garden room that feels more like an extension of your home than a growing space.
Built from box section aluminium frames and 4mm toughened safety glass, these greenhouses deliver exceptional strength and weather resistance. The powder-coated frames are available in classic Silver, elegant Green, or contemporary Black finishes. Every model includes roof crestings for that authentic Victorian aesthetic, built-in gutters with 40mm downpipes, and a minimum of 2 roof vents for excellent air circulation.
The collection ranges from compact 7x7 Janssens Helios Retro models perfect for smaller gardens, through versatile 10x15 Janssens Helios Retro sizes, up to spacious 12x12 Janssens Helios Retro structures. Every greenhouse includes free UK delivery and comes protected by Janssens' comprehensive 13 year warranty.
Key Features of Janssens Helios Retro Greenhouses
Victorian Design with Modern Performance:
- Decorative roof crestings and high eaves create an elegant, spacious interior
- Doors positioned on the long side for panoramic conservatory-style access
- Available in 7ft, 10ft, and 12ft widths to suit different garden sizes
Premium Construction Materials:
- 4mm toughened safety glass throughout—far stronger than standard horticultural glass
- Box section aluminium frame provides superior structural rigidity
- Box section base plinth eliminates the need for separate timber base frames
- Powder-coated finish in Silver, Green, or Black won't rust, chip, or fade
Practical Growing Features:
- Minimum 2 roof vents as standard (larger models include more)
- Built-in gutter system with 40mm downpipes for proper rainwater management
- Easy-access hinged door (Single on 7ft models, Double on 10ft & 12ft models)
- High eaves allow room for tall plants and comfortable movement
Choosing Your Janssens Helios Retro Greenhouse
Size selection depends on how you'll use the space. The 7x7 Janssens Helios Retro starting at £6,350 suits smaller gardens or those wanting a dedicated potting studio. Mid-range models like the 7x10 Janssens Helios Retro and 10x10 Janssens Helios Retro offer excellent versatility for both growing and leisure use.
Larger options including the 10x15 Janssens Helios Retro and 10x19 Janssens Helios Retro provide genuine garden room potential, with space for seating areas alongside your growing benches. The premium 12x12 Janssens Helios Retro at £12,799 offers maximum flexibility for serious gardeners.
Frame colour affects both aesthetics and practicality. Black frames create a contemporary look and absorb more heat in winter, helping maintain slightly warmer temperatures. Green frames blend naturally with garden surroundings, while Silver offers a classic greenhouse appearance. All finishes use the same powder-coating process for identical 13 year warranty coverage.
Every Helios Retro requires a solid, level base—either concrete or paving slabs installed properly. Our greenhouse base guide explains the preparation process in detail. Professional greenhouse installation service is available across the UK if you'd prefer expert assembly.
Janssens Helios: Retro vs Master vs Urban
The Janssens Helios range includes three distinct models, and understanding the differences helps you choose correctly. The Helios Retro features doors on the long side, creating that conservatory-style access perfect for garden room use. The Helios Master has doors on the gable end like traditional greenhouses, with slightly higher eaves—better suited for dedicated growing spaces with taller staging.
The Helios Urban is a modern wall-lean design for smaller gardens or alongside buildings. All three share the same box section aluminium construction and 4mm toughened glass, but the Retro's unique door placement and Victorian crestings make it the most versatile for mixed-use applications. If you're primarily growing vegetables, the Master might suit better. For a true garden retreat, the Retro wins.
Uses & Inspiration for Your Helios Retro
This isn't just a growing space—it's a genuine garden room. The panoramic door access and high eaves create a welcoming environment that traditional greenhouses can't match. Many customers use their Helios Retro as an artist's studio, with the natural light and temperature control creating ideal painting or crafting conditions year-round.
Others transform it into an alfresco dining room, adding a small table and chairs alongside potted herbs and salad crops. The combination of practical growing with leisure space means you're not choosing between functionality and enjoyment. Morning coffee surrounded by tomato plants and the sound of rain on glass panels creates a unique garden experience.
The Helios Retro also works brilliantly as a potting shed that doesn't feel like a shed. You can install staging on one side for propagation and seed-starting, while keeping the other side clear for workspace and tool storage. The toughened glass and powder-coated frame mean it maintains that premium feel even when you're getting your hands dirty with compost and pots.
For serious gardeners, it becomes a climate-controlled growing environment with extra benefits. Use our beginners guide to greenhouse growing to plan your first season, then expand into more ambitious projects as you learn the space.
Installation & Base Requirements Explained
The Helios Retro needs a completely level, solid base before installation begins. The box section base plinth sits directly on your prepared surface, so any unevenness causes structural problems and makes door alignment impossible. Concrete bases provide the best long-term stability, though properly installed paving slabs work well if laid with mortar on a compacted hardcore foundation.
Your base should extend approximately 100mm beyond the greenhouse footprint on all sides, allowing room for the downpipes and providing a clean working edge. The total thickness needs to be at least 100mm for concrete or 50mm slabs on 75mm hardcore. Our detailed greenhouse base guide walks through the entire process with specific measurements and material quantities.
Professional installation removes all the guesswork and physical work. Our UK-based installation teams have built hundreds of Janssens greenhouses and know exactly how every component fits together. The service includes checking your base, assembling the frame, glazing all panels, and testing doors and vents before leaving. Installation typically takes 1-2 days depending on model size. Contact us on 0800 098 8877 or visit our greenhouse installation service page for a quote.
How to Add Accessories to Your Helios Retro
We make accessory selection straightforward. On each greenhouse product page, we list only the accessories that actually fit that specific model—staging, shelving, extra vents, and rainwater collection kits designed for your chosen size and configuration. This eliminates compatibility guesswork.
You can select everything you need before adding to basket, ensuring your greenhouse arrives complete and ready to use. After 15 years selling greenhouses, we know exactly which accessories work with which models. This specificity prevents the frustration of ordering parts that don't fit or staging that's the wrong width.
Frequently Asked Questions about Janssens Helios Retro Greenhouses
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What is a Janssens Helios Retro greenhouse?
The Janssens Helios Retro is a premium Belgian greenhouse with Victorian styling, built from box section aluminium and 4mm toughened glass. Unlike traditional greenhouses, it features doors positioned along the long side rather than the gable end, creating a conservatory-style garden room. This design makes it perfect for mixed use—combining traditional growing with leisure space. The structure includes roof crestings, built-in gutters, and high eaves for a spacious interior feel.
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How much does a Janssens Helios Retro greenhouse cost?
Prices start at £6,350 for the compact 7x7 model and reach £12,799 for the largest 12x12 size. Mid-range models like the popular 10x15 typically cost around £9,000-£10,000 depending on frame colour choice. All prices include free UK mainland delivery and the 13 year manufacturer warranty. Professional installation adds approximately £800-£1,500 depending on your location and model size. Contact us on 0800 098 8877 for detailed pricing on your preferred size and colour combination.
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What base does a Helios Retro greenhouse need?
You need a completely level, solid base—either 100mm thick concrete or paving slabs on compacted hardcore. The base must extend 100mm beyond the greenhouse footprint on all sides to accommodate downpipes and provide structural support. The box section base plinth sits directly on this surface, so any unevenness causes door alignment problems. Our base preparation guide provides exact specifications and material quantities for DIY installation.
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Can I install a Janssens Helios Retro myself?
Assembly is possible for competent DIY enthusiasts, though it requires 2-3 people and typically takes 2-3 days. Janssens provides detailed instructions, but glazing 4mm toughened glass panels and ensuring perfect frame alignment takes patience and care. Most customers choose our professional installation service to guarantee correct assembly and protect the warranty. Our installation teams complete the job in 1-2 days with all tools and expertise included.
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What's the difference between toughened glass and horticultural glass?
Toughened glass is approximately 5 times stronger than standard horticultural glass and shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces if broken. It resists hail damage, impacts from footballs or falling branches, and handles temperature changes better. Horticultural glass breaks into large, dangerous shards and cracks more easily. The 4mm toughened glass in Helios Retro greenhouses provides safety, durability, and better insulation—justifying the higher initial cost through reduced replacement expenses.
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What colours are available for the Helios Retro?
Frames come in three powder-coated finishes: Silver, Green, or Black. Black frames absorb more heat and create a contemporary aesthetic. Green blends with garden surroundings for a traditional look. Silver offers a classic greenhouse appearance. All colours use identical powder-coating processes with the same 13 year warranty coverage. Colour choice doesn't affect structural performance, only appearance and minor heat retention differences. Your decision depends entirely on personal preference and garden design.
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How do I add accessories like staging or extra vents?
We make this simple. On each greenhouse product page, we list all compatible accessories—from staging and shelving to extra vents and rainwater kits. You can select everything you need in one place, ensuring it's perfectly suited to your chosen greenhouse model before you add it to your basket. This means you see only the accessories that actually work with the greenhouse you're buying. We've been selling greenhouses for over 15 years and know exactly what fits.
Ready to Create Your Garden Room?
Browse our complete collection of Janssens Helios Retro Greenhouses above, comparing sizes and finishes to find your perfect match. Every model includes free UK delivery, 13 year warranty, and our expert support. Need help choosing the right size or discussing installation? Call our specialist team on 0800 098 8877 or email sales@greenhousestores.co.uk—we're here to help you create the garden space you've been imagining.