Location: New Castle, CO
Climate Zone: Cold & Mixed-Dry/6a
Size: Custom 60′ x 120′ GH/ 15′ x 120′ attached north headhouse
Application: Commercial
Crop(s) Grown: Leafy greens, fruiting vegetables, root vegetables, and other produce
Ceres Technologies: Vented greenhouse, GAHT® system, ETFE glazing
Date Completed: 2023
Design Summary:
Nutrient Farm “slow-grows” food, utilizing healthy soil and natural sunlight. The ability to harvest full-spectrum sun light in a greenhouse is desired because it contains ultraviolet light, which is essential for making plants more medicinal and nutritionally-dense. Filtering light frequencieswith polycarbonate, fluorescent, or other indoor grow bulbs just can’t compete with what plants would naturally receive outdoors when it comes to spectrum and lumens. Nutrient Farm’s Greenhouse is the first building in the world to receive triple-layer ETFE glazing. The vertical triple-layer ETFE walls are all clear to allow for unobstructed views into and out of the greenhouse, while the roof has two layers of clear and 1 layer of diffused ETFE for more even lighting throughout the greenhouse. Envisioned as a sanctuary of sustainability, this property is set to become an off-grid solar electric powered fun-park, including such attractions as ziplines and electric ATVs. Central to its vision is a highly efficient greenhouse, designed to be a future source of fresh produce for an adjoining restaurant yet to be constructed. The greenhouse stands robust with a heavy gauge steel frame. Designed for efficiency, the greenhouse features a sophisticated ventilation system that directs airflow from south to north. It incorporates insulated intake louvers on the lower south wall and exhaust fans positioned high on the north wall, ensuring a constant renewal of air. Complementing this structure is an 1,800 sqft headhouse attached to the north side, integral to the facility’s operation and serving as the brain of this green architectural marvel.
