A Micro-Climate Greenhouse Grows Food

A
GREENHOUSE
FULLA
BUCKMINSTER
official open source document
free for personal use
GEODOME
SUPER
MICRO-CLIMATE
FOOD
PRODUCING
GREENHOUSE
now growing
NGE
CHA
L
ATE
CLIM
REA
'T
IS N
(artistic impression)
alightmouse ltd
cad modelling, architectural draughting & opensource
04.05.14 - beta release edition
alightmouse limited, christchurch new zealand, e:alightmouse@gmail.com, w: www.alightmouse.co.nz
04.05.14 - beta release edition
AN INTRODUCTION TO
A GREENHOUSE
FULLA BUCKMINSTER
-A BRIEF RUNDOWN ON THE PROJECT-
KIA-ORA E HOA! the motivation behind the project was driven by my own exploration with 'backyard'
farming and re-gaining an independence through food home production that most of us in the west
have not embraced since the times of our grandparents.
inspired by the shapes made famous by architect Buckminster Fuller, not to mention the ideas for the
world in which he presented through his work, this project aims to fulfil the needs of home food
production for small families. all while producing food at an efficient rate with higher nutritional value
and using passive methods of heating & cooling.
while not necessarily capable of 100% food production, through developed design, open source &
using alternate methods of food production, i reckon we could come close to feeding 4 people using
this small space. using methods such as aquaponics, hydroponics, or conventional planter methods.
organic, nutrient dense, and only a walk away from your doorstep.
the dome is a timber strut construction with timber nodes, plywood cladding & 8mm twin wall
polycarbonate glazing, although alternate substitutions are welcomed to suit ones budget or
constitution. being open source it is encouraged for one to develop your own ideas and systems and
share your techniques online and more importantly, with your community.
the floor area is only 9.5sq/m. this is to avoid having to apply for a building consent, which can be
costly at times. although where you put this on your site & how much open space you have available
will determine whether you need a consent from your local authority. please check if you have any
doubts about planning permissions or if you have any queries. they should be glad to help.
-AND THE CONSTRUCTIONas for the foundation requirements. a simple strip foundation will shown but this
only to provide a level & stable surface to fix the side panels. if you plan to build
in an area that is on a steep slope, is in a flood plane, has a high water table, is
subject to liquifaction during earthquakes then please consult your local builder,
architectural draughtsman, structural engineer, or local authority for
recommendations. investigate your options. don't be careless in regards to
your rights.
cutting lists and schedules will also be shown on the plans. to make the process
easier, but it will definitely help if you have some building experience or at least. a
vast amount of enthusiasm. i myself am not a builder but managed, only just, to
build the prototype that came before this design. believe me when i say a lot of
mistakes were made. but that made the process all the more richer.
as i mentioned earlier about sharing your ideas and designs for systems. the
same goes with construction techniques & fixings. if you have any ideas that you
think might make the dome easier to construct or better in anyway, please share
& email it with me at alightmouse@gmail.com, same goes with any feedback.
positive, negative or anything in between.
plans for those who use "imperial" measurement will be released only if the
demand is great enough. otherwise metric units and timber grades have been
used.
if you like these plans then please feel free to share.
any enquires email at alightmouse@gmail.com or visit the webpage at
www.alightmouse.co.nz, thanks very much & good luck.
anthony light
founder & CAD monkey
alightmouse ltd
cad modelling, architectural draughting & opensource
this documentation is intended for personal use only. anyone wishing to use this documentation for commercial & financial gain needs to contact alightmouse ltd for permission and approval at alightmouse@gmail.com, don't be cheeky.
N
existing un-disturbed earth.
(optional) solar panel location. if you

anticipate that you might need solar
panels powering your greenhouse
equipment then its a good idea to prewire for it during construction, even if
they're not installed until a later date.
planting, small tussocks

to front, make sure to
confirm max growing size
prior to planting to avoid
unnessary maintenance.
earth mounded up to sides of

greenhouse for frost protection &
added insulation & wind protection.
ensure planting is done as soon as
possible to prevent erosion.
90x45 side panels with 9/12mm ply

outer & a damp proof membrane
(dpm) wrap for water proofing around
outer shell and under the floor (each
panel to be insulated polystyrene,
fibreglass, straw, wool etc)
dome struts above shown dashed for

clarity.
9.5m2
f.f.l -400mm below
ground level
(optional) wind power

(vertical axis if possible)
spouting (optional) shown dashed
for clarity.
step
over
minimum 150mm upstand if paved

outside. otherwise 225mm to cleared
ground level
entry
(optional) 310mm x 180mm steps

(ideally) possible to use timber
sleepers, ensure steps are non slip.
(small wire mesh or grip tape)
note; if you do not wish to have steps
then excavate earth around entry and
slope away from the door.
2
3
80dia uPVC fresh air vent to exterior.
c.g.l 0.0
note; the dome should be orientated towards the most sun. these plans were drawn for those in
the southern hemisphere, hence why it is drawn with the windows facing due north. if you are in
the northern hemisphere then one should orient the dome glazing south.
alightmouse ltd
CAD modelling , architectural draughting & opensource
selected shingle, cobblestone,

limestone to entry floor. ensure
adequate fall & drainage to prevent
ponding.
up
"A GREENHOUSE FULLA BUCKMINSTER"

*an opensource document*
#1401 | beta release | page size (A4)
# date
revision description
beta release
04.05.14
plan; floor plan
A1.1
Alightmouse Limited Christchurch, New zealand. e:alightmouse@gmail.com w: www.alightmouse.co.nz
N
note; make sure your
damp proof membrane is
taped around the vent
pipes and is laid under the
foundation.
9/12mm plywood to
either side of frame,
ensure to insulate
panels.
3,560
340
890
1,100
890
340
00
1,1
00
0
1,10
d12
2
1,1
35
280
670
200
0
35
dpc (damp proof course)

to underside of timber
framing
1,10
1,1
90
1,260
860
1,040
90
1,260
ensure to dig small

trench for vents going
under the foundation line
and out to the exterior.
foundation depth to be
300mm min or
appropriate bearing
depth in accordance with
NZS 3604:2011 (new
zealand standard
number 3604:2011).
hatched area represents
fill to be laid to create an
even surface for the
flooring/paving.
200
mm
critical note: ensure you consult with your local builder, architect, engineer
or local authority regarding your specific building requirements in relation to
your land, district or local government regulations. do not get caught out. you
may require specific foundation sizes for your building location.
note: because this is a "greenhouse", there are, in a sense, no specific foundation

requirements. so if one does not wish to have a foundation and instead opts for something
like a 200mm wide by 100mm deep concrete strip to act as a level base with all side panels
bolted to it then that decision is up to you. however, if you are going to construct the dome
in an area and in soil that is prone to movement or is on a slope; then it is advised that you
consult a professional.
alightmouse ltd
d12
east
south
west
2 layers of damp proof

membrane to be used
under the foundation wall
and carried up the side
of the timber framing to
underside of ribbon
board.
walls above (shown
dashed for clarity)
1,10
1,045
3,405
1.78 m
radius
1.045
1,10
north
1,1
200
645
1,100
concrete ring foundation;

200mm wide. depth
varies depending on build
location
70mm min
cover
90x45 bottom plate fixed

to foundation with
anchored bolts drilled or
cast into foundation wall
(2 per panel).
r6 stirrups @ 400crs
location of a cast in or
m12 anchor bolt to
secure bottom plate to
foundation wall.
selected paving type with

hardfill/ crusher dust or
specific compacted fill.

detail; foundation footing

Scale 1:10
# date
beta release
04.05.14
plan; foundation & setout
A1.2
N
note; "type #" refers to the specific
side panel types. each type differs
from the other.
a
panel amounts
3,560
1,100
00
type 1
890
7x "type 1"
2x "type 2"
2x "type 3"
340
1,1
typ
0
1
east
type 3
90
type 3
typ
860
e2
1
concrete ring foundation; 200mm

wide (shown dashed)
5
,13
e2
35
1,260
type
south
0
typ
1,1
90
1,040
90x45 timber framing with 1 layer

of 9/12mm ply on either side.
12mm recommended on exterior
side of panel.
90mm insulation, insolation type to
be selected.
3,405
1,10
type
1,10
type
1.045
location of a cast in or m12 anchor

bolt to secure bottom plate to
foundation wall.
00
1,10
west
670
note; refer to a1.4 for panel details

& dimensions.
e1
north
e1
type
1,045
typ
1,1
1,10
645
1,100
890
340
1,260
only bottom plate, top plate and

plate immediately above door
required; door to be measured &
installed once frames are up and in
place.
alightmouse ltd

# date
beta release
04.05.14
plan; base framing plan
A1.3
note; cut top & bottom plates to

an angle of 18 degrees on both
sides.
140x45 top plate to support dome

structure.
fix each side panel together with a

20mm galv strap with a minimum
overhang of 75mm each side. both
via the top plate and top and
bottom sides of the exterior.
1,100
18o
90
40
9/12mm plywood.
make 7 of this type
1,200
45
1,040
note; do not install interior lining

until dome structure is constructed &
any necessary pre wiring is done &
insulation is installed. if you want to
make the fixings last longer. use
stainless steel fixings where
possibly. or at least anything
exposed to the exterior air.
plan view
1,135
35.8o
18 o
make 2 mirrored versions of this type

45
m12 coach bolts with 50mm

square washers, cast or drilled,
into the concrete foundation wall.
(recommended but if you wish to
then you can shot fire them into
the foundation wall min 3 across
the panel.)
isometric view
plan view
note; panel type 2 has the same height, but only
one end matches the "panel type 1" end angle
(18o). ensure when constructing panel type two that
each panel is a reflection or mirror of the other.
(this only applies to panel 2). use the same fixing
methods and layout as panel 1.
note; ensure to use at least 2 rows

of timber dwangs (blocking) in frame
3 to allow for propper fixing of the
ply sheets @ 600 centres vertically.
90
1,990 high
(saving prescious
page room.)
side panel type 2 (shown dashed for

clarity).
45
45
190
370
make 2 mirrored versions

of this type
45
plan view
bottom plate (shown dashed for

clarity).
45
panel type 3
m12 coach bolts with 50mm

square washers, cast or drilled,
into the concrete foundation wall.
isometric view
45
panel type 2
9/12mm plywood.
alightmouse ltd
950
1,040
top of door frame (shown dashed

for clarity).
panel type 3
45
panel type 1
65
panel type 1
950
fixings, ensure to fix ply at 300mm

centres. (recommended).
# date
beta release
04.05.14
plan; side panel construction
A1.4
sealant bead.
side panels below; shown dashed
for clarity.
pre drill fixings to

prevent wood
splitting while
nailing.
140mm top plate above the side

panels; shown dashed for clarity.
capping node mimics the shape

of the node it is fixed to, only it is
10mm wider on each side &
sealed.
super strong flashing tape to lap
over node and cover panels.
8mm twinwall
polycarbonate
glazing.
b.
b.
a.
a.
x
a.
c.
x
y
'T
IS N
a.
a.
h.
c.
d.
d.
legend
types
b.
x10
x5
c.
half hexagonal node
x8
d.
quarter hexagonal node
x2
strut type 1
x25
strut type 2
x25
strut type 3; custom sized

made to measure.
x3
90x45 timber struts (70mm depth

when routed), fixed to nodes with
2/3.75 nails at each end of strut.
SS nails to be used.
b. 73
73mm on each side.
c.
interior lining, min 6mm lining for

ridgitity with insulation. highest rvalue possible.
62
62
detail; typical node fixing

Scale 1:5
note; refer to back page for

node cutting templates
capping node mimics the shape

of the strut it is fixed to, use
stainless steal fixings if possible
& use rubber washers to seal
each fixing.
10mm min routed
edge.
fix struts with min 2 nails per strut

into each node. in order to avoid
strut timber splitting while fixing
one can pre drill the holes into the
strut.
90x45 timber struts (70mm depth
when routed), fixed to nodes with
2/3.75 nails at each end of strut.
SS nails to be used.
amounts
hexagonal node
pentagonal node
a.
62mm on each side.
d.
x
x
NGE
CHA
L
ATE
CLIM
REA
b.
a.
now growing
a.
b.
b.
GREENHOUSE
c.
c.
PRODUCING
FOOD
MICRO-CLIMATE
a.
SUPER
15.7o
62
routed edge, to all

struts & nodes.
895
GEODOME
18o
c.
a.
90
a.
31
c.
1,022
90
c.
c.
strut & node types
8mm twinwall
polycarbonate
glazing.
critical note; when fixing struts together,

fix one nail from each strut to node; then
once dome is assembled, go around and
add in the second fixing per strut end. This
allows some flexibility when assembling,
but once the second fixing is in place you
will notice the structure becomes super
rigid and subsequently very strong.
sealant bead on inside also

for airtightness.
internal lining.
detail; typical strut & cladding fixing

Scale 1:5
alightmouse ltd

# date
beta release
04.05.14
plan; strut layout
A1.5
note; each panel should be cut to measure. yes its a slower process, but it will be
better and allow for a more weather tight envelope. doing it this way also allows for
margin off error due to the nature of working with timber. where measurements are not
always down the nearest mm.
for the sake of material amounts for ordering you can expect the largest triangle panels
type "2" will be around 1050mm approx each length with a fillet where each node
occurs & for the smaller triangle panels type "1" you can expect 890mm on two
sides & 1050mm approx for each length.
but as mentioned above it is recommend you cut each panel to measure. this
applies also to panels "3" & "4".
wall panels below shown dashed.

ensure to apply flashing tape over
all sheet joints before fixing
capping struts and capping nodes.
SUPER
FOOD
PRODUCING
GREENHOUSE
selected solar powered vent (refer

to back page for notes on model
recommendations) these can be
bought relatively cheaply and can
be used to drip feed excess heat
out of the dome.
now growing
C
ATE
CLIM
EAL
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
spouting for water collection

(optional). if you wish to collect
rainwater and drain into the dome
it is advised that you have a
designated collection tank with an
overflow to an exterior soak pit or
garden.
3
2
capping node.
'T R
IS N
GE
HAN
8mm twin wall polycarbonate, use

screws to fix to struts
(recommended) with rubber
washers.
1
GEODOME
MICRO-CLIMATE
capping struts, cut to measure or

alternatively use only flashing tape
over ply joints between panels and
clad dome in something more
suited to your budget and time
constraints.
9/12mm ply, treated/painted/

stained. (something to protect it
from the elements)
note; the dome exterior cladding drawn above is only one of many options which you
have available to you. this option is not necessarily the easiest to fastest to construct
but it is however uniform in the fixing and the detailing.
If you wish to make the exterior cladding easier for construction then you could simply
put flashing tape over all the sheet joints and clad in a butyl membrane and then apply
shingles over it. or a "green roof" system, which will help to protect the building against
the elements and also camouflage the dome from a far.
investigate as many options as you want and develop them to suit your time & budget &
intention.
alightmouse ltd

# date
beta release
04.05.14
plan; roof cladding
A1.6
HOT
AIRing
p
esca
solar powered extract fan.
DOME
8mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing;
taped & sealed before applying
capping struts.
EXTERIOR
70mm insulation.
90x45 struts (70mm depth when

routed), refer to the strut plan for
specific lengths and locations of struts
x & y.
2
A1.8
selected shingle, cobblestone, flooring

or anything that will has good thermal
mass. i.e light grey cobble pavers. (not
black).
spouting direct fixed to 9/12mm

plywood cladding.
90x45 timber struts (70mm depth when

routed), fixed to nodes with 2/3.75 nails at
each end of strut. SS nails to be used.
900-1200 ceiling fan, with remote &
timer (ideally)
1
A1.8
90x45 side panels with 9/12mm ply

outer & a damp proof membrane
(dpm) wrap for water proofing around
outer shell and under the floor (each
panel to be insulated polystyrene,
fibreglass, straw, wool etc)
80dia uPVC fresh air vent

to exterior. seal with fine
mesh or strip for insect
and vermin proofing.
DOME
INTERIOR
earth mounded up to sides of

greenhouse for frost protection &
added insulation & wind protection.
ensure planting is done as soon as
possible to prevent erosion.
fresh
air
fresh
air
fresh
air
fresh air vent

grill; 1 of 2. (laid
flush with paving.
4
A1.8
minimum 150mm upstand if paved

outside. otherwise 225mm to cleared
ground level
2 layers of damp proof membrane

under floor and foundation footing
carried up side and in behind ribbon
board.
fresh
air
dpc.
concrete ring foundation; shown
indicatively only. consult your local
draughtsman, architect or engineer to
arrange soils tests to confirm sensible
foundation sizes.
2
A1.2
3
A1.8
critical note: if you plan to build on a hill site then you need to consult a builder/engineer about the necessary retaining wall & foundation details. You
would most likely have to substitute the timber panel walls with concrete block & provide a field drain to help cope with rain water and downhill
drainage.
alightmouse ltd

# date
beta release
04.05.14
isometric section
A1.7
selected internal lining with

70mm insulation. (when plying
both sides).
ply/polycarbonate panel
flashing tape lapped under

panel by 50mm with packer in
behind to support tape. seal
joint if necessary
9/12mm ply. selected finish

over.
flashing tape lapped over
barge board by 10mm
strut beyond.
selected internal lining with
70mm insulation.
clear flashing tape wrapped

around base of exposed edge.
140x20 barge board,

carried down either side of
entry.
timber node.
architrave around opening
after door is installed.
140x45 top plate.

selected spouting direct fixed
to wall panel.
90x45 rafter
flashing, tape or metal

(personal choice) carried up
behind ply min 35mm.
flashing tape around opening,

seal opening between door
frame & rough opening with a
timber packer followed by
expanding foam and a sealant
bead.
insulation, recommended
thickness to fill entire wall
cavity (90mm).
selected door, aluminium

frame or timber. with timber
trim above exterior opening.
1 - detail; dome edge
2 - detail; door head & apron
Scale 1:10
Scale 1:10
flashing tape around opening, seal

opening between door frame & rough
opening.
selected door, aluminium

frame or timber. with timber
trim above exterior
opening.
40
150

2 layers of damp proof membrane to be

used under the foundation wall and
carried up the side of the timber framing
to underside of ribbon board.
2 layers of damp proof

membrane to be used under
the foundation wall and
carried up the side of the
timber framing to underside of
ribbon board.
3 - detail; door sill & upstand
4 - detail interior vent
Scale 1:10
Scale 1:10
alightmouse ltd
dpc (damp proof

course) to
underside of timber
framing
selected exterior paving, to
slope away from door (if
possible) minimum 150mm
clearance below finished
floor level.
vent/grill slightly raised

above floor to prevent
any water going down in
it and ponding.

80mm diameter uPVC pipe

or similar.
20mm
dpm (damp proof membrane)

carried up from under the floor
& foundation to up the
underside of ribbon board.
9/12mm ply. selected finish

over.
sealant bead.
clear
90x45 ribbon board, cut with

15 degree slope.
selected internal lining,

6-9mm ply recommended.

tape around vent penetration in

dpm use tapes that are
compatible with the dpm. the
manufacturer or reseller will be
able to tell you what tapes are
suitable.
# date
beta release
04.05.14
details; construction details
A1.8
node type "a"
45
hexagonal node
typical cross section
1,022
str
of these
18o
10
10
10
895
strut typ
ake 2
se
5 of the
15.7o
1 node
cut
here
1 node
15.7o
node type "b"

isometric view
make 5 of
these
router 10mm fillet (minimum) &

10-12mm deep around each
shape to allow for ply or
polycarbonate.
note; this node is simply half a
"type a" node. simple as.
node type "c"
62
cut
here

polycarbonate.
note; this node is simply quarter
of a "type a" node. simple as.
quarter hexagonal node

isometric view
make 2 of
these
node type "d"

isometric view
95mm deep
node type "d"
alightmouse ltd
node type "c"
mm
1 node 1 node
make 8 of
these
95mm deep
half hexagonal node

10
isometric view
note; a table router would make

the strut preparation far quicker
than a standard portable router.
ask your local timber supplier if
they can do this for you.
125mm post
strut type "y"
isometric view
strut x&y
90
pre cut
e "y" m
pentagonal node
62
mm
10
45
45
note; alternatively you can use

12mm thick timber packing in the
same shape as the node the
packing is fixed to.
node type "b"
125mm post
isometric view

polycarbonate.
1 node
router 10mm fillet across each

strut; will act as a small channel to
fix play/polycarbonate wall into.
router depth dependent on
thickness of internal and external
lining.
10
strut type "x"
make 10
of these
10
10
10 70
90
18o
node type "a"
125mm post
73mm
90
pre cut
a ke 2 5
you can do the same if you wish;

or if you know an easier way then
feel free to explore. each node
starts with a circle that is 125mm
diameter.
95mm deep
"x"; m
ut type
note; the nodes for the initial

prototype dome were cut out of
125mm square posts. using a
template it was easy to cut out
each node.
95mm deep
62mm
1 node
125mm post
10
# date
beta release
04.05.14
details; nodes & struts
A1.9
notes & recommendations

foundations;
external cladding; plywood
minimum recommendations for systems & equipment
as stated in the plans; the foundation & what you choose to

build, is up to your discretion. the catch with foundations is that
they are not very often considered to be a one size fits all.
it has been noted that 9-12mm plywood should be used for the
exterior cladding; at least as a rigid air barrier. if you wish, you
can clad over the ply with a cladding of your choice. be it butyl
membrane or shingles, a green roof, metal or fibreglass etc.
growing systems can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and

especially prices. one should choose their system based on a;
what they want to grow b; how much they want to grow, c: how
much time you want to dedicate to growing & maintenance & d:
how much money you can spend.
your building site location, soil type & also the water table will
determine how deep & how much reinforcing you may require.
not to mention if you are on a hill site with a slope then you
may also require specific foundation design and even changing
the wall panels to concrete block.
if you are on a flat site and are not worried about making the
foundation a code compliant foundation that would mirror one
similar to a house or accessary building then as stated on the
foundation plan. a 100mmm deep by 200mm wide concrete strip
will suffice. if & only if, its purpose is to provide a level substrate
to fix the panels to and act as a guide for the interior flooring.
i have provide only options; its up to the builder/owners
discretion to make the decision.
timber & timber treatments;

the timber type & the level of treatment (if any) is purely up to
you. if you can, buy timber that comes from a local source that is
good at staying straight and is not prone to splitting when fixing
or cutting.
"oregon" or "douglas fur" was the timber that was used on the
prototype dome. which was a great timber for staying straight
during construction. the downside was that it was prone to
splitting when nailing or sometimes cutting.
what has been shown on the drawings, should, suffice in

maintaining a waterproof envelope provided proper and
adequate observation and maintenance is carried out.
however, whatever system you choose you still might benefit

from having the following in your system
one should be careful to observe and clean the dome and make
sure that the sealants are working and that no water is leaking
in. be sure to look at the manufacturers instructions with the
sealants you use and make sure you use a sealant that is fit for
the job.
- temperature & humidity measuring equipment

- one ceiling fan for circulation
- 1x solar panelled extract fan (about 50-80$)
- 1x small dehumidifier (recommended but not critical)
it is also handy to have a clipboard or pad to record the
temperatures in the greenhouse dome. how many times you
record the temperature a day is up to you. but it is recommend,
to get the best idea of how the dome performs, if the
temperature & humidity is recorded at least 2-3 times daily.
as noted in fixings; stainless steel fixings with rubber washers

should be used for the exterior.
the flashing tape for joints should also be of the grade that would
suit windows. there are several brands that manufacturer such
flashings tapes and they also come in a variety of widths.
be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions when applying
the tape to joints.
if you have the ability to do this electronically then that would

save a lot of time.
external cladding; glazing
possible growing systems to research
8mm twin wall polycarbonate is the recommended for the

glazing, while its not necessarily the cheapest form it provides a
great r-value (has a slow thermal transfer) that is near equal to
double glazed aluminium windows.
standard soil planters; min 300mm high

pro's - better than growing outside, cheapest to set up
con's - great hiding place for bugs & pests, harder to control humidity
be sure to measure and cut each panel once the structure is

in place.
hydroponics;
pro's - better than growing outside, faster growth than standard planters
con's - limited to leafy greens and fruiting plants, supplementing also required.
hence why it would be wise to pre drill all fixings in the struts.
as for the treatments it is recommended (if you don't go with the
standard exterior timber treatment) that you at least apply two
coats of paint to to the structural framing and panels on the
exterior. (not including the polycarbonate).
fixings;
some fixings have been specified on the plans; namely the strut
fixings. any fixing that is exposed to the exterior air it is
recommended that stainless steel fixings are used. as they are
hardier and less prone to corrosion. it is also recommended that
one uses rubber washes also for the exterior fixings as this
provides another layer of water proofing.
for interior fixings it is up to you what type and length, although a
minimum 50-70mm fixing is recommended. galv or stainless
steel.
internal flooring
aquaponics;
pro's - better than growing outside, very fast growth, possible edible fish (more
food). easy to maintain once system is up and running.
con's - more expensive
the internal flooring shown is only indicative; one has the option
of choosing any type of flooring they wish. paving/cobble stone
has been shown because of its ease in laying and, if need be,
removing the event of maintenance.
pavers also have good thermal mass properties (not as good as
water but still, not bad).
general notes for "a greenhouse fulla buckminster"

these open source plans will be subject to development and revisions which
will be revised every so often, or urgently when needed. these plans are guild
lines only for construction of the dome. not the specific construction plans.
electrical systems
there is currently no specific electrical system shown apart from
the ceiling fan; which is advised as this improves circulation and
prevents mould growing when the humidity goes above normal.
disclaimer ** "it is the builders & clients sole responsibility to ensure that
the dome be built to local code requirements and in line with local
building and safety standards."
it is recommended that one investigates there desired planting

systems before building so pre-wiring can be done early and
during the construction.
by engaging and building the dome using these plans the builder/client
acknowledges and agrees to the disclaimer above.
alightmouse ltd

# date
beta release
04.05.14
notes & recomendations
A1.10

A Micro-Climate Greenhouse Grows Food

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A Micro-Climate Greenhouse Grows Food

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04.05.14 - beta release edition

alightmouse limited, christchurch new zealand, e:alightmouse@gmail.com, w: www.alightmouse.co.nz

04.05.14 - beta release edition

-A BRIEF RUNDOWN ON THE PROJECT-

(optional) solar panel location. if you

planting, small tussocks

earth mounded up to sides of

90x45 side panels with 9/12mm ply

dome struts above shown dashed for

(optional) wind power

minimum 150mm upstand if paved

(optional) 310mm x 180mm steps

80dia uPVC fresh air vent to exterior.

selected shingle, cobblestone,

"A GREENHOUSE FULLA BUCKMINSTER"

#1401 | beta release | page size (A4)

plan; floor plan

dpc (damp proof course)

ensure to dig small

CAD modelling , architectural draughting & opensource

note: because this is a "greenhouse", there are, in a sense, no specific foundation

2 layers of damp proof

concrete ring foundation;

90x45 bottom plate fixed

selected paving type with

"A GREENHOUSE FULLA BUCKMINSTER"

detail; foundation footing

#1401 | beta release | page size (A4)

plan; foundation & setout

concrete ring foundation; 200mm

90x45 timber framing with 1 layer

location of a cast in or m12 anchor

note; refer to a1.4 for panel details

only bottom plate, top plate and

#1401 | beta release | page size (A4)

"A GREENHOUSE FULLA BUCKMINSTER"

plan; base framing plan

note; cut top & bottom plates to

140x45 top plate to support dome

fix each side panel together with a

make 7 of this type

note; do not install interior lining

make 2 mirrored versions of this type

m12 coach bolts with 50mm

note; ensure to use at least 2 rows

side panel type 2 (shown dashed for

CAD modelling , architectural draughting & opensource

*an opensource document*

make 2 mirrored versions

bottom plate (shown dashed for

"A GREENHOUSE FULLA BUCKMINSTER"

m12 coach bolts with 50mm

top of door frame (shown dashed

fixings, ensure to fix ply at 300mm

#1401 | beta release | page size (A4)

plan; side panel construction

pre drill fixings to

140mm top plate above the side

capping node mimics the shape

half hexagonal node

quarter hexagonal node

strut type 3; custom sized

an opensource document