The Tāne Earthship Greenhouse of The Future | It All Starts With A Seed

Our unique and innovative design combines three of the most promising technologies for a sustainable future: Earthships, Aquaponics and Passive Solar Greenhouses.

Aquaponics is a symbiotic system incorporating fish and plants that automates the production of a large amount of diverse food.

Passive solar greenhouses capitalize on the cycle of the sun to maximize heat and solar gain, even in a freezing cold climate.

Earthships are sustainable structures designed and developed by Michael Reynolds. This technology enables the greenhouse to be 100% off-the-grid by using passive ventilation, geothermal heating, water collection and renewable energy. It also allows the greenhouse to be made at an affordable price using recycled materials.

WHY

Our Earthship greenhouse will be a nursery for our rewilding projects. However, we want to show that Earthships are a great model for sustainable living, a cheaper and easier way to live .

Can you imagine walking into your greenhouse, smelling the fresh basil, and picking your own lettuce, tomatoes and avocado for tonight’s dinner?

What about doing all of this in the middle of winter?

This could be a reality.

This technology exists today, and will grow exponentially once it becomes mainstream. This is why it is our goal to bring easy, healthy, green food production into the cultural forefront and pave the way towards a sustainable future.

WHERE

We’re building the first prototype in Ngatimoti, New Zealand on our 150 acre eco farm. The greenhouse will be available to visit by the public, along with the other Earthships being built in the community. This project will be a shining beacon for sustainable living.

WHAT THE MONEY WILL GO TOWARDS

The funds from this fundraiser will go towards the materials to build the first prototype of the farm of the future. This includes glass, wood, concrete, plumbing, clay and plaster.

Any excess funds will go towards building additional infrastructure and prototypes. We want to nail down this design as tightly as possible before releasing it to the public.

We will film and document the entire process so that we can then provide the plans so that everyone can access them.

YES WE CAN!

By supporting our project you play an integral role in the shift towards the sustainable future of our collective dreams. Help us push this revolution forward by contributing and spreading the word!

Risks and challenges

There may be engineering challenges that pop up as we push through the construction process. Paul is an experienced builder with over twenty five years of property development. The Earthship design is relatively easy and straightforward. Members of our team have participated in the build of Earthships and attended numereous conferences about Earthships and Passive Solar Greenhouses. We have local experienced specialists who will work with us to installing the systems.

Progress

01/09 The first shade house erected.

Use of funds

We have set aside a 20’x40′ steel framed building to convert to a greenhouse. There is a further hactre set aside for seed beds. The funds go directly towards nursery infrastructure, support, seed purchases and planting projects.

Costs:

• Concrete Base 800^m2 $12,000
• Replace tin with clear sheet 240^m2
• Roller and man doors $3,000
• Hook up water supply $1000
• Install rainwater catchment tanks 75,000 – $12,500 https://bigwatertanks.co.nz/products/60-000-litre-plastic-water-tank-combo-special
• Install computer controlled irrigation $5,000
• Install shelving $5000
• Prepare hard standing AP 40 around green house $2000
• Level 1ha land and drainage for seedling beds $5000
• Prepare hard standing AP 40 $5000
• Install post and wire supports $1000
• Install irrigation $7500
• First purchase of seeds $2000

We will do all we can to keep the costs to a minimum. Any remaining funds will go into the general Tane support account.

Above you will see an overview of the project.  This entire area used to be native bush. The original settlers were paid by the government to clear vast swathes of land leaving a baron landscape only suitable for grazing stock. To the left of this photo you’ll see a clear boundary line to our neighbour who has reforested his land in just twenty five years.  As we pant out we’ll be encouraging our neighbours to do the same. 

With a bit of planning the land can still be sustainable and the environment can be balanced.

Our Best Friends

With the help of our awesome Donors and Sponsors we’re moving forward.

Our Partners & Sponsors