Hello everyone: I am building my home with ICFs and SIPs; we recently decided to add a freestanding greenhouse to the house. We cannot attach it to the house because of square footage limits (local ordinance). So we're deciding to build it freestanding -- but not too far from the rear of the house (~20 - 25 feet away). What components / suggestions / ideas can you give me for this project? Any advice would be appreciated.

I don't know greenhouses very well but I will take a stab, since no one else has. ICF frost walls all around, a full ICF wall on the North and knee high on the other sides. Cover the ICFs with a dark synthetic stucco coating inside and out. Dual pane glass for the three upper walls and roof, with venting panes at the ridge that you can open up in the summer. Patio doors also to help vent in the summer. A dark concrete floor, with drains, dark to collect heat. Maybe a loose stone floor.

Brad,

Thank you for that. I am starting this project soon - and will keep you updated.

Any updates on this project?  I'd be interested in seeing what you ended up with and if there is anything you do diffrent.

@Trooper4985, no updates as of yet. New Jersey local townships make it really hard for us builders. Nonetheless, we're moving along. Seems like we're building a passive solar greenhouse sometime next year. Will keep you posted.

Thanks,

Samir Shah