DIY greenhouse: How do I connect and seal the windows?

[GasSavers_maximilian]

How big are you thinking anyway?

[theholycow]

However big will use up my material. I envisioned something quite large, freestanding in the middle of my backyard but really it could be a lot smaller. I guess if it's relatively small then its affect on the house's heating/cooling won't be an issue.

I think my vision was probably like 12x20 or so, which would probably be huge and way more than anything my wife could use. I do want it to be large enough for her to go in there with a chaise lounge and relax. Maybe I should make it 8x10 or so.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

I have an 8x12 shed that's solid enough that it doesn't really warp when it frost heaves. Goes up as one unit, then sinks back down as one. Just have it on blocks. Obviously if it's attached to the house that's not an option!

[theholycow]

Actually, if it's attached to the house, I could almost hang it off the house and let it float over the ground...

[GasSavers_maximilian]

8' overhang? Wow. Maybe with some cables or chains (could be buried in the wall)? Sure, I guess, as long as you've got something firm to anchor to and your supports are sized accordingly. Get more heat loss through the floor that way.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

Have you considered making row-sized covers rather than a walk in greenhouse? No idea what these are called, but I know they exist. If you're going to have venting panels anyway they could also be used for access. Generally they use an A frame pattern for construction. Just seems a lot easier to build. Can't second as a sun room, alas, which you mentioned you were hoping for.

[dkjones96]

No matter which way you do it hanging it off the house is gonna get ugly. I wouldn't recommend attaching it to the house with a hard system, maybe build it against the house but don't attach it. Your house has had a few years to settle and the new addition hasn't.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

I just realized that old windows are perfect for row covers! Assuming an A-frame approach, the window provides direct venting access and either the top or bottom (or both) can be slid as needed. Nifty. Don't even need glass for the north side, in theory.

[theholycow]

I want to build a walk-in, because the wife would definitely enjoy a place to relax. I can be sure of that; I can only guess if she will continue to enjoy growing stuff or if that will fade. That's the sort of thing that she'll get an itch to do, do for a while, then forget about it. I do that too, we're a good match with our equally short attention spans. How I've managed to stick with hypermiling this long, I have no idea.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

That's cool. You might still be able to integrate the assembled windows into the design, though. Might look a little funny, but it'd be an easy way to get your venting.