A Small Sand Point Greenhouse Packs a Super Eco-Friendly Punch

Reclaimed materials and a rainwater-harvesting system put the ‘green’ in this bright greenhouse

By Lauren Mang January 10, 2014

0114greenhouse_0

This article originally appeared in the January 2014 issue of Seattle magazine.

Most people wouldn’t call Seattle a prime location for growing plants native to South America. But try telling that to the leafy tamarillo tree (sometimes called a “tree tomato”) reaching up toward the glass roof of Carrie Rhodes’ pretty blue-and-green backyard greenhouse in Sand Point. The plant, with its egg-shaped red fruit, reminds Rhodes of her time spent working as a nurse in Ecuador. “They grow everywhere there,” she says. “I loved that plant and when I came back, I wanted to [grow] it here.” Thanks to Seattle’s climate, a greenhouse was in order. Rhodes collaborated with architect and interior designer Sheri Newbold of Live-work-play (live-work-play.net), a Greenwood-based firm specializing in eco-friendly designs. “I hadn’t actually designed a greenhouse before,” Newbold says. “It ended up being a lot of research and trial and error, but a lot of fun figuring it all out.”
The pair toiled over the design for months, gathering reclaimed materials, such as old school bleachers for the flooring and shelving, a salvaged school cabinet for storage and siding. They also decided to take advantage of our wet weather: A rainwater pillow (akin to a rain barrel) sits underneath the greenhouse’s floor and collects and stores water, which Rhodes can use for her plants. To maintain temperature consistency, the 8-by-10-foot structure’s south-facing windows are removable (for the summertime), and there is a retractable storage rack on the north side’s exterior. A temperature-sensitive vent automatically opens and closes the skylights via expanding and contracting wax within a hydraulic cylinder, keeping the greenhouse working without a hitch when Rhodes is traveling. (Photo left: Most of the wood—shelving, siding and cabinetry—is reclaimed, including the railing, made from found pieces of driftwood)
“I like to come out here and sit in my chair, read a book and have a cup of tea,” says Rhodes, all while admiring her thriving tree tomato, of course. (Photo below: A convenient watering sink inside the greenhouse)

 

Follow Us

Water World Wonder

Water World Wonder

Unique artistic collaboration invites water into stunning Lake Washington home

Swivel Interiors founder Kathleen Glossa lured five innovative local artists to a newly purchased vacation property perched on the northern edge of Lake Washington. Photo by Andrew Giammarco

Minecraft Motivation

Minecraft Motivation

Couple uses video game for renovation inspiration

They had a hard time visualizing what their new home might look like, so they turned to Minecraft, a hugely popular video game Microsoft markets as a tool for creative types to “battle mobs, construct shelter, and explore the landscape.” They had been playing the game for years, and didn’t need to consult the box

Trees, Whales, Wine

Trees, Whales, Wine

Browne Family Vineyards takes on climate change

Since late last year, Walla Walla’s Browne Family Vineyards has planted more than 120,000 trees in a reforestation effort to mitigate climate change on vineyards and grapes.

A Light-Filled  Oasis

A Light-Filled Oasis

Mercer Island residence embraces natural beauty by drawing it inside

When Kent and Lisa Sacia decided to put a bow on their latest remodeling triumph, they turned to a trusted collaborator, Sander Groves Landscaping President Dan Groves. He was more than happy to take on the project, a reimagining of a 1972 Northwest contemporary by a noted Mercer Island architect. “I am in a position to…