BC Greenhouse builds structure for Edible Schoolyard Project in New York

BC Greenhouse Builders, leading North American custom greenhouse manufacturer of hobby, commercial and estate greenhouses is currently installing a commercial greenhouse on the grounds of a public school as part of The Edible Schoolyard program. Created by Alice Water's, the mission is to build and share an edible education curriculum for kindergarten through high school: "Our vision is for gardens and kitchens to become interactive classrooms for academic subjects, and for every student to have a free, nutritious, organic lunch. If this program is integrated into schools, the curriculum could transform the health and values of every child in America."

In conjunction with Work AC, the architects on the project, the classroom greenhouse is the heart of the project at PS 216. “We were approached in late 2011 to provide quotes and specifications for this greenhouse so it’s great to see it come to life,” says Kyle Exner, Business Manager for BC Greenhouse Builders. “What makes this greenhouse interesting is the unique design created by the team at Work AC. The greenhouse has a reverse design where it slopes from the front to the back and incorporates a slight tilt on the front wall. This is meant to capture the maximum amount of winter sun for year round growing.”

At 17x46, the greenhouse is extremely spacious and strong with over 15 foot high sidewalls and a substantial truss and purlin support system.

“What was critical for the construction of this greenhouse was to ensure safety for the students, that all building codes are met and that the space is the most efficient for their use,” says Exner.

The Edible School Yard New York states on their website: “Today nearly 50% of NYC’s public elementary school students are obese or overweight. They’re part of the first generation of children forecast to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. A childhood plagued by obesity could result in an adulthood hampered by heart disease, cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure.”

“As a company, the team was really excited about this project because many of us have school age children and we can relate to the need to ensure a healthy future for our children,” says Angela Drake, Marketing Director at BC Greenhouse Builders. “The lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a problem that can be solved through the combined efforts of a community.”

Alice Waters calls The Edible Schoolyard project a “delicious revolution” and with good reason. There are over 375 chapters in the US and Canada growing herbs, salad leaves, fruit trees, corn tomatoes, and some even grow wheat to grind for pizza dough.

BC Greenhouse Builders, founded in 1951, had their own mission in mind. The team endeavored to create a high quality greenhouse that provide structural strength but was modular and adaptable in the design and virtually maintenance free.

“It’s important to build a structure that is not only strong but also easy to maintain that will not result in long term additional costs for the school,” says Kyle Exner. “We know that they will have great success with the greenhouse and it will serve the community for decades.”

For more information:
BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd.
www.bcgreenhouses.com
[email protected]