Three engineering students at l’Université de Sherbrooke spent three years designing and building their perfect greenhouse.

They set out to build a smart green building, which would be entirely off-grid, and a model for future construction projects, while also promoting food autonomy.  

The three-by-six-metre structure — called VG360 — is made of cedar, with an inclined south-facing window wall, solar panels, and a red metal roof. 

And it does not need a power source. 

“We believe it is possible to build greenhouses — and other houses — using less power,” said Valerie Pouliot, one of the students on the project. “We want to build green to be better for the environment.” 

The team started by excavating five feet into the ground, and then added insulation using rocks and sand, essentially creating an underground cooler, into which the greenhouse will pump hot air, explained building engineering student Raphael Boisjoly-Sallafranque.

The double-beamed walls and roof each have more than a foot of insulation, so all the heat that’s brought into the building thanks to the window and solar panels will stay inside, keeping the greenhouse warm during the cold winter months. 

“It’s gonna be our first test winter, so we’re gonna be able to see the performance of it,” Boisjoly-Sallafranque said. “Which is why we haven’t released the plans yet, because we want to make sure the concept is viable.”

The solar panels generate electricity, which can be stored and used for at least three days in the event of inclement weather, Pouliot explained. 

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