Temporary Greenhouse for Plant-Based Research

Greenhouses are multifacted tools that can be used in various situations.

A small, easily mobile greenhouse could be utilized as a small research facility for plant-based study. The greenhouse I created is structured around supporting plant life for propogation and research.

1. Sketchbook with a pencil & eraser
2. 0.35mm Archival ink pen - that's just the kind I used, any regular pen would work
3. Ruler
4. Computer
5. Autodesk Account
6. Autodesk Revit - I used Revit 2026, but previous versions would work just as well

For the next step, I determined what would make up the composition of the structure. I compiled a series of shapes and potential materials in Google Slides that are the best for greenhouse design as shown above for some examples. For extra material & shape ideas - look it up on Google! There are so many materials and designs that make every greenhouse different.

My goal was to find which shape would provide an economical, easy-to-use design for the greenhouse.

I chose a simple a-frame, as it would provide a small space that is easy to put up and take down as needed during the spring and fall when weather conditions are irregular.

In determining materials, I considered sustainability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness for each material. I determined that these would be my materials for the structural design of the building:

Walls: Polyethelene Panels

Framing: Bamboo

Gutter & Drainage System: Aluminum

Think about how you want your greenhouse to look. Do you want it to be tall? What will the inside look like? Jot down some ideas and see how your thoughts come together!

In my sketch, I decided to add an overall outline of the design along with a basic cross-section to demonstrate how the interior space could be used. I started with a pencil sketch and went over it with pen for emphasis. I also added in a potential rooftop gutter system to collect rainfall and guide it directly into the plant beds in order to optimize environmental resources.

Make sure that you have an Autodesk account, whether it be paid or a student account. If you don't already have Revit installed, make sure to set aside some time to let it install!

To start, click on the file tab and create a new project model.

Naviagate to the "datum" section in the Architecture tab, and click "grid". Create a single grid line in the middle of the 4 cross section marks.

Click on the cross section to view the grid line. Click the "roof" selection under the architecture tab. Click "roof by extrusion" to create your roof shape. To choose the work plane, click "name", and "grid:1". Create your shape, and slope, and once you're done, click the green check mark!

In my case with the a-frame, I clicked on the roof and changed the rafter cut to "two-cut plumb" in order to make the roof level with the ground. Make sure that your detail level is set to "fine".

In the L1 - floor plan view, use the arrows at the top and bottom of the shape to stretch it to fit your desired length.

Add in two more grid lines in your desired locations through the copy & paste function. Now you have your basic a-frame design!

You can use the beam & column tools in the structural tab to add columns & beams to your design as you see fit. I decided to add three beam frames, three support columns, and two beams that would run along the front and back entrances. The front and back beams are tube steel, to act as a funnel if needed. I set the roof type to "glazing" in order to give it the transparent appearance.

Add some extra details and flair to your design! I added in a wooden floor and some transparent panels for the front and back to make it a cohesive structure. I also added in some C-beams on the front and back to act as collectors for rainwater that could potentially funnel directly through the hollow columns.

Where Revit didn't have the exact materials I chose, I decided to represent my materials as follows:

W12x26 Framing Beams: Bamboo

All Exterior Glazing System Panels: Polyethelene Panels

HSS6x6x5/8 Columns: Aluminum

C-Beams: Aluminum