jenny sabin: the greenhouse and cabinet of future fossils

jenny sabin: the greenhouse and cabinet of future fossilsimage © meagan whetstone

american architectural designer jenny sabin has developed ‘the greenhouse and cabinet of future fossils’ in the american philosophical society‘s garden at the APS museum. it takes the idea of a greenhouse and puts it in a modern context. made of recyclable materials, the 16 meter (52′) long structure requires no heat. 110 cold frames are supported with CNC cut high density polyethylene sheets. the mini-greenhouses are situated between the open structure, and filled with edible and ornamental plants. each box measures 60 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm (24 in x 12 in x 12 in) and is removable and portable, allowing for winter gardening in urban spaces. the entire structure is pre-fabricated locally in philadelphia, USA and assembled on site. the ribs have a recycled  plastic lumber board cross-bracing system, that is bolted into place, allowing for easy assembly and dismantling. the cold frame boxes easily clip into the structure.  

interior view image © brent wahl 

vine canopy image © brent wahl 

cold frames detail image © jenny e. sabin 

planted cold frames image © brent wahl 

(left) cold frames detail image © jenny e. sabin  (right) planted cold frame detail image © brent wahl 

cross rib and splice plate detail image © meagan whetstone 

rendering 

3D model 

dsòfk

rendering of components 

generative studies and fabrication drawings for the greenhouse 

site plan 

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