greenhouse of the future

>>> EXTRACTS FROM THE EBOOK

PREFACE

It all started in March 2012 in an Earthship near Taos, in the desert

of New Mexico. Many weeks had gone by since I arrived to complete

the training of the Earthship Academy, a course on ecological,

sustainable and autonomous houses invented by Michael Reynolds.

During the lectures, I learned that Earthships did not need to be

heated to maintain a stable indoor temperature yearlong despite

extreme temperature variations. Often, one has to experience it to

really believe it and it's on a cold night that I got up and looked out

the window, what I realized astounded me: WOW! How shocked

I was when I realized it was -12 C (10 F) outside and inside it was

18C (64F)! It is important to mention that, at the time, this

Earthship was: first of all, under renovation; secondly, due to the

limited budget, it was poorly isolated and; finally, it had not been

heated for several months! In spite of all this, we felt warm and

comfortable in our Earthship. It was great!

Earthships dont

need to be heated to

maintain a stable indoor

temperature yearlong

despite extreme

temperature variations.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I PREFACE 02

PHOTO EARTHSHIP BIOTECTURE

After this experience, I started to think about all the implications that

this could have: help people become more resilient, autonomous

and environmentally friendly. I remembered reading that the largest

consumption of energy in colder countries came from the importation

of food and, obviously, from domestic heating. At this time, our food

travels thousands of kilometers before meeting our mouths. It is great

to have access to exotic products, but in the case of a technologic

or economic crisis, a war, a natural disaster or anything else that

quickly spreads across borders, it is possible that we will no longer

have access to any! Also, a lot of diseases are linked to the lack of

fresh, organic and local foods.

So I continued to think until a revelation crossed my mind: The farm

of the future THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE! I told myself: "we

must find a way to combine natural phenomena and technologies

to create a greenhouse, affordable, environmentally friendly and

even simple and fun to build amongst friends. This would allow people

to have a little piece of heaven where they could relax, grow organic

food, reconnect with nature, sunbathe in the winter and more." This

is the tangible and accessible solution I was looking for!

Wow!!! The synergy between this sustainable technology and the

natural phenomena giving us food, water and warmth could literally

change the world! Its potential is so important that I have to share

it with you practically.

By the evening, I searched extensively on the internet the best ideas

and concepts to combine them and create the ideal GREENHOUSE

OF THE FUTURE! A few interesting works I found about Earthships,

aquaponics and passive solar greenhouses are, among others, The

Passive Solar Energy Book, Solviva: How to Grow $500,000 on One

Acre, and Peace on Earth, not to mention the complete bibliography

of Michael Reynolds.

The largest

consumption

of energy in colder

countries comes

from the importation

of food and from

domestic heating.

The synergy between

this sustainable

technology and the

natural phenomena

giving us food,

water and warmth

could literally

change the world!


The DVD and E-BOOK that you are about to discover are the result

of two years of work after my great realization in Taos. During these

years, I had the chance to meet exceptional people without whom

this project would never have been possible. My close friends,

Christian Dsilets and Curt Close, decided to jump in with me; they

participated in the elaboration of the plans, the E-BOOK and the

production of the DVD. They turned out to be my best allies,

transforming my initial project into a complete E-BOOK and DVD.

Marie-Soleil Martel (graphic design) and Frederic Wiper (illustrations

and 3D virtual animations) also joined the team in order to help

you understand better while making the learning process more

enjoyable!

I must thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time

to watch the DVD and for reading this E-BOOK. I hope they will

inspire you and offer you everything you need to start creating your

own GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE!

The DVD and E-BOOK are used as references to inform you on

the mechanisms, techniques and solutions that will enable a more

sustainable and ecological future. Whether you want to launch a

greenhouse project in your community, for educational purposes,

as an asset for your company or for yourself, as a space to bond

with nature or simply to learn more about eco-friendly alternatives,

all reasons are good for taking positive initiatives for a greater future!

We hope you'll be more than satisfied with what we offer you.

Now, the project is in your hands. Keep in mind that even though we

combined all our expertise in order to make this greenhouse as efcient

as possible and accessible to all, we are aware that it can, in fact, be

improved. We encourage you to try using new technologies, materials

and techniques. Thus together, we will be able to make a difference in

this amazing world, making it more fair, eco-friendly and resilient!

The DVD and E-BOOK

are used as references

for inform you on

the mechanisms,

techniques and

solutions that will

enable a more

sustainable and

ecological future.


Im looking forward to meeting you and to hear about your greenhouse!

Francis Gendron

THE GREENHOUSE

OF THE FUTURE can

provide fresh and

organic food, a place

to sunbathe and

reconnect with

nature year round!


Creating a climate for change, so that everyonecan thrive, be happy and healthy is a hugechallenge, but is there something better andmore important to do?

11 INTRODUCTION

12 Current Issues

17 The Solution Era

21 Our Vision

22 Our Design

34 CHAPTER1:GETTINGREADY

35 Using this E-BOOK

36 Reading our Plans

37 Choosing the Right Design

41 Budget and Schedule

44 Choice of Land

50 Finding Materials

56 Tools Required

56 Project Presentation

58 Overall Site Preparation

59 Security

60 CHAPTER2:THECONSTRUCTION

62 Site Preparation

70 Tire Foundation and Underground Systems

105 Building the Frame

114 Frame Installation

130 The Building Envelope

152 Interior Finishing

169 CHAPTER3:SYSTEMS

170 Basic Systems

173 Advanced Systems

181 Improvements to Come

183 CONCLUSION

184 ABOUTTHEAUTHORS

APPENDICES

Tires are Safe

Leslies Testimony

Photos of the Greenhouse

Plans in Imperial Units

Plans in Metric Units

Lists of Tools and Materials

CURRENT ISSUES

We are not positive or negative. We consider ourselves as being

realistic people who are committed to finding solutions, which

makes us... problem solvers! How? By spending 5 % of our time

analyzing a problematic situation and 95 % of it finding solutions.

Doing so keeps us motivated, serene, courageous and also allows

us to get things done! In the following pages, we will present multiple

issues that society faces, but rest assured, this work will offer a wide

range of tools and solutions to address them.

Some of the most recent technological and social progress

deserves our admiration. Though, no one can deny that the last

century, based on the belief that energy, natural resources and

economic growth were endless, is characterized by political,

cultural, social and environmental turmoil. Here are some examples:

OurInherentLackofResilience

As powerful and advanced as today's society is, it remains very fragile.

Indeed, its foundations are not sustainable. All our technologies and

infrastructures depend on low fossil energy prices, on economic

growth and computing technologies. Incidents, as minor as they

may be, could make us regress to the Stone Age in just a few days.

Due to the poor choices we have made in regard to the production

of our food, the use of our water and the quality of our housing; an

economic crisis, a war, a computer virus, a disease in mono-cultural

crop fields, a prolonged lack of electricity, a natural disaster or an

oil issue are all events that could have serious consequences. In

Quebec for example, almost all cities, infrastructures and most

technologies are 100% dependent on hydro-electricity. Even our

basic necessities in life like water, food and heat rely upon it to satisfy

the demand. As we have witnessed during the ice storm that hit

Quebec in January 1998, when a natural disaster occurs during the

No one can deny

that the last century,

based on the belief

that energy, natural

resources and

economic growth

were endless, is

characterized by

political, cultural,

social and

environmental chaos.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I CURRENT ISSUES 12

winter and causes a power shortage for several weeks, buildings

instantly become useless. In such a case, lighting, power, heat,

water and food can no longer be provided. Not to mention that after a

few days, it gets worse: freezing will damage foundations and piping.

Combined with a war or an economic crisis like the one that Europe

has experienced in recent years, the consequences could be

disastrous. In just a few days, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle could no

longer be possible; from ordering an exotic dish delivered in minutes

on one day to fearing for safety the next. Most grocery stores only

have a few days of food in stock and it comes from far away. If, for

example, borders shut because of a war or the price of oil rose

exponentially as a consequence of peak oil, the food we currently

take for granted could become a scarce commodity.

UnjustPoverty

We definitely cannot deny that the luxury and wealth of some depend

on the exploitation of several others and that the consequences of

our irrational actions towards nature are serious.

For example, the dietary issue: On one hand, a billion people suffer

from malnutrition due to insufficiency. On the other hand, hundreds

Most grocery stores

only have a few days

of food in stock and

it comes from far away.

A prolonged lack

of electricity,

a natural disaster

or an oil issue are

all events that

could have serious

consequences on

the delicate balance of

our societies.


of millions are also suffering, though by excess. Unfortunately, this

is the stark reality of today's world.

ResourceWar

The injustices caused by our insatiable appetite for resources that

allows us to enjoy our modern lifestyle are responsible for shortages

that might lead us to wars. Modern buildings and most of our

contemporary technologies use non-renewable energy and natural

resources to operate. For this reason, it is obvious that some day

we will have to get these resources elsewhere to the detriment of

nations and ecosystems concerned.

DetachmentfromNature

In many cases, the consumer society in which we live pushes us to

completely disconnect ourselves from nature and from what the

Earth has to offer.

Whether or not we accept this lifestyle, which can be described as

contemporary, we cannot deny the fact that many have almost

never interacted with nature, plants, vegetation, fauna or flora.

Of course, this is felt both mentally and physically in a portion of the

population. We all have the need to feel the vibrations of life and its

Modern buildings

and most of

our contemporary

technologies use

non-renewable

energy and natural

resources to operate

to the detriment

of nations and

ecosystems

concerned.


calm, pure and peaceful effects. How can we enjoy the beauty and

the purpose of nature if we do not know it? To respect our world,

we must acknowledge it.

DiseaseOutbreaks

Again, because of our lifestyle, we are exposed to a countless number

of diseases that we would all love to see disappear: diabetes, high

levels of cholesterol, obesity, cancer, heart problems, etc. Today,

contracting these diseases which all reveal a level of discomfort

and imbalance is perceived as normal because they are anchored

in our common consciousness.

These diseases are becoming more prevalent, thus it is imperative to

understand that better habits can reverse the situation. Fresh air, the

suns vitamin D, pure water, physical activity and a diet based on fresh,

local and organic food can give someone all the energy and well-being

required to live a long and healthy life.

A diet based on fresh,

local and organic food

can give someone

all the energy and

well-being required

to live a long and

healthy life and

avoid contracting

normal diseases.


LackofDirection

For many, the contemporary lifestyle makes no sense. Some feel

like they are constantly running after something without knowing

why; some feel dependent on everything and think that they

have to work. Being the employee of a corporation or a person

that we do not believe in is not ideal. Some believe they do not have

the time or do not deserve to stop, relax, breathe and enjoy the

beauty of life.

TheNegativeImpactontheEnvironment

In most of the Nordic countries, the biggest impact that people have

on the environment is related to the food industry, which includes its

production and transportation. In this present time, our options are

either a diet that comes from so far away that it has to be transported

over long distances or to grow crops in inefciently heated greenhouses

which often use fossil fuels.

This brief overview only named a few of the many issues that our

lifestyle and technologies cause.

For many, the

contemporary

lifestyle makes

no sense.

Some feel like

they are constantly

running after

something without

knowing why.


The question we ask ourselves is:

Is it possible to become more self-sufficient, ethical, greener and

resilient while comfortably living in abundance and while using

technologies that are truly at the service of humankind? Our

response delights us: YES! Complex and numerous are the issues

indeed, but the solutions are simple and accessible! We realized

that the combination of a new outlook on life and radically sustainable

technologies is the starting point of a change in perspective!

MAY THE SOLUTION ERA BEGIN!

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we

used when we created them. Albert Einstein

This greenhouse is the physical expression and a great example of a

new way of seeing life, a new perspective, a new era: the Solution Era.

Here are the ideas and the underlying philosophy that THE

GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE is attempting to embody and represent.

Complex and

numerous are

the issues indeed,

but the solutions

are simple and

accessible!

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I THE SOLUTION ERA 17

UseArt,ScienceandPhilosophytoCreateaMasterpiece

The underlying philosophy of the greenhouses design is its purpose

of helping and serving people, nature and their synergy. Thanks to

science and our understanding of various natural and physical

phenomena, we were able to create a radically sustainable and

efficient greenhouse. Moreover, arts and crafts embellished it with

natural and worthy materials. The resulting scientific masterpiece

is now at the service of humankind!

MaximizeaPositiveImpact

Man is condemned to destroy the planet. Thus, the only solution

is delaying this inevitable destruction as much as possible by

minimizing our negative impact on the environment. Our idea is

to reverse this thinking; by maximizing our positive impact. That

is to say, to build infrastructures and buildings which, by their

presence and their interaction with natural phenomena, will improve

synergy between people and the environment.

AGardenerversusaGreatCreator

Companies from the food industry are heavily investing in genetically

modifying varieties of plants to make these more resistant, more

profitable and easily transportable. Unfortunately, these changes lead

to serious consequences. Instead of genetically transforming nature

to serve our deficient system, we believe that human intelligence

should be used to plant gardens, put together greenhouses or build

other facilities where nature can thrive in abundance to provide local


We suggest to

maximize our positive

impact by making

infrastructures and

buildings which will

improve synergy

between people and

the environment.

We believe that

human intelligence

should be used

to plant gardens, put

together greenhouses

or build other facilities

where nature can

thrive in abundance.

and organic food. After all, that is natures purpose: grow, expand,

reproduce and embellish! All we have to do is choose the crops we

want, cultivate them while respecting and honouring the laws of

nature to create the profusion we all deserve.

Alchemy

There was a time when turning lead into gold was the objective

pursued by alchemists. Today, they have a different goal: turning

garbage into gold or better yet, into greenhouses and radically

sustainable homes that will offer peace, health and abundance for

future generations. This is why we primarily use recuperated, recycled

and natural materials to build THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE.

After all, waste only exists if we are irresponsible. Whether it is

organic waste or physical waste such as tires, there is always a

way to use our loss for someone or something elses gain. Tires,

for example, can sometimes be seen as waste, sometimes as a wall

stronger and more resilient than concrete ones! Consider also the

example of earthworms, these natural alchemists devoting their

entire lives to the cause of recycling by feeding on organic waste

and restoring rich compost to the soil.

Resilience

This greenhouse is the first step towards building a society on solid

grounds in opposition to the many unsustainable infrastructures

around us that rely on fossil fuels and economic growth. With

We primarily use

recuperated, recycled

and natural materials.

Waste only exists if

we are irresponsible.

Do you know what

upcylcing is? It is

the action to convert

waste into a product

of better quality

or usefulness.

If you have any

concerns in relation

to the safe use

of tires, see

"Tires are safe"

in the appendices.


strong, resilient and sustainable foundations, we can ensure

the production of our basic needs (food, water and heat). By using

simple technologies and taking advantage of renewable, sustainable

in addition to infinite resources like sunshine, earth, rain, wind and

their synergy, it is possible. It is by building strong foundations that

we will allow Mans green technologies to become known to all.

InvestingintheFuture

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE is a strategic investment, not an

expense, for two mean reasons:

1) Costs related to building the greenhouse will be recovered

quickly since the food produced will save on food purchases.

Also, THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTUREs energy expenditures are

minimal compared to those of a traditional greenhouse.

2) Investing in THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE is investing in a

new lifestyle. That is to say, it will not satisfy your hunger for the

latest technology; but your hunger for change. Instead of working

hard on something that does not satisfy you, take the time to choose

a cause you hold close to your heart and be proud of what you

accomplish! It is a step forward in becoming autonomous,

resilient, and responsible thus, happier.

By using simple

technologies and

taking advantage

of renewable,

sustainable in

addition to infinite

resources like

sunshine, earth,

rain, wind and their

synergy, it is possible.


OUR VISION

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE is the first step in a much larger

project. The harmonious combination of several emerging technologies

such as permaculture, passive solar energy, living buildings, cold

frames, Earthships, biointensive agriculture and others could

change the world to reflect humans potential at its best!

Imagine a pure and beautiful planet, a planet on which humans have

chosen to live proudly, in harmony with nature. Imagine Earth

if everyone acted according to what he or she thinks is really ideal,

if everyone accomplished something good and noble! Imagine

if human ingenuity collaborated and interacted more with natural

forces to create extra-ordinary technologies. Take a moment to

think about what the world could become.

Imagine the northern part of old monoculture GMO (genetically

modified organism) fields being converted into lush forests

that offered loads of nourishing fruits, nuts, herbs and medicinal

mushrooms. Imagine the center of these fields being covered by

magnificent passive solar greenhouses, which have been sculpted

and engineered by artists-alchemists thanks to whom waste was

transformed into a technological masterpiece. A microclimate

prevails inside these greenhouses where master gardeners grow

quality crops; fruits and vegetables with a taste that surpass all your

expectations. Rainwater is collected from the roofs of greenhouses

and is used several times before entering the soil, which purify the

water before letting it go into gigantic underground aquifers. Spring

water is abundant and is protected and respected by all: beautiful

stone temples are built around its sources to offer a memorable

experience to those who quench their thirst with it. The permaculture

and biointensive gardens that surround the greenhouses produce

an abundance of different organic seasonal crops. Houses, all made

This project is the

first step within a

much larger project.

By combining

harmoniously several

emerging technologies

such as permaculture,

passive solar energy,

living buildings,

cold frames,

Earthships, biointensive

agriculture and many

others, it could literally

change the world!

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I VISION 21

from recuperated and recycled materials, interact with natural

phenomena to generate water, food and warmth. Their design is

meant to blend in the landscape, as if they were part of it, to

honour the beauty and bounty of nature! Inhabitants go rejuvenate

themselves by walking in the old-growth forests which are sacred

places and where thousand-year old trees represent splendour and

wisdom for current and future generations.

We sincerely believe that when a sufficiently high number of humans

have a common objective and justifiable reasons to realize it,

anything is possible! Join us in creating an ideal world!

OUR DESIGN

Here we will explain how THE GREENHOUSE THE FUTURE works and

the reasons behind our design choices. Our goal is to describe its

principles and its different technologies as best as possible so you

can enjoy them at their full potential. Moreover, we believe that more

the people who share this knowledge and apply it are numerous; more

the buildings will be accessible, sustainable and resilient! However,

if the generic model we propose does not suit you, you can use the

following information to either adapt your project to your specific

needs or even innovate freely!

In order to perform optimally, our design features geothermal and

passive solar energy in addition to a huge thermal mass. Other

systems are also used: earth tubes (earth-air heat exchangers),

AGS systems (Annualized Geothermal Solar), rainwater harvesting

and, in colder climates, insulated and reflective tarpaulins. In

extremely cold climates and in areas where the sun is absent for

several days (or a combination of both), the greenhouse will require

Our design features

geothermal and

passive solar energy

in addition to a huge

thermal mass.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I DESIGN 22

an additional heater to keep it functional throughout the year

(propane, electric or other such as a Rocket stove). If your greenhouse

is located in a very cold climate, but you do not want to heat it up,

it is possible to cultivate during only the hottest months and simply

enjoy its warmth as a place to relax under the sun the rest of the

year. Remember that even when the weather is extremely cold,

when the sun arrives, the greenhouse will become pleasantly warm

so you can enjoy winter, in your swimsuit, both feet in the sand while

the sun caresses your skin!

Here is an overview of technologies that we have chosen to

incorporate in THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTUREs design.

PassiveGeothermalEnergy

The atmospheres temperature can vary greatly. For example, in

Sherbrooke (Canada), the temperature can drop to -40 C in the

winter, but it can also reach 40 C in the summer. On one hand,

because of these major variations, it is difficult to maintain a relatively

stable temperature in the building. Though, on the other hand,

the temperature of the ground is very stable. Indeed, in the same


In extremely cold

climates and in areas

where the sun is

absent for several days

(or a combination of

both), the greenhouse

will require an

additional heater.

location, the temperature at a depth of 6 feet (2 meters) varies

between 5 C and 15 C. We then use passive geothermal energy

by burying the east, west and north walls; this protects the

greenhouse from the cold ambient air and allows its temperature

to adjust to the stable temperature of the ground. You will notice

that on our plans, we added rigid insulation underground, which

increases the effectiveness of this principle. This insulation ensures

that the thermal mass keeps its heat even more and is protected

from the cold air coming from the surface.

PassiveSolarEnergy

In the northern hemisphere, because the sun never comes from

the north (if you live in the southern hemisphere, simply replace north

by the south throughout this passage), we orient the greenhouse

southwards and only cover the south side with glazing. Since the

roof is insulated, we maximize solar gain without losing the precious

heat accumulated through the north side. Then, the north and south

angles of the roofs must strategically be determined in order to multiply

the sunlight during the winter and lessen it during the summer to keep

the thermal mass cooler. As you know, the sun reaches a much higher

point in the sky in the summer than in the winter. The north roof will

then protect the thermal mass from the scorching summer sun in

order to stabilize the temperature of the greenhouse.


The temperature

of the ground is

very stable; it varies

between 5 C and

15 C at a depth

of 6 feet (2 meters).

is to position the greenhouse directly towards the true south or even

15 degrees west of it. There is no set measure. The goal is to get as

much sunshine as possible in the greenhouse during the day so you

have to adjust according to the land. Of course, if you move away

from the true south, the efficiency of the greenhouse will diminish.

We recommend an angle of 15 degrees east of the true south for

one specific reason: the greenhouse cools down overnight so the

mornings first rays of sunlight will warm it up again; unlike the rays

of sunlight from the end of the afternoon, which are not as necessary

because the heat will have accumulated throughout the day.

HOW TO FIND THE TRUE SOUTH

True south is different from the magnetic south. If you are in the

northern hemisphere of the Earth, the magnetic south is the direct

opposite to the magnetic north indicated by a compass, beside,

it is the magnetic field that directs the compass. The true south is

indicated by the axis of rotation of the Earth at its junction with

the south pole of the Earth, this is a fixed point. Looking at a

topographic map, the north shown on it is in fact the true north,

so true south is directly opposite it.

Magnetic declination

is different depending

on your geographical

area so it is important

to find the one

corresponding to

your location.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I CHOICE OF LAND 45

StepOne:find the magnetic declination

Before identifying true south on the land, you first need to find

the magnetic declination that differs depending on your geographic

location. This declination is the angle between magnetic north and

true north. You can find this information on a recent topographic map

of your area (maximum one year), or by inserting the latitude and

longitude of your location using an internet tool such as the following:

http://geomag.nrcan.gc.ca/calc/mdcal-eng.php

For example, in Sherbrooke (Canada), the latitude is 45 24.0 North

(45 degrees, 24.0 minutes in the northern hemisphere) and the

longitude is 71 54.0' West (71 degrees, 54.0 minutes in the western

hemisphere) . As of August 2nd, 2014, the declination is 15 28.0

West, so the magnetic north is located at 15 degrees and

28.0 minutes west of true north.


StepTwo:Find the magnetic north using a compass, position yourself

on your land. The north shown is the magnetic north!

StepThree:find the true north

Once you know where the magnetic north is, simply add or subtract

the declination depending on your situation. In our example, to find

the true north, add 15 28.0' by turning towards the east in relation

to the magnetic north. If the declination had been 15 28.0' East

instead of 15 28.0' West, you would subtract 15 28.0', so you

would turn west to find the true north.

StepFour:find the true south

Now that you know the true north, just add 180 degrees and you

will get the position of the true south. You can then orient your

greenhouse 15 degrees east of true south!

MAXIMIZE SUNSHINE

Since the suns elevation varies in the sky throughout the year,

you should check if you will have enough sunshine in your future

greenhouse, especially during the colder months. You will need to

nd the time of year when the sun is at its lowest level in the sky. For

example, in Sherbrooke, it is around the winter solstice (December 21st)

that the sun reaches its lower elevation, that is 20.36 degrees at noon.

We found this information thanks to the following website:

http://www.sunearthtools.com/dp/tools/pos_sun.php?lang=en

If you have a 'smart' phone or a recent tablet, you can also find this

data using the 'Sun Surveyor' application no matter where you are

and for any time of the year. However, knowing that the accuracy of

each device varies, we recommend using this data as a reference only


INSTALLING AN AGS SYSTEM

You can install an AGS system but only after installing the earth

tubes. Unlike these, the AGS systems pipe must always be installed

between tires and the insulation because it warms up the thermal

mass located between these two elements. Its usefulness will be

greatly reduced if it is outside of this zone. See section Our design

in the introduction and Basic systems in Chapter 3 to understand

how and when to use the AGS system.

Step 1: block the ends of pipes before installing them so they dont ll

with soil during installation.

Step 2: complete the second row of tires.

Step 3: if you choose to ventilate and heat the greenhouse with this

system, determine the location of the inside air outlet of the AGS system

in the greenhouses wall.

Step 4: build the third row of tires leaving an opening where the pipe

will pass.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I TIRE FOUNDATION AND UNDERGROUND SYSTEMS 93

Unlike the earth tube,

an AGS systems pipe

must always be installed

between tires and

the insulation because

it warms up the thermal

mass located between

these two elements.

Tools: in addition to the Basic Toolbox

Table saw (optional

Miter saw (optional)

BuildingtheRafters

1) The Cutting:

The first step consists in cutting the pieces necessary for the

assembly; follow the plans in the appendices. As for the walls,

the sizes and the quantities are indicated in the plans. You can

number each piece accordingly. It is important to check the quality

of the timber: verify that they are not split or too twisted and keep

an eye out for large knots. There will be small knots, simply avoid

placing them at the bottom of the chords during assembly, that

is, where it works in tension. For example, when placing a load

on a piece of wood, it flexes down, it's working in tension

underneath the piece and in compression on its top where the

load is located.

Materials

Untreated spruce No. 1:

- 14 pieces: 2 x 4 x 16 long

(use the finest pieces)

- 22 pieces: 2 x 6 x 10 long

(use the finest pieces)

4 plywood boards: x 4 x 8, Douglas Fir (or Fir Select)


Table saw (optional)


THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I BUILDING THE FRAME 109

It is important

to check the quality

of the timber: verify

that they are not split

or too twisted and

keep an eye out

for large knots.

REINFORCING BARS (RE-BARS)

The plate #1 has to be solidly fastened to tires. To do so, drill 5/8

diameter holes diagonally at every 48 on the plates. Make sure that

re-bars go through the tire sidewalls of the first row. Alternate

the drilling angle from holes to holes, for example: if the first is at

45 degrees, the second one is at 135 degrees, the third one at

45 degrees, and so on. The re-bars should ideally go through the

first three tire rows. Plan on using re-bars measuring 42, sharpen

one end with a grinder. Treat re-bars with an anti-rust spray paint

to extend their durability. Then, using a sledgehammer, Insert

one re-bar in every third hole. This last precaution will make the final

levelling easier.

Materials

Epoxy-coated steel re-bars: x 42

Anti-rust enamel spray paint (Fast-dry formula if needed)


5/8 wood drill bit

Grinder

Sledgehammer

Re-bars, installed

every 48, should

ideally go through

the first three

tire rows.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I FRAME INSTALLATION 117

Wallcovering

BOTTLE BRICKS AND MORTAR

If you want to incorporate this type of finish on the east and west

walls, do it before any other finishing work because it is messy. You

can also apply this type of finishing on the south wall and on the wall

with the door, by filling in the space between the frame and tires. To

perform this step, you must first have made bricks with glass bottles:

cut 2 bottles of the same diameter in half using a ceramic tile saw

(different colour combinations are possible). Before cutting them,

it is important to measure the thickness of the cement wall to

determine the glass bricks depth. Clean the inside of bottles with

liquid dish detergent and gloves (to avoid injuries) and let them dry.

To assemble a brick, stick the 2 lower parts of a bottle together with

large tape. You can create different mosaics by putting the bricks

in the cement walls to your liking.

To perform this step,

you must first have

made bricks with

glass bottles. Its

important to measure

the thickness of

the cement wall to

determine the glass

bricks depth.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I THE BUILDING ENVELOPE 138

CEDAR FINISH

Where different exterior finishes cross, at the corners of the outside

walls, around the door and at the level of the south gutter, add

cedar siding to complete the walls exterior finish. Before installation,

do not forget to treat them as needed.

Materials

Cedar siding:

- 3 pieces: 1 x 4 x 8 long (exterior corner and door)

- 3 pieces: 1 x 6 x 8 long or flashing (south gutter)

- Junctions of exterior finishes (depending on your taste)

2- galvanised wood screws


Table saw (optional)


Roofandwallinsulation

INSULATION OF THE NORTH WALL AND ROOF

To insulate the north wall and roof, use insulation batts or panels

specially designed to be inserted between 24 spaced rafters. Install

the insulation so that there is no room left between it and rafters.

Install the insulation

so that there is no

room left between it

and rafters.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I THE BUILDING ENVELOPE 147

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

Fans(EarthtubesandAGSsystem)

It's up to you to decide if you want the fans running at all times or

not, and with the help of timers, solar sensors, thermometers,

hygrometers and even rheostats.

A hygrometer is a device used to measure the humidity in the

air, it may be linked to the fan to activate it if humidity exceeds

a certain level.

A rheostat is a device to adjust the intensity of the electric current

in a circuit; when connected to the fan, it will allow you to adjust

the speed of the latter. For example, you might install a first

thermometer/hygrometer with an outdoor sensor and a second one

inside combined with another electronic device which, if the air is

too humid or too hot inside, will activate the fans according to

specified parameters.

The whole ventilation of the greenhouse can be modulated with

these type of devices. By arranging them properly, depending on

your climate and your situation, it will allow you to achieve greater

autonomy with your greenhouse.

CollectingRainwater

INSULATED UNDERGROUND BARRELS

If you want to collect the water from snow in winter, the water will

be too cold to be brought inside the greenhouse because it would

cool it down. It will then be ideal to connect gutters to a barrel (or

more), which will be located in a place where the temperature will

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I ADVANCED SYSTEMS 173

A hygrometer is a

device used to

measure the

humidity in the air.

If you want to

collect the water

from snow in winter,

it is ideal to connect

gutters to a barrel

located outside

the greenhouse.

Since you will have a heating system built into your greenhouse,

you might want to take the opportunity to link it to a system which

will heat the thermal mass by adding ducts designed for this

purpose in the floor and walls. The use of the heat produced will be

maximized and the thermal mass will perform even more.

THE GREENHOUSE OF THE FUTURE I ADVANCED SYSTEMS 178

A rocket stove is a high

performance wood

stove. The combustion

is almost complete

and the fumes are

considered "clean".

To perform effectively,

this type of stove does

not require the use of

wood logs. Branches

and small pieces

of wood will generate

the required heat.

So you will not be

forced to cut down

trees to heat the

greenhouse!

Masonry

Heat storage

Insulation

Metal barrel

1. Wood supply

2. Ashtray

3. Combustion tunnel

4. Heat concentrator

5. Cooking surface

6. Ashtray

7. Outdoor exhaust and/or thermal mass

TIRES: ARE THEY A HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT HAZARD?

Tires are hazardous in piles, not in Earthships.

Several people expressed their concerns linked to the risk that tires emanate toxins in the

environment. We were ourselves very skeptical before doing our own research on the subject. There

is evidence that tires exposed to extreme heat, sunlight and chemicals emanate harmful substances

for the health and the environment. Despite this, reusing tires to build walls is very safe if they are

properly reused. You'll see why shortly.

Based on 40 years of experience by the Earthship Biotecture enterprise in house construction using

tire foundations and, according to scientific researches on the subject, burying tires represent a

minimal risk to human health and the environment.

Article by Recyc-Qubec

Here is an excerpt from an article by Recyc-Qubec, a Quebec governmental society (Canada)

which has for mandate to mobilize the population to manage waste materials in an innovative and

sustainable manner:

Reusing a tire

in an Earthship, where

it becomes a beneficial

resource, and spends

its future in an inert

setting is an ideal

ultimate use for

discarded tires.

The rubber, fiber and

metal from tires remain

stable when buried.

They break down very

slowly and therefore

produce no leachate

and no biogas that

may contaminate air,

soil or water table.

"A tire being buried: The rubber, fiber and metal from tires remain stable when buried. They break

down very slowly and therefore produce no leachate and no biogas that may contaminate air, soil

or water table." The full article can be found using the following link:

http://www.recyc-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/Upload/Publications/Fiche-pneus.pdf

Letter written by Chris Kaiser

For your convenience, we also highlighted a few elements taken from a letter made by Chris Kaiser

(Alamosa, CO, US), a trained and experienced engineer, who is not an Earthship enthusiast or owner,

and is used to deal with these issues.

Carbon black is obtained by the partial combustion or thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons, it is

a known carcinogen and it is found in tires. However, to assess the risks to human health and

environment posed by the use of recycled tires in Earthships, one must look at the pathways of

exposure, and the state in which this potential contaminant exists. "The proper conditions" for rubber

to degrade would be: high temperature, exposure to light, or the presence of strong oxidizing

chemicals. None of these conditions exist when a tire is entombed in an Earthship wall surrounded

by packed earth.

"The proper

conditions" for rubber

to degrade would be:

high temperature,

exposure to light,

or the presence

of strong oxidizing

chemicals. None

of these conditions

exist when a tire

is entombed in

an Earthship wall

surrounded by

packed earth.

In order for the tires to affect the indoor air quality of an Earthship, the tires must off-gas vapors which

must travel from the tires, through the walls, into the living space of the Earthship. The production of such

vapors will be proportional to the vapor pressure of the compounds producing the vapors. The vapor

pressure of carbon black is less than "0.1 mmHg". This is an extremely low vapor pressure. In other

words, this chemical produces almost no vapor. What this means is that the potential for tires to affect

indoor air quality will be severely limited by the extremely low vapor pressure of the source chemical.

In order for a tire to affect water quality, it must come into contact with water, and release chemicals

into the water. In a properly designed and constructed Earthship, there will be no flux of water through

the wall. Therefore, no water will contact the tire. In the unlikely event that water should contact the

tire; the water will not become contaminated because carbon black is insoluble in water. Reusing a

tire in an Earthship, where it becomes a beneficial resource, and spends its future in an inert setting

is an ideal ultimate use for discarded tires.

The water will not

become contaminated

because carbon black

is insoluble in water.

Remember the advantages of building tire walls

Tires are available everywhere and it is very inexpensive to get them.

The walls are technically easy to build, allowing you to build without skilled labor, with your family

and even with people from your community.

The reuse of tires will reduce the amount of tires in landfills, which them, since they are exposed

to elements, still emanate today.

Tire walls are even more resilient than concrete walls over time.

The earth-filled tires are more eco-friendly than concrete, they already have been processed by

industries for our cars, while concrete is regularly used for all kinds of constructions, and it is

composed of elements which must be processed in various ways. Even if concrete is not the most

polluting of materials per kilogram, it is now the second most widely used material in the world,

just behind water! Thus, it becomes the most polluting building material in the world!

For more information, please read the following webpage, you will access Mr. Kaisers entire letter

plus an extensive study made by the University of Wisconsin-Madison (US) and presented by the

New Mexico Environmental Department Solid Waste Bureau. http://earthship.com/offgassing

You can now look into this on your own

Tire walls are

even more resilient

than concrete walls

over time and are

more eco-friendly.

Concrete is now

the second most

widely used material

in the world, just

behind water!

Thus, it becomes

the most polluting

building material

in the world!

???

21'2'10'-6"2'

2'-4

-1/2

''A

: App

ox. 3

6''

7'-1

018"

Appr

ox. 1

2'-6

''

36'' x 83''

37'' x ?''

7'-4

'' MIN

IMU

M

13'-7"

37'' x ?''

4'' PERFORATED FRENCH DRAINWITH GEOTEXTILE (WITH SLOPE)

COVERED WITH 6'' MIN.OF 34'' NET CRUSHED STONE

(2'' BED UNDER THE DRAIN)GEOTEXTILE AROUND OR

AT LEAST ON TOP

GEOTEXTILE

RETRACTABLEREFLECTIVETARPAULIN

AERATION TRAPDOOROPENING SYSTEM USING

CORD & EYELETS

2 ROOF VENTSMAXIMUM 12'' x 12''

BETWEENRAFTERS#3-4 & #10-11

INSTALLED ON3/4 '' PLYWOOD

PLATES #1 & #2TREATED WOOD (2 - 2'' x 6'')REINFORCING BARS????????????????????(6 MILS, 12'' STRIPS)

ALUMINUM FLASHING #2 OR MULCH2 POLYETHYLENES 6 MILS (#3 & #4)

2'' EXTRUDED POLYSTYRENE

NORTH ROOFPRE-PAINTED STEEL SHEET1'' x 4'' FURRING STRIPS @ 16''c/c2'' x 6'' @ 24''c/c3.5'' or 4'' INSULATIONVAPOUR BARRIER (OPTIONNAL)1'' x 6'' (PAINTED PALE)

GUTTER(RAIN WATERCOLLECTION)

???6'

' MIN

.

CASEMENT WINDOW

CASEMENTWINDOW

EARTH TUBE 50' :4'' NON-PERFORATEDPIPE (WITH SLOPE)

4'-6

''

9''

9''

1st TIRE ROW ON???????????????????

NORTH, WEST ANDNORTH-EAST WALLS:7 ROWS OF TIRES1'' OFFSET ATEACH ROWCOVERED WITH COB(DARK FINISH)

3'-6"3'

37'' x 16''

SOUTH & SOUTH-EASTWALLS:3 ROWS OF TIRESNO OFFSET REQUIREDCOVERED WITH COB(DARK FINISH)

CONCRETE DOOR SILL

38'' POLYCARBONATEFASTENED TO RAFTERS

RAFTERS 2'' x 6'' @ 24''c/c(SEE DETAILED PLAN)

SEALANT ORALUMINUM FLASHING

5'

1"

PROVIDE 1'' MINIMUMSPACE HERE WHEN

BACKFILLING

ROOF RIDGE (GABLE TOP)

ELASTOMERICSELF-ADHESIVE

TAPE

BOTTLE BRICKS & MORTAR(OPTION)

ALUMINUM FLASHING #3(ROOF BASE)

INSULATION &VERTICAL 2'' x 4''

CROSSPIECES #4

CROSSPIECES #3

CROSSPIECES #2

CROSSPIECES #1

CROSSPIECES #5

4'' PERFORATEDFRENCH

DRAIN(WITH SLOPE)

CHIMNEY : 150' LONGEARTH TUBE'SOUTSIDE INLET

AGS SYSTEM :4'' NON-PERFORATED PIPE (WITH SLOPE )

EARTH TUBE 150' :4'' NON-PERFORATED PIPE(WITH SLOPE)

POLYETHYLENE6 MILS (#3)

ALUMINUM FLASHING #1OR MULCH

B

C

3

D1

D2

GREENHOUSEOF THE FUTURECROSS-SECTION VIEW

misoTypewritten Text Copyright 2014, Christian Dsilets, all rights reserved

???

64006103200610

724

A : A

ppox

. 900

mm

2392

Appr

ox. 3

800

mm

914 x 2108

940 x ?''

MIN

IMU

M 8

534

mm

4140

940 x ?''

102mm PERFORATED FRENCH DRAINWITH GEOTEXTILE (WITH SLOPE)

COVERED WITH 150mm MIN.OF 19mm NET CRUSHED STONE (50mm BED UNDER THE DRAIN)

GEOTEXTILE AROUND ORAT LEAST ON TOP

GEOTEXTILE

RETRACTABLEREFLECTIVETARPAULIN

AERATION TRAPDOOROPENING SYSTEM USING

CORD & EYELETS

2 ROOF VENTSMAXIMUM 305 x 305BETWEENRAFTERS

#3-4 & #10-11INSTALLED ON

19mm PLYWOOD

PLATES #1 & #2TREATED WOOD (2 - 38 x 140)REINFORCING BARS????????????????????(6 MILS, 300mm STRIPS)

ALUMINUM FLASHING #2 OR MULCH2 POLYETHYLENES 6 MILS (#3 & #4)

50mm EXTRUDED POLYSTYRENE

NORTH ROOFPRE-PAINTED STEEL SHEET38 x 89 FURRING STRIPS @ 610 c/cRAFTERS 38 x 140 @ 610 c/c89mm or 102mm INSULATIONVAPOUR BARRIER (OPTIONNAL)19 x 140 (PAINTED PALE)

GUTTER(RAIN WATERCOLLECTION)

???15

0 M

IN.

CASEMENT WINDOW

CASEMENTWINDOW

EARTH TUBE 45m :102mm NON-PERFORATEDPIPE (WITH SLOPE)

1372

229

229

1st TIRE ROW ON???????????????????

NORTH, WEST ANDNORTH-EAST WALLS:7 ROWS OF TIRES25mm OFFSET ATEACH ROWCOVERED WITH COB(DARK FINISH)

1066914

940 x 406

SOUTH & SOUTH-EASTWALLS:3 ROWS OF TIRESNO OFFSET REQUIREDCOVERED WITH COB(DARK FINISH)

CONCRETE DOOR SILL

9mm POLYCARBONATEFASTENED TO RAFTERS

RAFTERS 38 x 140 @ 610c/c(SEE DETAILED PLAN)

SEALANT ORALUMINUM FLASHING

1524

26

PROVIDE 25mm MINIMUMSPACE HERE WHEN

BACKFILLING

ROOF RIDGE (GABLE TOP)

ELASTOMERICSELF-ADHESIVE

TAPE

BOTTLE BRICKS & MORTAR(OPTION)

ALUMINUM FLASHING #3(ROOF BASE)

INSULATION &VERTICAL 38 x 89

CROSSPIECES #4

CROSSPIECES #3

CROSSPIECES #2

CROSSPIECES #1

CROSSPIECES #5

102mmPERFORATED

FRENCHDRAIN

(WITH SLOPE)

CHIMNEY : 45m LONGEARTH TUBE'SOUTSIDE INLET

AGS SYSTEM : 102mmNON-PERFORATED PIPE (WITH SLOPE )

EARTH TUBE 45m :102mm NON-PERFORATED PIPE(WITH SLOPE)

POLYETHYLENE6 MILS (#3)

ALUMINUM FLASHING #1OR MULCH

B

C

3

D1

D2

GREENHOUSEOF THE FUTURECROSS-SECTION VIEW

misoTypewritten Text Copyright 2014, Christian Dsilets, all rights reserved

Copyright 2014, Francis Gendron and Christian Dsilets, all rights reserved.

If you want to know more about radically sustainable

technologies, learn how to build your own greenhouse

using reused materials and know the most

effective systems, check out:

www.greenhouseofthefuture.com

greenhouse of the future

Documents

shocked i

earthship academy

importationof food

extreme temperature

thenatural phenomena

largestconsumption of

earthships dont

domestic heating