Location: Tucson, Arizona
Scope: Custom-designed smart greenhouse conservatory – Inside Our Latest Conservatory Project: How Folding Walls & Smart Automation Create the Perfect Green Oasis
Key Systems: Full automation, aquatic integration, low-energy cooling, architectural compliance, indoor-outdoor access
Turning the Desert Into a Grower’s Paradise
In the high desert of Tucson, Arizona, we designed and built a fully automated greenhouse conservatory capable of thriving year-round. This project was all about balancing advanced growing technology with the challenges of an extreme desert environment—and doing it beautifully.
Key Challenges Solved
The Tucson climate presented intense challenges, from triple-digit heat to freezing winters. The greenhouse needed to maintain a consistent indoor environment, between 60 and 80 degrees, with stable humidity.
We engineered a custom roof system to manage the area’s monsoon seasons, designing four separate roof sections to shed large volumes of water quickly. The structure also had to comply with strict building codes limiting height and preventing light pollution, so we created a low-profile design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding desert.
Full Automation Package
This conservatory features a complete automation system. It controls temperature, humidity, airflow, irrigation, and lighting through programmable climate scenarios.
The client can manage the environment remotely, whether they’re away for the day or out of town for weeks. This makes the space both highly functional and low maintenance.
Unique Features
One of the most unique elements is the integrated aquatic zone—a pond-like environment for fish and aquatic plants. This required special airflow and humidity balancing to support the added moisture.
Rather than relying on traditional HVAC, we used evaporative cooling, horizontal airflow fans, and exterior-mounted shades. These systems lower the temperature by up to 10 degrees during the hottest parts of the day with minimal energy use.
We also installed a large tri-folding glass door, allowing the greenhouse to open completely to the adjacent pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen. It connects the growing space directly to the client’s everyday living area.
A Diverse Growing Environment
Inside, the conservatory supports a wide range of plant life—from tropicals and perennials to full vegetable gardens and citrus trees. The contrast between the native desert outside and the lush, vibrant plant life inside creates a truly immersive growing experience.
Designed for Longevity
Our team planned for more than just the initial installation. We considered how the space would function years down the line, as plants mature, transpire, and change the internal climate. Every system was designed to support this natural evolution.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
The tri-fold doors create a seamless flow between indoor growing and outdoor entertaining. It’s the kind of space where you can step out of the pool, walk into the conservatory, pick a tomato, and toss it straight on the grill.
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