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