underground greenhouse

[delmar]

I was inspired by a post in the sprouting thread to google the term "underground greenhouse" I actually had a design in my mind before I did this, but I found a couple of these designs to be pretty inspired!

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There are DIY plans on the web for the 1st one. (http://www.bensoninstitute.org/Publication/Manuals/Walipini.pdf)
I don't know if I will ever get to such a project but I love it!

[MysticTree]

Why underground?

[delmar]

Think of it as a basement with natural light. Cool in the summer warm in the winter. You can read more here (http://www.forcedgreen.com/2010/08/diy-underground-greenhouse/)

[SunshineMN]

Thanks for the link delmar! I saved the pdf from the website for future use. I think it would be a great addition to a farm if I ever get in the country.

[delmar]

I think it would be a great addition to a city back yard, if you can't move to the country! I have been considering ho difficult it would be to tunnel out from my basement so I could get to the greenhouse in the winter without going through the snow. I do have an outdoor stairway to my basement that got closed over when they put in the indoor stairway. So I would not need to break through the foundation.

[fastfreedom]

I really think that this is such an awesome idea.

[drraw]

I've been wanting to do this for quite a while but I live on a hill and my better half has convinced me if I move this much soil in the backyard the neighbor's house above us might slide down.

It's not a new idea. The Bolivians have been doing this for a long time and even have banana trees growing in underground greenhouses.

I would also be interested in visiting someone who has already set this up. The only downside I can think of is that it would pretty much be an illegal construction unless you did it outside of the US.

--drraw

[MysticTree]

Because only the US have building restrictions of course.

[drraw]

Because only the US have building restrictions of course.

The US is notorious for having some of the most onerous building codes in the world. I see you're from England -- your country is probably up at the top as well.

--drraw

[delmar]

I would also be interested in visiting someone who has already set this up. The only downside I can think of is that it would pretty much be an illegal construction unless you did it outside of the US.

--drrawIn most locations building codes do not prevent you from building a house with a basement or a shop with a basement, I don't see why they would prevent you from building a greenhouse with a basement. Seems like anyplace that would allow an in-ground pool would allow this.

[fastfreedom]

I wonder if it would even be considered a structure by the people that check? I mean it is technically just a hole in the ground with a tarp over the top. I suppose if you live in the city though you would probably wanna find out so you don't get fined.

[delmar]

I should have a fair amount of liberty, as I live in the county, in a farming community. Farmers around here have manure pits, bunker silos and such. I really don't think anyone will worry about my little hole in the ground.

[drraw]

In most locations building codes do not prevent you from building a house with a basement or a shop with a basement, I don't see why they would prevent you from building a greenhouse with a basement. Seems like anyplace that would allow an in-ground pool would allow this.

In most locations, simply moving the amount of dirt that would be required for an underground greenhouse requires a permit. Then, there are specific codes that need to be followed for certain types of construction like a greenhouse. Since there are no codes for underground greenhouses, it would be very difficult to make it legal.

That said, many locations have codes for temporary structures provided they are below a certain square foot size like a shed. Perhaps you could get a permit for one of these, although it would take some work to get the underground part approved. It would probably be better just not to tell anyone about it.

Rural areas have less restrictive codes than city folk do, but many rural houses and structures are not code-compliant and would be cited if anyone from the county were ever to visit.

--drraw

[lynch]

That's a great idea's. good luck.

[walnutty]

What a great use of space!

[MysticTree]

If people can build swimming pools then they can build underground greenhouses.

[delmar]

That said, many locations have codes for temporary structures provided they are below a certain square foot size like a shed. Perhaps you could get a permit for one of these, although it would take some work to get the underground part approved. It would probably be better just not to tell anyone about it.

Rural areas have less restrictive codes than city folk do, but many rural houses and structures are not code-compliant and would be cited if anyone from the county were ever to visit.

--drrawindeed,,