Green House Architecture: From History to Modern Times

Green house architecture has been around for centuries, with the first recorded example dating back to ancient Greece in 250 BC. The Greeks built a temple with a sloping roof and a courtyard, creating a microclimate that allowed for year-round plant growth.

In the 16th century, Italian architect Andrea Palladio designed villas with large windows and courtyards, which helped to regulate temperature and humidity. This design element is still used today in many green houses.

The concept of green house architecture gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in England, where it was used to create large glass conservatories for growing exotic plants. These structures were often built with a south-facing orientation to maximize natural light.

The first modern green house, the Crystal Palace, was built in London in 1851 for the Great Exhibition. It was a massive glass structure that covered over 18 acres and was used to display plants and flowers from around the world.

Green houses can be built using reclaimed wood, as seen in the example of the Reclaimed Wood Green House in California. This approach reduces waste and gives old materials a new life.

The Reclaimed Wood Green House is a great example of how to incorporate sustainable materials into a green house design. The house features a living roof with native plants and a rainwater harvesting system.

In addition to reclaimed wood, green houses can also be built using earthbags, as demonstrated by the Earthbag Green House in Arizona. This technique uses polypropylene bags filled with soil to create walls.

The Earthbag Green House is a great example of how to build a green house on a budget. The materials used are readily available and inexpensive.

The Solar Ark in Japan is a large solar power generation facility that also serves as a green house. It features a large solar panel array and a green roof with native plants.

There are three main types of greenhouses, each with its own unique characteristics. The first type is attached to an existing building, making it one of the least expensive options.

These attached greenhouses are often used when space is limited or when it's not feasible to build a standalone structure. They're a great choice for small gardens or indoor spaces.

The second type of greenhouse stands independently, yet can be connected or accessed through a shared work area or corridor. This design allows for more flexibility and can be beneficial for larger gardens or commercial operations.

The third type of greenhouse is composed of two or more framed greenhouses connected along the length of the eave, which serves as a gutter to drain rainwater and melted snow.

In domestic greenhouses, the glass used is typically 3mm 'horticultural glass' grade, which is good quality glass that should not contain air bubbles.

Plastics mostly used are polyethylene film and multi-wall sheets of polycarbonate material, or PMMA acrylic glass.

Greenhouses can be categorized into three types, including attached greenhouses, which are the least expensive and used when the greenhouse is placed against one or more sides of an existing building.

Freestanding greenhouses stand independently from one another, yet can be connected or accessed through a common work area or a corridor.

Connected greenhouses comprise two or more framed greenhouses connected to one another along the length of the eave, which serves as a gutter to drain rainwater and melted snow.

Chinese solar greenhouses are a great option for colder climates, keeping the interior up to 25°C (45°F) warmer than the outside during winter.

They originated in 1978 and feature three solid walls, often made of brick or clay, with a transparent south-facing side that captures solar heat during the day.

This design allows for maximum sunlight capture, making them highly efficient without the need for additional heating systems.

Chinese solar greenhouses have been widely used across northern China, where they remain a practical solution for year-round farming in regions with significant temperature variations.

The use of modern insulation materials and automated night curtains has enhanced their efficiency and maintained a stable environment for crops.

Despite their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, Chinese solar greenhouses do have some limitations, such as the need for proper orientation to maximize sunlight and challenges with the durability of plastic film coverings.

A greenhouse is made up of several key components that work together to create an ideal environment for plants to grow. The framing members, which include trusses connected by the roof ridge and purlins, provide the basic structure of the greenhouse.

The framing materials, such as bar caps, gutters, purlins, trusses, ridge caps, and sash bars, are essential for supporting the greenhouse's frame and ensuring its stability. A strong foundation is also crucial, with the footage being a key consideration.

The greenhouse walls and flooring are the final components, providing a solid base for the plants to thrive.

When building a greenhouse, it's essential to consider all the components that make it functional and efficient.

The framing members, which include trusses connected by the roof ridge and purlins, provide the structural support for the greenhouse.

Framing materials such as bar caps, gutters, purlins, trusses, ridge caps, and sash bars are also crucial for the overall structure.

A solid foundation, particularly the footage, is vital to ensure the greenhouse remains stable and secure.

Greenhouse walls and flooring are also essential components, providing a comfortable and safe environment for plants to grow.

Here are the main components of a greenhouse:

Ventilation is a crucial component of a successful greenhouse. It helps regulate the temperature and humidity to the optimal level.

Proper ventilation prevents the build-up of plant pathogens like Botrytis cinerea that thrive in still air conditions. These pathogens can be detrimental to plant health.

Ventilation also ensures a supply of fresh air for photosynthesis and plant respiration. This is essential for healthy plant growth.

The movement of air through ventilation allows important pollinators to access the greenhouse crop. This is vital for successful pollination and fruit set.

Vents can be controlled automatically via a computer to regulate airflow.

Lighting is a crucial component of a greenhouse, and there are several ways to ensure your plants get the light they need.

During the day, light enters the greenhouse via the windows, providing the plants with the necessary light for photosynthesis. Some greenhouses are equipped with grow lights, often LED lights, which are switched on at night to increase the amount of light the plants get.

Grow lights can significantly increase the yield with certain crops, making them a valuable addition to any greenhouse. I've seen firsthand how a well-placed grow light can make a big difference in the health and productivity of plants.

Hanging pots from the rafters is a great way to make use of your height and free up floor space, providing ideal conditions for plants that thrive off bright light and a little extra heat. Wall-mounted shelves are also a great choice, just be sure not to pack things too densely so there's still plenty of light to go around.

Skylights are another excellent way to bring in extra light for plants, particularly in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or mudrooms that can function as garden sheds. Even better, if you have an existing sunroom or conservatory where you can add a few trailing pots and climbing vines.

Carbon dioxide enrichment is a technique that's been used for nearly 100 years to enhance plant growth in greenhouses. It involves increasing the CO2 levels to about 1100 parts per million.

The benefits of carbon dioxide enrichment are numerous, including increased production of secondary metabolites like cardiac glycosides in Digitalis lanata. This is especially evident in greenhouses where the temperature and CO2 concentration are optimized.

Carbon dioxide enrichment can also reduce greenhouse water usage by a significant fraction by mitigating the total air-flow needed to supply adequate carbon for plant growth. This is achieved by reducing the quantity of water lost to evaporation.

Commercial greenhouses are now frequently located near industrial facilities for mutual benefit. For example, Cornerways Nursery in the UK is strategically placed near a major sugar refinery, consuming both waste heat and CO2 from the refinery.

In a controlled greenhouse, irrigation may be trivial, and soils may be fertile by default, making carbon dioxide enrichment effective.

A greenhouse structure is essentially a flamed or inflated structure that creates a controlled environment for plants to thrive.

It's designed to provide plants with the ideal microclimate, which means the perfect conditions for growth. Greenhouse structures can be covered with transparent or translucent material, depending on the specific needs of the crops.

This material helps to filter the sun's rays and regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse. It also protects plants from harsh weather conditions like wind, extreme temperatures, and humidity.

Greenhouse structures also serve as a shield against pests and diseases that might harm your plants. They're essentially a safe haven for your greenery.

By controlling the environment inside the greenhouse, you can create a space that's perfect for your plants to grow and flourish.

Green house architecture is all about creating harmony with nature, and one way to achieve this is by using natural materials like wood and earth. These materials can be used for the structure, walls, and even the roof.

The use of large windows and skylights allows for an abundance of natural light, which is essential for plant growth. This design element also helps to reduce the need for artificial lighting, making the green house a more sustainable option.

A well-designed green house can also incorporate passive solar heating and cooling, which means it can harness the sun's energy to regulate its temperature. This is achieved through careful placement of windows and the use of thermal mass materials.

The Pirque, Chile greenhouse by Max Núñez Arquitectos is a stunning example of glass architecture. It features a floating cuboid pavilion and a glass box filled with opalescent steam.

The design pays homage to Paxton's Crystal Palace, with the barrel vaults of glass bricks evoking a sense of nostalgia. The use of glass bricks adds a touch of elegance to the structure.

The greenhouse is specifically designed for tropical plants, requiring a warm and humid climate. Automated systems are in place to maintain this environment, creating an illusion of control over nature.

The architect's words sum it up perfectly: 'The illusion is of control over nature – something you cannot control.'

As I've been exploring different design ideas, I've come across some truly inspiring projects around the world. From cozy hangout spots to stunning backyard transformations, here are a few designs that caught my eye.

A quaint little greenhouse and shed in Example 1 is a perfect example of a cozy space for plants and relaxation. This little table is perfect for sitting with a cup of morning coffee or enjoying a quiet lunch, and can also double as a potting surface when needed.

Whether you're looking to create a sunny patio or a beautiful backyard, it's all about finding the right balance. A sunny patio roof can provide the perfect spot to soak up some sun, while a hot tub deck design can be the ultimate relaxation spot.

Some of my favorite designs include the following:

I love how these designs showcase the beauty of nature and the importance of creating a space that reflects your personal style.

Dutch Light is a type of horticultural glass that was historically used in greenhouses in the UK and other Northern European countries.

It measures 28¾″ x 56″ (approx. 730 mm x 1422 mm), which gives a larger glazed area compared to smaller panes.

This size of glass was used as a standard unit of construction, making it a popular choice for greenhouses.

A style of greenhouse that uses these panes uncut and has sloped sides, resulting in a wider base than at eaves height, is often referred to as "Dutch Light design".

Cold frames using a full- or half-pane of this glass are also referred to as "Dutch" or "half-Dutch" size.

The concept of greenhouses emerged in the 17th century in the Netherlands and England, where early attempts required enormous amounts of work to close up at night or winterize.

The first 'stove' (heated) greenhouse in the UK was completed at Chelsea Physic Garden by 1681, marking a significant milestone in greenhouse design.

The Netherlands has many of the largest greenhouses in the world, with some producing millions of vegetables every year.

In the 18th century, greenhouses continued to gain popularity in Europe and the Americas. The first American greenhouse was built by Andrew Faneuil in 1737.

Greenhouse design was still evolving, with people experimenting with different shapes and sizes. The greenhouse at the Palace of Versailles, built in the 17th century, was an impressive structure that stood over 150 meters long and 14 meters high.

George Washington was fascinated by greenhouses and learned about the one built at the Carroll estate of Mount Clare in Maryland. He even wrote to Margaret Tilghman Carroll, the industrious gardener who designed it, asking for details about its design.

Washington's own greenhouse at Mount Vernon was a smaller structure, measuring 40 feet by 24 feet in outer dimensions. He was eager to learn from Carroll's experience and considered expanding his greenhouse to a larger scale.

The 19th century saw a significant rise in the construction of greenhouses, particularly in England.

Charles Lucien Bonaparte built the first practical modern greenhouse in Leiden, Holland, in the 1800s to grow medicinal tropical plants.

Greenhouses were initially only found on the estates of the rich, but as the science of botany grew, they began to spread to universities.

The French called their first greenhouses orangeries, as they were used to protect orange trees from freezing.

Pineapples became popular, leading to the construction of pineries or pineapple pits.

In 19th-century England, the largest glasshouses were built during the Victorian era, showcasing the country's colonial expansion and horticultural knowledge.

These glasshouses were no longer just for agriculture, but became spectacles to entertain the general public and showcase exotic plants.

The collection of plants in these glasshouses was often stereotypical, arranged to symbolize British colonies and their authority.

Glasshouses became a symbol of British Imperial power, flaunting the country's control over colonized environments and flora.

One of the earliest examples of a palm house is in the Belfast Botanic Gardens, designed by Charles Lanyon and completed in 1840.

The Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, was built by Richard Turner in 1848 and is another notable example of 19th-century glasshouse design.

The Crystal Palace, built in 1851, and the Chatsworth Great Conservatory, built from 1837-40, are two more notable examples of large greenhouses from this era.

In the 20th century, the geodesic dome was added to the many types of greenhouses, with notable examples like the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Climatron at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri.

The geodesic dome shape allows for maximum internal space while minimizing exterior surface area, making it an efficient choice for greenhouses.

The pyramid is another popular shape for large, high greenhouses, with several pyramidal greenhouses at the Muttart Conservatory in Alberta built in 1976.

Greenhouse structures adapted in the 1960s with the wider availability of polyethylene film, which greatly reduced construction costs and made it possible for many smaller farms and garden centers to build their own greenhouses.

Hoop houses were made by several companies and also frequently built by growers themselves, using materials like aluminum extrusions, galvanized steel tubing, or PVC water pipe.

The usable life of polyethylene film increased to three and eventually four or more years with the development of more effective UV-inhibitors in the 1970s.

Gutter-connected greenhouses became more prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s, offering improved heating efficiency and reduced heating inputs due to their increased floor area to exterior wall area ratio.