The Engineering of a Wunderbar Greenhouse

An effective greenhouse must balance light transmission, environmental control, and structural durability. Our Amish Built Greenhouses are designed around these core principles.

1. High-Performance Glazing (Light and Insulation)

The glazing material is the most critical component. We utilize high-quality polycarbonate glazing, which offers superior performance over glass or plastic film.

• Optimal Light Diffusion: Polycarbonate diffuses sunlight. This prevents harsh shadows and hot spots that can burn plants, ensuring light reaches the lower foliage and promoting even growth.

   

• Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable. It withstands hail and environmental debris, protecting your crops.

• Thermal Efficiency: Multi-wall polycarbonate options provide significantly higher insulation (R-value) than single-layer materials. This stabilizes the internal temperature, reducing heating costs in winter and preventing rapid heat loss at night.

• UV Stability: We use UV-treated polycarbonate designed to resist yellowing and degradation, ensuring high light transmission for years.

2. Robust Construction (The Amish Built Advantage)

Our greenhouses are built like structures, not kits. The "Amish Built" distinction signifies a commitment to structural integrity.

• Durable Framing: We use robust framing materials engineered to provide rigidity and support the glazing securely. This structure is designed to withstand regional wind and snow loads.

• The Hybrid Design Advantage: We often utilize a hybrid construction approach, incorporating a knee wall (lower wall section) built with materials like LP SmartSide.

  • Durability: LP SmartSide is an engineered wood product treated to resist rot, decay, and moisture—critical in a humid greenhouse environment.

  • Insulation: A solid knee wall provides better insulation at the base, protecting root systems from extreme temperature fluctuations.

• Meticulous Assembly: Precision construction ensures tight seals between the framing and the glazing. This prevents air leakage, improves thermal efficiency, and keeps pests out.

3. Environmental Control (Ventilation)

A sealed environment must have effective ventilation. Managing airflow is critical for temperature regulation and humidity control to prevent overheating and fungal diseases.

• Strategic Venting: Our designs incorporate functional windows and vents to allow excess heat to escape and ensure adequate air exchange.

• Automation Options: We offer upgrades to automated, temperature-sensitive vent openers. These systems automatically open and close vents as the temperature changes, providing consistent environmental control without manual intervention.

Applications: Control Your Growing Environment

A Wunderbar Amish Built Greenhouse is a tool for production. It provides the control necessary to enhance food security and horticultural success.

Season Extension and Winter Growing

Start growing earlier in the spring and continue harvesting later into the fall and winter. The stabilized environment protects plants from frost and allows for the cultivation of cold-hardy crops year-round.

Seed Starting and Propagation

Gain a significant advantage by starting seeds indoors in an optimal environment. This ensures robust seedlings ready for transplanting and reduces reliance on costly nursery starts.

Food Security and Control

Maximize yield and control the quality of your food. A greenhouse allows you to manage the growing conditions and inputs, ensuring chemical-free, nutrient-dense produce.

Specialized Horticulture

Cultivate plants that cannot thrive in your local climate. The controlled environment is ideal for tropical plants, citrus, or specialized crops requiring specific temperature and humidity levels.