House Inside A Greenhouse – Your Guide To Creating A Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever dreamed of snipping fresh herbs for dinner in the middle of January? Or waking up to the sight of lush, green foliage, even as snow falls outside? It sounds like a gardener’s fantasy, but what if I told you it’s an achievable reality?

For many of us, gardening is a seasonal joy, a race against the first frost. We pour our hearts into our plants, only to see them fade as winter approaches. This cycle can be frustrating, leaving you wishing for a way to extend the growing season indefinitely and live more closely with the nature you cultivate.

Imagine a home where your garden isn’t just outside your window but all around you. A place where you can grow citrus trees in a cold climate, reduce your energy bills, and live in a vibrant, sustainable ecosystem. This isn’t science fiction; this is the magic of living in a house inside a greenhouse.

Get ready to explore this incredible concept. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the core idea to the practical steps for creating your very own green sanctuary. Let’s dig in!

What Exactly Is a House Inside a Greenhouse?

At its heart, the concept is beautifully simple. A house inside a greenhouse is a conventional home that is built with a larger, protective glass shell or greenhouse structure enclosing it. Think of it like a house wearing a transparent, climate-controlling jacket.

This innovative architectural style, often called a “Naturhus” (Nature House) in Sweden where it was pioneered, creates a unique microclimate in the space between the inner house and the outer glass walls. This buffer zone acts as a giant insulator, harnessing the sun’s energy to warm the home and create a temperate environment perfect for year-round gardening.

It’s more than just a home with an attached sunroom. The greenhouse becomes an integral part of the living space—a sprawling veranda, an indoor garden, and a key component of the home’s heating and cooling system. This is the ultimate dream for anyone looking for a truly eco-friendly house inside a greenhouse.

The Incredible Benefits of a House Inside a Greenhouse

Why would someone choose this unique way of living? Well, the advantages go far beyond just having happy plants. This setup offers a lifestyle that is deeply connected to nature and sustainability. Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of a house inside a greenhouse.

  • Year-Round Gardening Paradise: This is the most obvious perk! You can grow everything from Mediterranean herbs and vegetables to subtropical fruits like figs and lemons, regardless of your local climate. Your growing season is 365 days a year.
  • Significant Energy Savings: The greenhouse shell acts as a passive solar collector. It traps the sun’s heat, drastically reducing your need for conventional heating in the colder months. It’s a core principle of a sustainable house inside a greenhouse.
  • A Healthier Living Environment: You’re literally surrounded by an oxygen-producing, air-purifying garden. The abundance of plant life can improve indoor air quality and create a calming, stress-reducing atmosphere.
  • Natural Water Recycling: Many of these homes are designed with closed-loop water systems. Wastewater from the house can be filtered naturally by plant beds in the greenhouse and then reused for watering your garden.

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  • Protection for Your Home: The outer shell shields your inner home from the harshest elements—rain, snow, wind, and UV radiation. This can extend the life of your home’s exterior materials, like siding and paint, saving you money on maintenance.

Getting Started: Your House Inside a Greenhouse Guide

Feeling inspired? Fantastic! While building a house inside a greenhouse is a major project, understanding the fundamentals is the first step. This isn’t a weekend DIY, but with careful planning, it’s a dream you can work towards. Here’s a basic overview of how to house inside a greenhouse.

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Location, Location, Location

Just like with any garden, success starts with the right spot. For a greenhouse home, you need to maximize sun exposure. An ideal location has an unobstructed southern-facing orientation to capture the most sunlight, especially the low winter sun.

You should also consider protection from strong prevailing winds and ensure you are in compliance with all local building codes and zoning regulations, as this is an unconventional structure.

Designing Your Dual Structure

This involves planning two separate structures: the inner home and the outer greenhouse. The inner home can be built with conventional materials, though wood is a popular, eco-friendly choice. The key is to ensure it’s well-insulated to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter.

The outer shell is typically made from a sturdy frame (steel or laminated wood) and covered with durable glazing like tempered safety glass or high-quality polycarbonate. The space between the two structures should be wide enough for planting beds and walkways—think of it as your year-round indoor yard!

Creating the Perfect Climate

Managing the temperature and humidity inside is the most critical part of this entire concept. Without proper climate control, your beautiful greenhouse can quickly become an oven in the summer or too damp in the winter. Your two best friends here are ventilation and thermal mass.

Large, automated vents at the roof’s peak are essential to release hot air. You’ll also need lower vents to draw in cooler air, creating natural convection. For thermal mass, think of materials that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, like a concrete slab floor, stone pathways, or even large barrels of water. This helps stabilize the temperature swings.

Essential House Inside a Greenhouse Best Practices for a Thriving Ecosystem

Once your structure is in place, it’s time for the fun part: creating a living, breathing ecosystem! This is where your gardening skills truly shine. Following a good house inside a greenhouse care guide will ensure your space flourishes.

Plant Selection is Key

You can grow almost anything, but it’s wise to choose plants that will truly thrive. Think in zones. Closer to the glass, where it’s warmest, is perfect for heat-lovers like tomatoes, peppers, and even citrus trees. In shadier spots, you can grow leafy greens and tender herbs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Grapevines can be trained to climb the structure, providing delicious fruit and, more importantly, natural summer shade. Don’t worry—many of these plants, like basil and cherry tomatoes, are perfect for beginners!

Watering and Irrigation Wisdom

Humidity will naturally be higher in your greenhouse, so you may need to water less than you would outdoors. Always check the soil before watering. A drip irrigation system on a timer is a fantastic way to deliver water directly to plant roots efficiently.

For a truly eco-friendly house inside a greenhouse, consider installing a rainwater harvesting system. Gutters on the greenhouse roof can collect rainwater in cisterns, providing a free and sustainable water source for your entire garden.

Pest Management, Naturally

A warm, sheltered environment is paradise for plants—and unfortunately, for pests too. The best defense is a good offense. Avoid chemical pesticides, which can be harmful in an enclosed living space. Instead, embrace Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

This means encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs (to eat aphids) and lacewings. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of trouble so you can catch infestations early. A healthy, diverse ecosystem is your best protection.

Navigating Common Problems with a House Inside a Greenhouse

Living this way is a dream, but it’s important to be realistic. Like any garden, it comes with its own set of challenges. Knowing the common problems with a house inside a greenhouse ahead of time is the best way to prepare and prevent them.

Overheating in Summer

This is the number one challenge. Without proper management, summer temperatures inside the greenhouse can soar to dangerous levels for both plants and people. The solution is multi-faceted:

  • Massive Ventilation: We can’t stress this enough. You need large openings at the top and bottom to create a powerful airflow.
  • Shade Cloths: External or internal shade cloths can be deployed during the hottest parts of the day to block a percentage of the sun’s intensity.
  • Deciduous Plants: Strategically planted vines (like grapes) will provide dense shade in the summer with their leaves, then drop them in the fall to let the winter sun in. Genius!
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Managing High Humidity

All that plant life and watering can lead to high humidity, which can cause issues like mildew on plants or even moisture problems for the inner house if not managed. Good air circulation from fans and proper ventilation are your primary tools to keep humidity in check.

Pests Finding Paradise

Because the environment is so stable, a small pest problem can explode quickly. Diligence is key. Make a weekly habit of checking the undersides of leaves and new growth. A small population of aphids is a nuisance; a large one is a catastrophe. Stay on top of it with your IPM strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in a House Inside a Greenhouse

How much does it cost to build a house inside a greenhouse?

This is the big question! The cost varies dramatically based on size, materials, and location. Generally, the initial investment is higher than a standard home due to the dual-structure design. However, many owners report significant long-term savings on energy, food, and home maintenance costs that help offset the upfront expense.

Can I retrofit a greenhouse around my existing home?

It’s technically possible but extremely complex and often more expensive than building from scratch. It requires significant engineering to ensure the new structure is properly supported and sealed against your existing home without causing moisture issues. It’s a project for experienced professionals only.

Do I still need to heat my home in the winter?

Yes, you will likely still need a primary heating source for the inner house, but you’ll use it far less. The greenhouse acts as a massive insulating buffer, often keeping the “in-between” space above freezing even on cold nights. This means your home’s heating system doesn’t have to work nearly as hard.

What are the best plants to start with?

Start with some easy wins to build your confidence! Hardy Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano do wonderfully. For vegetables, you can’t go wrong with cherry tomatoes and climbing beans. If you want a “wow” factor, a Meyer lemon tree is surprisingly manageable and incredibly rewarding when you harvest your first homegrown lemon!

Your Green Sanctuary Awaits

The idea of a house inside a greenhouse is about so much more than just gardening. It’s a conscious choice to live in harmony with the seasons, to eat food you’ve grown with your own hands, and to create a home that is both beautiful and deeply sustainable.

It requires planning, passion, and a bit of a pioneering spirit. But the rewards—a year-round connection to nature, a lighter environmental footprint, and a truly unique living space—are immeasurable.

So, are you ready to start dreaming up your own green sanctuary? The journey begins with a single seed of an idea. Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
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