Kendra Shillington's 8'x10' Cedar Gable Greenhouse

Kendra Shillington understands the human mind better than most. In fact, it’s her job to know how our brains work and why we make the choices we do.  Kendra is an experience Architect ,  a position that has placed her squarely at the very front of the still emerging realm of design thinking. Not only does the job require an intimate and scientific grasp of both the potential and limitations of the brain, but it demands long hours, leadership, public speaking, and sometimes international travel.  Healthy lifestyle choices like yoga, meditation and acupuncture help her replenish the mental and physical capital that a career like this demands, and a diet heavy in organically grown produce leafy green vegetables is also essential for staying focused and maintaining a high level of mental and physical stamina.  

Kendra’s organic garden sits tucked behind the garage and yields nutrient packed produce like a theme park yields fun. Kale, spinach, mustard greens, lettuces and arugula have been making regular appearances on the dinner menu for some time now, but just recently Kendra added a greenhouse to increase the efficiency and production of her backyard homestead.

This sturdy 8’x10’ gable style greenhouse was framed with rough sawed red cedar 2”x4” lumber which dwarfs the standard 1.5”x1.5” framing lumber dimensions frequently used on prefabricated kit greenhouses. Rafters and studs are spaced 24” apart and connected with high performance wood screws to create a rigid frame capable of supporting heavy wind, snow and ice loads.  Kendra opted for Polygal 8mil twin wall polycarbonate glazing, which has far greater insulation value than single pane glass, and is virtually shatterproof – a good choice for reducing heating costs, and creating a safer environment, especially where children and seniors may be present.

This high performance greenhouse glazing material has nearly 90% light transmission and a UV coating to help prevent discoloration, and while Kendra’s greenhouse was built on an existing concrete slab that had once supported a shed, this cedar gable greenhouse design can be built atop a custom poured concrete slab, or a knee wall made of wood, stone or masonry. During the warmer months, automatic vent window openers will control the four vents in the structure’s roof, and a portable propane greenhouse heater till take the bite out of frigid winter nights.

What will Kendra grow in her new greenhouse? The sky is limit. Heirloom seedlings. Citrus trees. Flowers, perhaps.  But whatever she chooses to grow and whatever the season, this sturdy, elegant enhancement to her organic garden can handle whatever mother  nature can dream up, and still provide the perfect indoor grow environment.

Kendra Shillington's 8'x10' Gable Greenhouse from Microfarm Organic Gardens on Vimeo.

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