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Capturing and storing heat at the Bioshelter

The Bioshelter applies a passive solar design with abundant thermo-mass and insulation for heat storage. Our indoor winter low on sub-zero nights is typically high 30sº F. Major thermomass (heat sink) and insulating components include:

• Heavy concrete / sand-block walls around the greenhouse, along with a gravel floor, raised growing beds and water storage tanks
• A straw-bale wall system with post and beam framework covered with stucco, and an concrete for with perimeter insulation for the north half / barn area
• A glazing system that uses triple-layer polycarbonate (designed and supplied by Stuppy Greenhouse Supply)

Fresh air enters through vents above the front/south row of windows, through large sliding glass doors in the sidewalls, and from the cool barn area. A ridge-vent exhausts unwanted hot, humid, or stale air. Shading systems cool temperatures as needed; fans circulate the air.

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