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Framework
There were many options for framing the structure including wood, a PVC hoop, metal hoop, and more. In the end, I opted for a 1/2″ galvanised pipe structure which could be tied into the lower walls. It obstructs the least light, is much stronger than pvc, and readily repairable. It took a few days to…
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Structural Integrity
The floor was the first area of attention. Despite being loosely filled in with the construction debris, it was far from even or solid. Wheelbarrow loads of dirt were removed from the concrete half of the structure. To finish off the floor, we used many wheelbarrow loads of rough sand which had been sitting in…
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Drainage
Drains coming from the house, and water coming off the roof were sending a deluge toward the greenhouse. This was probably partly responsible for the shifts in the structure over time. In order to alleviate this going forward, drains were created in order to divert the flow around the structure. It turns out that on…
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The Cleanout
As you can see from the first image, the structure is completely overgrown. After removing several old refrigerators, rusted corrugated roofing, and much debris, and several hours of machete and weed whacker work, the structure is uncovered. Surprisingly, half of it has a concrete floor ! The other half still has some old corrugated zinc…
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Re(peat)cycling
The first step in creating something sustainable, and a key tenet of permaculture, is to use what you have. Recycle. And so it was that this old ruin on the property became the natural site for a greenhouse. We are told that it was once a chicken coupe, and alternatively that it was a Cocoa…
