Custom Greenhouses
With a wealth of knowledge designing energy-efficient greenhouses for over a decade, we at Ceres are well equipped to design your Custom Commercial Greenhouse or Custom Residential Greenhouse. For residential projects we also offer Custom Design Development Services in some instances where an architect has already been hired for design of the project.
Custom Commercial Greenhouses
Ceres commercial custom grow greenhouse design are passive solar inspired structures designed for spaces over 3,000 sq. ft. These dimensions are customized to suit the site and operational layout. Our custom commercial greenhouses are constructed with steel framing, the strongest and longest-lasting framing material. Framing can span up to 80′ (depending on snow loads), allowing greater flexibility with layout options. Custom projects have longer design times and slightly higher build costs than our greenhouse kit options. Pricing starts at $45 per square foot.
Custom Residential Greenhouses
We provide consulting, design and architectural drawing, and engineering services for our custom residential greenhouses. Custom residential greenhouse designs are based on our passive solar design principles. Size and potential complexity of a project are determining factors for how customized a project can be. We will work with your existing Architect or Engineer to conceive and implement the greenhouse that fits your goals. Depending on the complexity and needs of the project you might want to consider our greenhouse consulting option: Custom Design Development Services.
Custom Design Development Services
This package incorporates our established passive greenhouse principles with our in-house design expertise in order to establish a healthy growing environment for your plants. Custom Greenhouse Design Development is only available if you have an existing architect and/or structural engineer, or are an architect/engineer looking for greenhouse specific design support.
Included in the Custom Greenhouse Design Development Package:
- Plans for your residential greenhouse:
- Plan, elevations, sections and 3D views
- Sun study
- One set of revisions (this is a revision of the greenhouse shell and does not include design details)
- Collaborating/supporting your architect
- Material Greenhouse Specific Recommendations:
- Glazing (light-transmitting materials)
- Insulation
- Moisture proof strategies
- Climate Control Systems Sizing and Recommendations:
- Calculation time for sizing equipment (ventilation and additional heating and cooling systems)
- Placement of equipment
- Recommended supplier list
- Possible Additions:
- Grow Support Layout: Interior Layout and Basic Planting Plan
Greenhouse Consulting Package Does Not Include:
- Structural or stamped drawings
- If a structure is designed with glass, the client and architect will be responsible for glazing details and design. *When selecting glass, will recommend product specification
- Architect will be responsible for structural details and attachment to house
Access Residential Greenhouse Related Brochures
Custom Greenhouse Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a custom year round greenhouse depends on a lot of things, primarily the size, how “customized” the greenhouse is designed, how you source the materials and who builds it. A custom commercial greenhouse will vary in cost from custom greenhouse kits, and from residential greenhouses. For more information contact us.
This varies greatly by location, what you are trying to grow, and whether you are growing for personal use or commercial sales. In areas with mild winters, a residential passive solar greenhouses can grow year-round without any back-up heating. Greenhouses in cold areas can even grow very hardy crops year-round without heating. However, to grow a wider variety of crops, in most cold climates an energy-efficient greenhouse will require some back-up heating. This is usually turned on during a few very cold nights a year — the extreme cold snaps — when a GAHT® system, thermal mass, or phase change material is not sufficient to keep temperatures high enough.
Residential growers typically add an electric heater for the coldest times of the year. Commercial growers typically integrate propane or electric heat. We can help you integrate a back-up heater when designing your commercial greenhouse.
Yes! Attached greenhouses have many advantages, such as provide passive solar heating for the home. However, they require specialized materials and air exchanges for an energy-efficient structure. Depending on the project, we will sometimes team with Architects and local contractors in building durable, beautiful and efficient greenhouses.
Many solar greenhouse designers recommend using a roof angle that is perpendicular to the angle of the sun in the winter. While this does indeed maximize light transmission in the winter, the effect of a lower angle is not severe. We explain this relationship much further in our blog, Choosing the Best Roof Angle for your Greenhouse. Furthermore, there are a few logistical challenges to creating very steep pitch — you cannot use glass view windows on the south; it can reduce headroom or create an awkwardly tall greenhouse. Due to these pros and cons, most of our residential growers are built with a shallow angle roof. If you have a need for a steeply pitched roof, just ask us.
Yes, we work with clients all over the world. We can sometimes design custom greenhouse kits depending on your location and the specifics needed for your greenhouse.
We can help with sourcing greenhouse specific materials such as controllers, polycarbonate roof-materials and other climate control equipment. However, you and your contractor will be responsible for sourcing all other materials locally.
No, since we work with clients all over the U.S. and even internationally we do not do permitting. If there are resources you or your architect needs in order to apply for a permit, our Architectural Design Team will do our best to support you in this process.
No. Ceres is a Design & Engineering firm, so we do not build the greenhouse. We work with contractors all over the US and can give recommendations depending on your location. Regardless, our team will be there for you every step of the way from design to construction and will be happy to answer questions along the way.
We have a referral list of contractors our clients have worked with, and can make recommendations based on your site location.
Yes, however you will need to contact another firm that specializes in pools. Our focus at Ceres is to create an energy-efficient environment, for happy healthy plant growth. We don’t recommend chlorine pools because it can be harmful to the plants. If you are interested in integrating a pool we recommend a nature pool.
Yes, however, If a structure is designed with glass, you and your architect will be responsible for glazing details and design. When selecting glass, we can recommend product specifications or companies that specialize in glass panels or conservatories.
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Take the Virtual Tour
Join us on a tour of a Ceres operating residential greenhouse. Or learn how to grow fresh food in a controlled environment in your backyard.
Finance Your Greenhouse
Looking for financial help?
We can help you find funding for your greenhouse project.