Ventilation Louvres

Plant life in a glass courtyard?

I am a design student and I want to make sure that my concept for an enclose glass courtyard is technically sound. I want to create a glass courtyard in the center of a building covered with a glass skylight. I know this is similar to a greenhouse, but what I really want to know is if the natural ground was available in this courtyard (not covered with a flooring material) would things like grass and even a tree be able to sustain life? I do understand that I would probably need to allow for some duct-work for temperature control and ventilation. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I don't see why not. Your footers would enclose the garden soil at ground level and if your design will allow enough light all should be good. Depending on the size of your garden you may want to think about the cement footers possible effect on the soil PH. If it's a small garden and will be surrounded by a cement footer you may want to seal the footer on the inside to prevent the lime from leaching into the soil. Along with temperature control and ventilation I would provide a water source to the garden. (Either drip irrigation or some type of modified sprinkler system.) Since you'll have heavy equipment for excavation maybe do some soil tests to make sure the existing soil is appropriate for the plants you've planned to use and if not you can remove the existing and back-fill with some that's more suitable to their needs. Sounds like a good plan!