“...food waste is the number one most prevalent material in our landfills – EPA estimates that in 2018, food scraps accounted for 24% of material sent to landfill.”
Sketching Process
Several different direction were explored in how this greenhouse could function. Aspects of the design that were necessary were a way of collecting rain water, beds to grow produce, and a way to store and distribute compost. Points of inspiration included traditional greenhouses, miniature greenhouses meant for seed germination, raised garden beds, and garden beds made from varying recycled materials. Ultimately the final design headed in a very traditionally inspired route.
Materiality
For materiality, this greenhouse had a goal of reducing the amount of primary use plastics and metals that traditional greenhouses rely on. Instead, focusing on using natural materials like untreated pine wood and using repurposed materials like trashed 2-liter bottles, or a salvaged door frame or hardware.
This graphic shows how combining dried bamboo arches and nested 2-liter bottles can create a roof that can capture the heat of the sun for a greenhouse.
Final Renders
330 Gallon tank included behind the greenhouse to store collected rain water. Extra water can run-off from the gutters into this tank.
Copper piping leads from the gutter both to the interior, in order to irrigate plants, and to the storage tank located in the rear.
Measurements of the door opening are 82"x36", which is the most common size for door frames, meaning that a repurposed door frame can be retrofitted to the greenhouse.
The roof of the greenhouse utilizes plastic 2 liters to capture heat from the sun. The 2 liter bottles are organized into groups of 3, with a fourth bottle split open and laid flat across the 3 bottles to create a waterproof channel for rain.
The walls of the greenhouse are made up of 3 layers. The innermost layer is chicken wire, which creates a lightweight yet sturdy base. The second layer, shade cloth, is then attached to the the chicken wire and this further collects heat from the sun, while also providing a comfortable atmosphere for both humans and plants. The third layer is made up of decorative wooden slabs organized into traditional barn-like patterns to evoke a sense of community and friendliness.
A top-down look at the greenhouse shows that there are 10 available 22"x22" beds to plant in, 6 of have the ability to slide out to expose the composting space beneath.
The copper piping on the interior of the greenhouse includes a spigot for ease of use when watering.
Shown above is an example of how the garden beds are able to slide in a drawer-like motion in order to provide access to the compost.
The base boards of the greenhouse are able to slide out and be replaced should the start to decompose from contact with the compost. This also provides access to the compost from the exterior.
