FaQ
What is The Greenhouse of the Future?
It is a comprehensive educational package (32-lesson video course + 290-page eBook and plans) that teaches you how to build a sustainable, passive solar greenhouse using recycled and natural materials. The design combines Earthship principles, passive solar energy, geothermal systems, and thermal mass to create a resilient structure that can produce food year-round and even function as a shelter.
The technologies and concepts that have inspired the design of this greenhouse have been proven by over 40 years of research and development by Michael Reynolds’ Earthship homes as well as the many studies on passive solar greenhouses.
What’s included in the pack?
A 70-minute high-resolution documentary
Over 200 pages of detailed explanations in an eBook
3D animations to visualize construction steps
Step-by-step building instructions
40 pages of professional building plans (metric & imperial)
High-quality illustrations and diagrams
Access to proven sustainable concepts and techniques valued at over $2,000
Will the greenhouse overheat in the summer?
No. The design creates a natural air-conditioning effect without electricity, using 4 passive principles:
Inverted Thermal Mass: Just like a cave or a stone cathedral remains cool in August, the massive earth-filled tire walls absorb excess heat during the day, keeping the interior comfortable.
Geothermal Cooling (Earth Tubes): Incoming air is drawn through tubes buried 6-8 feet underground, where the soil temperature is stable (approx. 50-60°F), naturally cooling the air before it enters the greenhouse.
The Chimney Effect: Roof vents allow hot air to escape naturally, creating a vacuum that pulls fresh, cool air in from the earth tubes.
Auto-Shading: The roof angle is calculated to block the high, intense summer sun while allowing the low winter sun to penetrate deep into the structure.
Can this structure serve as an emergency shelter?
Absolutely. This is more than a greenhouse; it is an autonomous ecosystem. Thanks to its massive thermal battery (tire walls) and passive solar design, the structure maintains above-freezing temperatures even during harsh winters without any active heating.
In a grid-down scenario or energy crisis, this greenhouse becomes a safe, warm, and sun-filled sanctuary—independent of external power or gas—where your family can stay warm and continue to produce food.
Are tires safe to use in construction?
Yes. Multiple studies and over 40 years of Earthship building experience show that entombed tires pose minimal environmental or health risks when properly used:
They are buried and covered with cob or cement, making them inert.
Carbon black in tires has extremely low vapor pressure (< 0.1 mmHg), so it does not off-gas.
Tires don’t leach toxins if not exposed to sunlight, high heat, or oxidizing chemicals.
Recyc-Québec (a government agency) states that buried tires “remain stable, produce no leachate and no biogas”
What about fire safety?
Unlike piles of exposed tires, rammed-earth tire walls covered with cob are fireproof. There’s no oxygen reaching the tires, and their ignition temperature is 500 °C (higher than wood). Historical cases show tire walls remained intact even after house fires
Do I need a building permit in the US?
Regulations vary by state and county. In many areas, structures under a certain size (often 120-200 sq. ft.) may not require a full permit if classified as an "accessory structure" or "agricultural building."
However, for larger permanent structures, a permit is likely required. The good news is that Earthship-style buildings (which use the same tire-wall principles) have been permitted and built in all 50 states. Our package includes professional architectural plans (imperial units) to help you communicate effectively with your local building department.
How much does it cost to build?
The cost is highly flexible. While a turnkey project with new materials might cost around $6k-$8k USD, the design is meant for resourcefulness. By scavenging recycled materials (tires are often free at tire shops, bottles from restaurants, reclaimed wood/pallets), many of our builders have completed their greenhouse for a fraction of that cost—spending money primarily on the polycarbonate glazing and waterproofing membranes. It essentially costs your "sweat equity."
What materials are required?
Main components include:
Recycled tires (foundation & walls)
Compacted earth (thermal mass)
Polycarbonate sheets (south glazing)
Wood structure & insulation
Drainage pipes, French drains & earth tubes
Bottles & cob for decorative and functional wall sections
Can the design be adapted to different climates?
Yes. The generic model is optimized for latitudes 35°–55° N, but can be adapted by:
Adjusting roof angles for solar gain
Adding reflective tarpaulins in extreme cold
Using optional backup heating in very harsh winters
Modifying ventilation strategies in hot climates
What systems are included or recommended?
Passive solar energy (south glazing, insulated north wall)
Geothermal air tubes for ventilation & temperature control
AGS (Annualized Geothermal Solar) system for deep thermal storage
Rainwater harvesting from the roof into barrels (also used as thermal mass)
Optional: rocket stoves, aquaponics, vertical growing systems, automatic vents
Can I build it myself or do I need professionals?
The design is intended for self-builders with basic DIY skills. It uses simple, accessible methods and can be built with family, friends, or volunteers. Workshops in Quebec involved dozens of unskilled volunteers under guidance. However, professional help is recommended for structural or permit-related steps
How long does construction take?
In the Bromont example:
Basic structure: ~14 days spread over 4 months
Finishing: ~12 days the following spring
Total: ~26 workdays with volunteer teams of 10–15 people per workshop
Why invest in such a greenhouse?
Building a Greenhouse of the Future is more than just growing vegetables — it’s about creating a resilient, sustainable ecosystem that supports food security, energy autonomy, and even offers a potential living or refuge space.
Key benefits include:
🌱 Food self-reliance: Grow fresh, organic produce year-round, regardless of external supply chains or weather.
🔥 Energy savings: The passive solar design drastically reduces heating and energy costs over time.
♻️ Environmental impact: Using recycled materials like tires, bottles, and reclaimed wood minimizes your ecological footprint.
🛠️ Economic resilience: Long-term savings on food and energy often offset the building cost in just a few years.
🏡 Shelter potential: The structure’s insulation, thermal mass, and autonomous systems make it more than a greenhouse — it can serve as a warm, safe, energy-efficient refuge in times of crisis, or even as a micro-living space for off-grid lifestyles.
🌿 Lifestyle and well-being: Many builders use these spaces as sunrooms, workshops, creative studios, or gathering places that remain bright and comfortable throughout the year.
In essence, investing in this kind of greenhouse is an investment in autonomy, resilience, and a sustainable future — for food, energy, and even habitation.
Who developed the project?
The concept was created by Francis Gendron, inspired by Earthship Biotecture in Taos (New Mexico), in collaboration with Christian Désilets and Curt Close, with contributions from designers, illustrators, volunteers, and sustainable building experts