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.
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.
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