The Shape Of This Greenhouse Is The Result Of Keeping The Existing Footprint Of A Pool

August 10, 2022
A backyard with a modern and modular greenhouse design.

Canadian design practice STACKLAB, have shared one of their latest projects with us, a greenhouse for their clients in Toronto.

Located in the backyard of a long and narrow lot, the bulbous-shaped Greenhouse replaces an under-utilized lap pool. By keeping the footprint the same, the designers were able to circumvent the need for building permits while increasing usable interior space.

A modern and modular greenhouse design for a backyard.

The greenhouse, which has a modern and curved design, sits on a concrete base that features drainage and radiant heating.

A modern and modular greenhouse in a backyard with a small seating area.

The shape of the greenhouse was generated digitally, based on the maximum bending radii of a standard 10mm polycarbonate sheet, a readily available and recyclable material. The other materials include robotically-milled, marine-grade plywood ribs, created by custom millwork company, MCM.

A modern and modular greenhouse design with a curved shape made from marine-grade plywood ribs and polycarbonate sheet.
A modern and modular greenhouse design with a curved shape made from marine-grade plywood ribs and polycarbonate sheet.
A modern and modular backyard greenhouse design with a curved shape.

Inside, you can see the ribs that make up the structure of the greenhouse. The spacing of the ribs leverages off-the-shelf sheet dimensions, eliminating the need to perform wasteful cuts.

A modern and modular greenhouse design with a curved shape.

The rounded design of the greenhouse allows the temperature to remain regulated, while a pivoting door can be opened for airflow.

A modular greenhouse with marine-grade plywood ribs and shelves, and covered in a standard 10mm polycarbonate sheet.

Due to its modular design, all of the greenhouse parts fit on a flatbed truck, while a boom was used to lift the structure into position.

A modular greenhouse with marine-grade plywood ribs.

Here are a few more close-up photos of the structure.

A modular greenhouse with marine-grade plywood ribs and covered in a standard 10mm polycarbonate sheet
A modular greenhouse with marine-grade plywood ribs and covered in a standard 10mm polycarbonate sheet
Photography by Patrick Biller