With the world’s increased concern over the decline of natural resources, people are searching for ways to become more self-sufficient. The use of solar energy for residential use continues to grow. A family in Sweden demonstrates this with the construction of their “greenhouse home.”
They point out that this is a work in progress, a living lab, as they are not self-sufficient yet. They do need some secondary heating during the coldest of the months, but the solar heat has reduced the number of months.
Their video shows how Charles Sacilotto and Marie Grammar have set up their greenhouse home so far. They are close to Stockholm but live here year-round. Their systems for handling greywater from showers and dishes and waste from toilets are simple in theory although somewhat complicated in the construction.
Charles is an engineer and greatly enjoyed the challenges of designing this project. Kitchen waste is composted, bathroom waste is separated into greywater for irrigation and composed solids for non-edible plants. Year-round gardening produces fruits and vegetables not normally grown in Sweden due to the limited growing season. Rainwater is collected and stored for later use. They are working on recycling their extra solar energy to run household items.
History of the Greenhouse
Glasshouses as today’s greenhouses were originally called have been around for over 2000 years when Roman gardeners began growing cucumbers under protection all year for the royal physicians who recommended that emperor Tiberius eat one a day to restore his health.
There followed other countries that created various greenhouses including Korea in the 1450s, the UK in 1681 with the first heated greenhouse, and France when botanist Charles Bonaparte built the first modern greenhouse in Holland during the 1800s to grow medicinal plants. The golden age of greenhouses was during the Victorian era when better quality glass and metal made construction easier and more durable. (1)
Greenhouse Facts
The warmer temperature in a greenhouse occurs when solar radiation passes through the transparent glass and is absorbed by the floor, soil, and contents. Ventilation is needed to regulate inside temperature and humidity and maintain proper airflow.
In domestic greenhouses, the glass used is typically horticultural grade free of air bubbles which can scorch leaves by acting like lenses. The roof is slanted for maximum solar energy transmission.
Pollinator bees need to be introduced. Hydroponics can be added for optimal use of the interior spaces. Pests and diseases have to be controlled. Irrigation such as drip lines or sprinklers is necessary to provide water.
Future of Greenhouses
Today there are an estimated 9 million acres of greenhouses worldwide. The Netherlands has some of the largest for commercial growing producing millions of vegetables per year, mainly tomatoes and cucumbers. This trend continues to grow. (1)
“We have demonstrated that ‘smart greenhouses’ can capture solar energy for electricity without reducing plant growth, which is pretty exciting,” said Michael Loik, professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “This has the potential to take them off the grid…moving us toward self-sustaining greenhouses.” (2)
