Surviving the frigid Norwegian winters presents unique challenges, especially when trying to reduce reliance on external heating sources. Seeking a solution, one Norwegian woman embraced an unconventional idea: enclosing her entire home in a massive greenhouse. This design not only addresses the cold climate but also provides a way to grow food throughout the year. Similar to projects in Sweden, the greenhouse acts as a protective shell around the house, creating a microclimate that maintains a temperature significantly warmer than outside, even during the harshest months.
This approach was inspired by other homes, such as the Naturhus in Sweden. These homes leverage passive solar energy to warm the interior and the surrounding growing areas naturally. The concept has proven effective in places with cold climates, allowing residents to live sustainably while remaining comfortable indoors.
Self-Sustained Year-Round Growing
The greenhouse is more than just a thermal barrier—it’s also a personal oasis for food production. By maintaining a Mediterranean-like climate inside the greenhouse, the homeowner can grow crops that would normally not survive the Scandinavian winters, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and figs. Even during the coldest months, the woman can cultivate fresh produce for her household, drastically reducing the need for store-bought goods.
In a similar project in Sweden, the Granmar-Sacilotto family has been able to grow produce year-round, with the greenhouse raising the temperature inside their home by up to 15-20°C during the winter months. Charles Sacilotto, who spearheaded the construction of his greenhouse home, shared, “In January, it can be -2°C outside, but inside it can be 15 to 20°C upstairs.” This stark temperature difference is a game-changer, allowing families to thrive despite living in cold climates.
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Embracing Eco-Friendly Solutions
The enclosed greenhouse home represents an essential step toward sustainable living. Relying on natural sunlight to heat both the house and its surroundings, the design eliminates the need for traditional heating systems. The greenhouse captures heat during the day, which is stored and slowly released overnight, creating a balanced temperature without the need for additional energy.
The Sacilotto family in Sweden
The Benefits of Living in a Glass Bubble
While the greenhouse’s primary purpose is functional, it also offers emotional and aesthetic benefits. With ample sunlight streaming through the glass walls and ceilings, the home is bright and uplifting even in the dead of winter. The natural light creates an inviting space that enhances well-being and allows the homeowner to feel connected to nature without braving the freezing temperatures outside.
One standout feature of such homes is the glass-covered rooftop deck, where activities like sunbathing, reading, and even playing with children are possible, no matter the weather. The Sacilotto family has embraced this outdoor living space as part of their daily routine, enjoying the warmth and light even when temperatures outside are frigid. This ability to enjoy outdoor-like spaces year-round is a luxury in the typically harsh climates of northern Europe.
Building a Sustainable Future
This greenhouse home is part of a growing trend in sustainable, eco-friendly living in Scandinavia. As climate change brings more extreme weather patterns, individuals and families are looking for creative ways to adapt. Greenhouse homes like this offer a glimpse into the future of living in cold climates, where energy efficiency, food self-sufficiency, and comfort go hand in hand. The concept is gaining traction as more people realize the potential of merging natural elements like sunlight and plants with architectural design.
Inspirational Examples
In Norway, this woman’s greenhouse home stands as an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can help individuals survive and thrive in challenging environments. The benefits extend beyond keeping warm—this lifestyle supports self-sustainability, reduces environmental impact, and enhances quality of life. As more people explore innovative solutions to climate-related challenges, the appeal of greenhouse homes will likely continue to grow. By enclosing her home in this transformative glass structure, this Norwegian woman is creating a sustainable, resilient lifestyle, one that could inspire countless others to reconsider their approach to living in extreme climates.
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Sources
- “Swedish family envelops home in greenhouse to warm up stockholm weather” Design Boom
- “Couple Builds Greenhouse Around Home to Grow Food and Keep Warm” Off Grid. Survivor. December 14, 2015.
- “Iceland’s Greenhouses: Creating a Sustainable Food System” Naural Habitat. Laura Kiniry. June 17, 2023
