Many people try their hand at making their homes more eco-friendly to save energy as well as money, not to mention doing their bit to help with the environment. Charles Sacilotto and Marie Granmar are one such couple, and their efforts for energy conservation are quite remarkable – they have built a massive greenhouse around their entire home!
This unique approach is actually pretty effective, as it allows their home to be heated through natural solar power gained through the greenhouse. It creates an almost humid atmosphere within the glass walls and can help to keep their home warm in colder months such as January.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, the couple explains “At the end of January it can be -2°C (28.4°F) outside and it can be 15 to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) upstairs.”
Having purchased their own property, the couple decided to erect a massive greenhouse structure that encases their house, which is almost double the size. The secure glass is 4mm thick and is resistant to the natural elements to prevent any damage.
There is also additional space left between the house and the greenhouse, allowing the couple to further expand their outdoor living area. The external roof has now been re-purposed into a terrace, so they can now relax in the warm climate.
And it wouldn’t be a real greenhouse without some vegetation! They have installed a vegetable and fruit garden, along with various other plants including grape trees.
It isn’t all plain-sailing mind you, as Sweden can get pretty cold during the winter! “This is not a house where you get perfect climatization all year round,” Granmar explains. This is why the couple still needs indoor heating for these periods.
