Marcos Guiponi

OBJECTIVE

Orchids require a micro-climate within a very specific margin. The environment must control temperature, lighting, humidity, ventilation, irrigation, and nutrients beyond the outside climate.

Three conditions must coexist for the orchid project. There must be at least two different environments, one to favor blossom conditions and another to preserve flowers as long as possible. Simultaneously, there must be sufficient conditions to be able to expose and show the flowers and go through the space as an experience.

Two greenhouses were manufactured, one for preserve and exhibition, another for blossom. The proposal is a transparent prototype, portable and adaptable that generates the perfect climate for the orchid survival.

A double envelope passively solves the environment and formally exposes it.
The outer translucent membrane protects from wind and cold, directs the wind towards the air intake, and, depending on the orientation, exposes the orchids in the interior. The inner membrane stops direct sunlight, generates the required bright environment, and also allows to see the environment from the inside. Between membranes, a ventilated chamber is formed laterally. The air intake is through the floor and in case the passive systems are not sufficient, the same automation system that controls the lighting activates the air extractors.

Two large doors are installed on the sides of the greenhouse, creating a second natural ventilation tunnel when active and open hours, making a formal statement of “open doors” inviting visitors from nearby public spaces.

CONTEXT

In times of global pandemic, Ana Paula, passionate about botany, specifically orchids, turned her hobby into a business: Greenhouse Orchid, and commissioned us to design a greenhouse that would also serve as an exhibition.

The business works mainly online, but the built object if successful should also operate as a virtual object, shared by social networks, achieving a great differential with other online flower businesses.