Hi Christine,
Have you checked out Growing Spaces in Pagosa Springs, CO?
https://growingspaces.com/They have geodesic dome greenhouse kits of various sizes. These growing domes have solar panels and several features which add to the energy efficiency. They are designed to be off-grid.
We purchased an 18-foot dome several years ago and may, hopefully, start installation next spring. The 18-foot has an area of 250 square-feet and anything over 200-square-feet has to go through city permitting under our school district rules. This permitting, along with other district requirements for a "permanent" structure...along with COVID... has seriously slowed down installation of our dome. So check on those size/permitting requirements for your district.
I've toured a dome like this in Truckee CA and an convinced that, once built, this will be a great addition to our school's garden program.
Good luck, Linda
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Linda Hulen
Anchorage AK
907 2501837
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-06-2022 11:20:33 AM
From: Christine Mackai
Subject: School Greenhouse
Hi.
This is the first time that I am posting a question here as I am needing some info. I teach at a small northern MN public school and we are wanting to build a greenhouse. Due to our long winter season, we would like to have it heated and essentially be used year-round. While in the planning stages, we are running into many rules and guidelines by the fire marshall and designers of what this structure has to follow in order to have students present using it. This is driving up the costs considerably. I am wondering if other schools that have newer greenhouses built recently had to go through a lot of guidelines or if other older structures needed improvements made? Our main one is fire suppression with a sprinkler system from the ceiling and materials that are more bricks and mortar with glass windows. Our school wants to do this correctly but I'm not sure we can afford what is being designed. I know there are grants out there but it's trying to find the time to write them is my problem. Curious of what others had to face. Thank you!
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Mrs. Christine Mackai
4th Grade Elementary and HS Band Director
Northeast Range School