Bio Shelter An Introduction J 2 Definition A

Bio. Shelter An Introduction J 2$

Definition • A solar greenhouse managed as an indoor ecosystem • Key features • Goal: Self-maintaining balance of energy production/consumption and waste management • Passive solar heating • Thermal storage • Ventilation system • Subterranean heating and cooling system; “climate battery” (optional) • Used for growing crops or creating a supplemental living space J 2$

Can come in all sizes J 2$

Kimball Union Academy • $1. 1 M proposal to produce food and create a laboratory for the science curriculum at the school • Hydroponics in a 3, 500 sq ft geothermally heated greenhouse • Tower gardens to produce: • Fruits & Vegetables (over 70 varieties) • Asian Herbs & Vegetables (over 30 varieties) • Fresh Herbs (over 60 varieties) • Fresh Flowers (over 30 varieties) • Ornamental Flowers (over 60 varieties J 2$

Growing Dome • Growing Spaces in Pagosa Springs, CO • Kits for the home hobbist and professional growers • Larger scale systems (up to 42’ diameter) for schools and commercial growing operations • Designed as much to “…create a beautiful indoor space for nurturing relaxation” as to provide for growing food crops • We’ll look at an 18’ diameter kit that currently retails for $8, 950 plus shipping, taxes, site prep, and locally sourced items • Some assembly required • Videos J 2$

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Successful growing environment Kale Lettuce Spinach Carrots Radishes Swiss Chard Cucumbers Cantaloupe Strawberries Grapes Tomatoes Tree Collards Flowers House Plants Cacti Lemon Tree Fig Tree Lemon Balm Herbs: rosemary, parsley, bay, thyme, basil, tarragon, oregano J 2$

Bioshelter • • • Constructed in the summer of 2013 Three temperature sensitive vents 650 gallon water tank for thermal storage Raised beds around the interior perimeter of the greenhouse Subterranean heating and cooling system 5 W Solar powered fan for air circulation 20 W Solar powered water fountain to aerate the water tank Goldfish Vermiculture composting J 2$

Questions • Thermal Storage • Air exchange • Passive solar gain • Auxiliary heating • Effects of wind • Potential food production J 2$

Food production • • • Some current prices from Hannafords and Uncle Dean’s All organic items Fresh herbs $1. 79 for approximately 20 g Cucumbers $3. 49 each Tomatoes $2. 49/lb (Backyard Farms) Spinach $4. 75 for 0. 55 lb Chard $2. 59/lb Kale $2. 89/lb Mixed salad greens $4. 94 for 0. 55 lb J 2$

Temperature ranges for food crops • Cool season vegetablesd (lettuce, chard, kale, carrots) • • Daytime: 50°F to 70°F Daytime short-term temperature extremes: 35°F to 90°F Nighttime: 45°F to 55° F Germination: 40° to 75°F • Warm season vegetables (beans, tomatoes, melons) • • Daytime – 60°F to 85°F Daytime short-term temperature extremes – 50°F to 95°F Nighttime – 55°F to 65°F Germination – 60°F to 85°F J 2$