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 (English & French)
Over 200 pages of detailed explanations in an eBook (English & French)
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
How does the greenhouse maintain a stable temperature all year long?
It relies on passive solar orientation, buried walls, geothermal air tubes, thermal mass (rammed earth in tires), and optionally an Annualized Geothermal Solar (AGS) system.
The ground’s stable temperature (5–15 °C at 2 m depth) and smart insulation enable the structure to stay warm in winter and cool in summer — often without any additional heating
Can it be used as more than just a greenhouse?
Yes. In addition to growing fresh, local, organic food, the structure can also act as a resilient shelter, a warm sunroom in winter, or even a small autonomous space in case of crisis. Many users use it as a place to relax, work, or gather while being energy-efficient
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
Is it legal to build one?
Many municipalities require a building permit, but The Greenhouse of the Future concept has already been applied successfully in various regions. The pilot project in Bromont, Canada, obtained approval by submitting signed plans, clear documentation, and maintaining good communication with authorities.
Moreover, similar passive solar greenhouses and Earthship-style buildings have been built in diverse climates and countries worldwide, proving the adaptability of the concept:
🌿 Earthships on every continent
More than 2,000 Earthships have been built globally, in a wide range of climates and countries.
The Global Model Earthship has been specifically designed to be built “anywhere in the world, in any climate.”
Examples can be found across North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia .
🏡 Passive solar greenhouses worldwide
Mongolia: The NGO Geres has supported rural communities in building bioclimatic greenhouses since 2010, using simple, local, solar-based techniques.
China: So-called “Chinese solar greenhouses” cover hundreds of thousands of hectares in Northern China, enabling large-scale winter vegetable production without fossil fuels.
Spain: The IAAC built the “Solar Greenhouse” prototype in Barcelona’s Collserola Natural Park, using local materials and zero-kilometre resources for energy and food autonomy.
Arid regions: Projects such as the Seawater Greenhouse in Cape Verde, the UAE, Oman, and Australia combine solar and evaporative systems to grow food in extreme conditions .
This global track record shows that Earthship principles and passive solar greenhouse techniques are widely accepted and adaptable, which can help when presenting your project to local authorities or communities.
How much does it cost to build?
Based on the Bromont pilot project, the total cost was approximately $8,500 CAD, including permits, materials, specialized finishes, training, and some machinery.
However, costs can be significantly lower depending on your situation. Many key materials — such as tires, bottles, wood, cardboard, and membranes — can often be recovered for free or at very low cost from garages, restaurants, construction sites, or recycling centers.
In Bromont, for example:
211 tires were collected for free from nearby garages.
180 wine bottles were recovered from a local restaurant to create bottle-bricks for the walls.
Wood doors, membranes, tarps, and other materials were sourced from local businesses willing to give away unused or discarded items.
With creativity, community involvement, and strategic material recovery, you can lower the total construction cost considerably compared to the reference budget
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