the greenhouse!

the greenhouse has long been a dream for the thinktank at MP - to grow our own trees & vegetables and to then share with others not only the spoils, but also our methods of making the dream a reality!

step one:

the A-frame is used here as the simplest while also strongest structure to bear the force of snow, wind, etc.

the sill is 8' x 8', and the length of the (hypoteneus) A is 8', making the truss about 7' from the ground!

while ideal for sideward force, this structure will need to be reinforced front-to-back..

step two:

the door is now framed and jammed, and the PVC has been hooped over the top!

it just so happens that at the dimensions of 8'x8'x7', the circumference of the hoop is 20'. see this video for more information:

step three:

...support arms need cutting & securing, and the plastic layers (2) need hanging...!

at this point the plastic is loosely hung.

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step four:

now that the plastic is tacked with tape to the ends, we trim the over-hoop plastic.

notice that this over-hoop plastic is double-stuck with tape to the PVC. this helps to get the plastic to act as a skin, providing light tensile strength in the overall structure.

step five:

the trimmed tape is sealed at the seams of the plastic pieces, to prevent excessive heat-loss.

note: a perfect seal is not ideal when using plastic sheeting.

step six: (slideshow)

the payoff! we cleaned up the seams of the plastic, sills, door and vents with leftover tape to prevent extra leaks in air.

the two round vents weren't drawing enough cool air during hot days, so we started leaving the door open during the summer heat. We're seeing tremendous growth and an ability to grow nearly anything in here now!