Jenny Sabin: the greenhouse and cabinet of future fossils


interior view east
image © meagan whetstone



american architectural designer jenny sabin has developed 'the greenhouse and cabinet of future fossils'
in the american philosophical society's garden. 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