b i o PHASE II

Prepared byCleveland Urban Design Collaborative, Kent State University

In collaboration withAdil Sharag-Eldin, Ph.D. LEED A.P., Hollee Becker & Rohini Srivastava, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University

Jean Loria, CW Waterworks

Adam Smith, Urban Lumberjacks of Cleveland

Morgan Taggart, Ohio State University Extension

This project was funded in part by a grant from:American Planning Association Urban Design and Preservation Division

CONTENTS

Introduction 1

BioCellar Building Design 3

BioCellar Performance Study 12

BioCellar Uses 31

BioCellar Site Selection 37

Conclusions and Next Steps 44

Biocellar | 1

Like many older industrial cities, Cleveland, Ohio has experienced a dramatic decline in population and a corresponding rise in vacant properties. In Cleveland alone, there are estimated to be more than 8,000 homes in vacant and deteriorated condition, with the City demolishing 1,000 homes in a typical year. This number is growing due to the on-going effects of the foreclosure crisis.

Cleveland is also experiencing a growing interest in urban agriculture. The number of community gardens, urban farms and community supported agriculture initiatives have placed Cleveland at the forefront of the local food movement. Using vacant land for food production offers many benefits and new opportunities. The BioCellar project is one such opportunity. A BioCellar is a partially deconstructed house unit with an added solar envelope. The new environment supports living systems designed to produce food and provide other beneficial ecosystem services.

Large-scale housing demolition programs are occurring in older industrial cities throughout the Midwest and northeast parts of the U.S. Mass demolitions represent a tremendous loss of embodied energy. The BioCellar initiative proposes to salvage a valuable part of a derelict house–its masonry foundation. An existing foundation wall, surrounded by earth, is an insulated container that can store energy and serve a variety of productive functions. This insulated container of the BioCellar can be put to use for growing vegetables, fruits and herbs, for water purification and soil detoxification, and for nutrient cycling and pollination, among other uses.

A BioCellar is architecture plus biology to yield mini-economic units, with solar energy as its driving force.1 BioCellars can form a decentralized and distributed infrastructure network across a city or region as stand-alone features, or clustered in groups to address larger, more complex community needs. It can provide a new set of uses for the fundamental building block of the city’s housing infrastructure, diversifying its functions and using it to house new programs that can catalyze sustainable change. Compared to the centralized urban utilities of the industrial era, this infrastructure could potentially solve multiple problems while being socially and environmentally sustainable. While traditional infrastructures are centrally governed and strive to be functionally invisible, this infrastructure has the potential to engage curiosity and become part of an education in the culture of interdependency and social engagement.

1 Loria, Jean. 2008. CW Waterworks.

INTRODUCTION

Biocellar | 2

Foreclosed properties and houses sold at Sherriff sale in the city of Cleveland (2008)

The Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative and its research partners are currently exploring the feasibility, applicability, and construction specifics associated with a BioCellar. This report presents the Phase II of the research work. Phase I of the research study was a BioCellar prototype study that included:

• ArchitecturalAlternatives:ABioCellarmustbefunctional,energy-efficient,attractive, low-cost, and appropriate to neighborhood context. The BioCellar prototype study included a range of design alternatives for retrofitting the existing foundation of a deconstructed house.

• Matrixofuses:PotentialusesforaBioCellarwerecorrelatedwitharangeofgeographical conditions (topography, demographics, existing land use patterns, economic opportunities, beneficial proximity, and accessibility) and infrastructure systems.

• InitialstudyofthreetypesofBioCellars:

• FoodCellar:greenhouse,fishproduction,solarcells,poultry

• HealthCellar:healinghut,herbgarden,micro-sauna

• eCellar:energy(Methaneproduction),earth(Soilproduction),education(composting culture)

Phase two of the research, documented in this report, includes:

1. BioCellar building design and construction

2. Building performance

3. Uses, with primary focus on food production

4. Site selection criteria

Biocellar | 3

BIOCELLAR BUILDING DESIGN

WHY UNDERGROUND?

Atdepthsbelowfourfeet,groundtemperaturestaysaconstant50to55ºFyear-round.2 Using environmental simulation modelling, the research team simulated conditions inside a BioCellar with a solar enclosure and brick/dry wall construction, which is described on page 6 in the report.

BUILDING DESIGN

BioCellar design is derived from energy storage principles for passive solar greenhouses. Regardless of whether a BioCellar is used as a greenhouse or for other purposes, these principles still apply to the workings of the energy system to heat the structure. All greenhouses collect energy, but passive solar greenhouses also store energy for dispersion at night or on cloudy days.

Forthepastdecade,U.S.greenhousegrowershaveincreasinglyadoptedhightunnelsas the preferred solar greenhouse technology3. High tunnels (also called hoop houses) are unheated greenhouses that extend the normal growing season. In cities like Cleveland, where the growing season is about 16 weeks, extending the season by a few weeks can cause a significant increase in production yield.

Solar greenhouses differ from conventional greenhouses in that they:• Use materials with high thermal mass to retain solar heat• Have glazed surfaces oriented for maximum solar heat; have large amounts of

insulation to minimize heat loss• Useglazingmaterialandglazinginstallationmethodsthatminimizeheatloss;• Relyprimarilyonnaturalventilationduringsummer• Uselittleornoadditionalheatduringwinter.4

The BioCellar’s advantages are that they reuse of the embodied energy from vacant structures, and the earth around a residential foundation provides natural insulation.

2 Walipini House.BensonAgricultureandFoodInstitute.3 Worley, Sally. 2008. High Tunnels: Are they Lucrative,ThePracticalFarmer.4 Illinois Solar Energy Association, 2002, Solar Greenhouse,ISEAFactSheet#9.

Biocellar | 4

Typical condition of a residential basement after the deconstruction process, where the debris is collected into the basement.

DECONSTRUCTION The first step for construction of a BioCellar is methodical deconstruction of the vacant home. Conventional demolition techniques damage the foundation and therefore are not appropriate when converting a unit into a BioCellar. Deconstruction (the process of dismantling building components in the reverse of the order in which they were originally constructed) reduces demolition debris and the amount of material that must be sent to a landfill. Building materials are salvaged for reuse and only those that cannot berecycledarediscarded.Followingdeconstruction,salvageablematerialsaresoldandreused. Then the ‘pit’ which used to be the basement of the house is filled with topsoil and the site is leveled.

Traditional deconstruction, as shown in the images below, uses heavy machinery for the process, and the basement serves as a temporary dumping ground for debris. There is a big emphasis on the speed and efficiency in the process of deconstruction, where protection of the structural integrity of the basement is not a priority.

In this particular scenario, where the deconstruction leads to renovation, a number of special considerations will need to be outlined, including an alternative for debris collection, possibly a 40-yard dumpster, among others. A minimum required distance will need to be maintained for the heavy machinery from the basement to prevent any structural damage. Sewer, water and gas connections, which are typically capped as a code requirement for a deconstruction process, will also need to be retained.

Step by step deconstruction of a Cleveland home; photos courtesy of Urban Lumberjacks of Cleveland

Biocellar | 5

Floorjoists

King beam

I-beam

Foundation/plinthabove ground

Foundationbelow ground

C-beam frame

STABILIzATION In Cleveland, much of the housing stock being demolished was built between 1915-1930ofballoonframeconstruction.Thiswasaperiodwhenwoodandenergy were abundant, leading to homes that were overbuilt and under-insulated. This study uses a standard house dimension of 22 x 40 feet, which is typical of Cleveland’s housing stock.

The majority of foundations are either:• Redorbrownclaysewertilesplacedonthesideandlaidparalleltotherunof

the wall; or

• Irregularchunksofsandstone,about50lbsandroughlythesizeofamoderncement building block.

The deconstruction process includes removing the first and second floor structure, leaving intact the basement structure up to the plinth level, which is typically 2 to2-½Feetabovegroundlevel.ReusingastructureslatedfordeconstructionasaBioCellar involves special considerations for maintaining the structural integrity of the foundation walls to prevent them from collapsing before the solar envelope structure is put into place. To stabilize the walls of the basement, a part of the floor structure must be retained until the walls of the BioCellar are constructed and attached to the basement. A standard solid floor joist system commonly uses 2 x 8 feet or 2 x 6 feet members, 16 inches on center, and cross bridging to prevent warping or twisting. This framework is supported by a steel I-beam (King beam) and a steel column/post. Alternate floor joists along with the steel I-beam and the steel support column need to be retained during the deconstruction process. The floor joists can be removed once the top structure is attached, but the Steel I-beam and column need to be retained permanently as a part of the BioCellar structure. During the construction of the top structure, adding a C-beam steel frame lining the walls of the basement will provide stability for the basement walls and prevent them from collapsing. Also, since the mortars and its structural integrity between the stone slabs could be questionable after such long period of use, a one inch layer of sprayed-on concrete, like shotcrete, will be required for additional structural stability.

Basement structure stabiliazation diagram

Floor joist system with the King Beam and Steel I-Beam (images courtesy of: www.homebuildingmanual.com and www.brynmawrcorporation.com)

Biocellar | 6

WATERPROOFINGBoth types of foundation walls (tile or sandstone) are laid with mortar between the joints and both are susceptible to water intrusion without proper drainage away from the structure. If water comes up through the floor, it will destabilize the structure, adversely affect plant growth and promote plant disease. The basement walls need to be first checked for holes and cracks which can be repaired with waterproofing mortar mix. After that, a double coating of epoxy or latex waterproofing mixtures should be used for the interiors along with a layer of water proofing clay such as bentonite or plastic sheeting along the foundation wall and 2 feet away from the wall sloping outwards. Along with the wall treatment, pouring a 6” thick and 4 feet wide concrete slab around the majority of the structure, and tilted slightly away from the structure could alleviate most of the water intrusion issues. The foundation can be anchored to this slab with concrete ties. It will also help to add drains or draining ditches beyond the concrete slab to move water away from the bottom of the foundation.

WALL CONSTRUCTION The north wall of the BioCellar is the one where the sun’s rays hit the most. It is crucial for this wall to have high heat absorption and retention rate. Brick or concrete filled cinderblock walls are good options. The walls should also be coated with light colored reflective paint to reflect direct heat and allow for a more even solar heat distribution.

ROOFSTRUCTUREThis study initially considered two construction options for the BioCellar roof structure: shed roof and hoop house construction. Hoop house construction is a more temporary option and snow loads are an issue. Therefore the shed roof was selected for the purposes of a BioCellar. Shed-type or sloping roof construction has glazing on its south facing wall to collect maximum amount of solar energy, while the north wall is insulated. Options for construction include:

a. Post and beam construction: This could involve the reuse of the existing 2 x 8s and 2 x 6s from the deconstructed house. However, this could be difficult from a logistical standpoint. The length of the lumber will not be sufficient to cover the length of the roof, and adding extensions and joints will make the structure heavier and more difficult to work with. Also, the depth of the two-by-tens will reduce the amount of solar gain into the structure. Even if new wood is used for construction, post and beam framing will make the roof structure very heavy.

b. PVC: Though the cheapest and the lightest option, it does not provide enough structural stability for snow load and is possibly too lightweight for double-

Biocellar | 7

glazed panel construction. The other issue with PVC surrounds its toxic production, off gassing and lack of recyclability. However, the irrigation arena inside the greenhouse can be made from PVC.

c. Aluminum: It is stronger than PVC and lighter than wood, but cost prohibitive regarding initial purchase and start-up. Working with aluminum requires skilled labor because of the required drilling and softness of the metal. Also, aluminum is highly desirable as a scrap metal and can be an easy target for vandalism and theft. As such, it is best suited for secure locations.

d. Galvanized steel tubing (round and square): A 25 year life span, ease of construction, and strong structural capacity make this the best option. Most traditional greenhouses and greenhouse construction kits use galvanized steel as the construction material. It can work well for a variety of glazing options, and has the structural strength for snow loads.

GLAzING MATERIALSThe selection of the appropriate glazing material will play a huge role in determining the success of the BioCellar. The material should allow the highest level of solar heat gain while minimizing the loss of energy through its surface. Though glass was traditionally used for solar structures in the 70s, plastics have emerged as the dominant type of glazing, especially with the weatherability of these materials being enhanced by ultraviolet radiation degradation inhibitors, infrared radiation (IR) absorbency, anti-condensation drip surfaces, and unique radiation transmission properties.5

Criteria for BioCellar glazing include6:

1. The U-factor is a measure of heat that is lost to the outside through a glazing material.Anumberof0.35BTU/hr-ft2-Forlessisdesired;

2. Photosynthetically radioactive radiation (PAR) is required for good plant growth; glazing must permit a natural spectrum of (PAR) to enter;

3. Light transmission percentage; 70% or more is desirable;4. Affordability for replication and mass production; 5. Lifespan & durability;

6. Extreme winter weather resistance;

7. Ability to support snowload;

8. Fire-resistance;

9. Abilitytosupporthumanload;

10. Convenience in sizes availability and installation.

5 Giacomelli,GeneA.1999.Greenhouse glazings: Alternatives under the sun. Department of Bioresource Engineering. Rutgers University.

6 BTS. 2001. Passive Solar Design.TechnologyFactSheet.U.S.DepartmentofEnergy.Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs.

Biocellar | 8

Preferred options for BioCellar glazing include7:

UV stabilized woven polyethylene, double layer: Light transmission: 60-80%1.

Double-glazing is recommended since the simulated environments demonstrated that this is more efficient for storing heat energy, as compared the single glazing (see page 14).

7 Bellows, Barbara. 2008. Solar Greenhouses. National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.

2. Tempered double pane glass: Light transmission: 70-75%

Advantages: •Easytoinstall,preciseframingnotrequired•Lowest-costglazingmaterial•Heatlosssignificantlyreducedwhenablower is used to provide an air space between layers•Thefilmscanbetreatedtoreduceheatloss& condensation

Disadvantages:•Easilytorn•Cannotseethrough•UV-resistantpolyethylenelastsonly1-2years•Lighttransmissiondecreasesovertime•Expandandsaginwarmweather,thenshrinkin cold weather

Advantages:•Lifespanindefiniteifnotbroken•Canbeusedinareaswithfreezingtemperatures

Disadvantages:•Heavy•Clearglassdoesnotdiffuselight•Difficulttoinstall,requirespreciseframing

3. Fiberreinforcedplastic(FRP):Lighttransmission:85-90%-newmaterial

Advantages:•Thetranslucentnatureofthismaterialdiffuses and distributes light evenly•Tedlar-treatedpanelsareresistanttoweather, sunlight, and acids•Canlast5to20years

Disadvantages:•Lighttransmissiondecreasesovertime•Poorweather-resistance•Mostflammableoftherigidglazingmaterials•Insulationabilitydoesnotcausesnowtomelt

4. Polycarbonate rigid plastic, double wall: Light transmission: 83%

Advantages:•Mostfire-resistantofplasticglazingmaterials•UV-resistant•Verystrong•Lightweight•Easytocutandinstall•Providesgoodperformancefor7-10years

Disadvantages:•Canbeexpensive•Notclear,translucent

Biocellar | 9

SOLAR HEAT STORAGEPassive solar structures use thermal mass to store heat during the day, and then radiate it into the structure at night. Water is the most common medium for thermal storage. Other materials such as rammed earth or bags of rock can be used for thermal storage, but water has a high material value of 63 BTU/square foot/degree Fahrenheit,ascomparedtostoneat35,orearthat208. The traditional way of using water in solar greenhouses is stacking 55-gallon dark colored drums filled with water and lined-up along the north wall to receive direct light.

AmoreefficientmethodisacentralwatertankmadefromFRPthatprovidesthermal storage and could also allow for fish production, if aquaponics is incorporated intotheBioCellaruse.Forafree-standingsolarstructureinaMidwestwinter,theminimum requirement of water for thermal storage is three gallons per square foot of solar surface8.Fora22x40footBioCellarstructure,thattranslatesinto3000gallons of water storage or a 34 x 4 x 4 foot water tank.

ADDITIONAL INSULATIONThe heat storage in the BioCellar is only as effective as the insulation within the structure, making it as airtight as possible. The doors and vents need weather stripping and the joints between the glazing and the walls should be sealed with a flexible sealant.

Polyurethane foam is a good insulation material but it needs to be kept dry to function well. A vapor barrier made of thick polyethylene plastic sheeting placed between the greenhouse interior environment and the foam will prevent moisture fromenteringthefoam.Foil-facedinsulationcanworkaswell.Greenhousedoorsshould be airtight with extra weather stripping for sealing. In the Midwest, night curtains9 are effective. A night curtain is an insulating cover that can be rolled across the inside of the glazed surface to prevent extra heat loss.

8 Smith, Shane. 2000. Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace. Fulcrum Publishers. 2nd edition.

9 Alward,Ron,andShapiro,Andy.1981.Low-Cost Passive Solar Greenhouses. National Center for Appropriate Technology, Butte, MT. 173 p.

Water tank for solar heat storage

Curtains for retaining heat at night (Alward, Ron, and Shapiro, Andy. Low-Cost Passive Solar Greenhouses)

Biocellar | 10

Stack effect with low-level fans for summer

Temperature profiles inside a solar greenhouse (G. Tong, et. al. Numerical modelling of temperature variations in a Chinese solar greenhouse)

VENTILATIONThe summer temperature inside the BioCellar can be high. The building performance simulation study revealed the highest summer temperatures to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.Thiscreatesaneedforventilationduringsummermonthswhichcanbeaccomplished using automatic, thermally-activated vents. A general rule is that vent surface area needed to regulate spatial temperature is 1/5 to 1/6 of the building floor area.10 Roof top and side walls provide the best opportunities for heat to escape. Solar operated fans can also be used on the short, south-facing wall to direct the hot air flow on extreme heat days.

The sections below show temperature profiles inside an unconditioned solar greenhouse11 (temperature values in Kelvin). They show temperature variations within different areas within the structures, thus presenting the need for temperature regulation. A thermostatically controlled ventilation fan can be set to activate at a specific temperature to help regulate the overall temperature. In addition to moderating greenhouse temperatures, ventilation also helps manage humidity and CO2 levels.12

10 Illinois Solar Energy Association. 2002. Solar Greenhouse.ISEAFactSheet#9.11 G.Tong,D.M.ChristopherandB.Li.2009.Numerical modelling of temperature variations

in a Chinese solar greenhouse. 12 Thomas, Andrew L., et. al, 2001. Performance of an Energy-efficient, Solar-heated Green-

house in Southwest Missouri.

Biocellar | 11

Japanese Barberry (photo credit: Smithsonian Insititution,R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Section through a BioCellar

VANDALISM RESISTANCE

The south wall rises two feet above the ground, making it an easy target for vandalism or an attractive opportunity for climbing. Planting hardy shrubs that grow two feet high just outside the south wall can discourage climbing. In any case, the structure must be built to take human weight into account as an added load for structural strength.

Japanese Barberry is an option for screening the south wall. It is a dense, two to four feet high deciduous shrub with thorny leaves. It grows well in Northeast Ohio and tolerates a wide range of weather conditions.

This section shows the assembly of the various building components of a BioCellar.

Central water tank

Short shrubs along the South wall

Reflective lining on the North wall

Waterproofing around the base of the BioCellar

King beam

I-beam central post

C-beam frame

Curtains for heat retention

Roof vents

Double glazing

Galvanized steel tubing for roof structure

Biocellar | 12

SOUTH

South-facing North-facing

BIOCELLARPERFORMANCESTUDY

PARAMETRIC STUDY

To better understand the impact of design decisions on the environmental conditions of a BioCellar, the research team conducted a series of parametric studies. These parameters are building aspect ratio, roof inclination, orientation, and percentage of glazing to roof area. The team worked with 22 x 40 foot as the size of the BioCellar, as that seemed to be representative of the sizes of the houses slated for demolition in Cleveland. Additional parameters were added to simulate the thermal heat storage properties of a central water tank to get readings closer in accuracy to the actual BioCellar performance.

Most of these experiments were done with food production being the primary use of the BioCellar. However, once the results of the indoor temperatures, humidity, etc. are obtained, they can be compared to optimum requirements for other uses.

ORIENTATION

In our tests, solar radiation is transmitted into the greenhouse interior through the roof alone. As a result the roof surface sees the same amount of solar energy regardless of orientation. The only difference is the shading effect of the sun-facing wall(Figure1).Thelimitedshadingeffectreducessolargainthroughtheroof(Figure2). However, being an underground structure, thermal mass reduces the impact ofthisexposureandthetemperature(Figure3)ishardlyaffectedbychangingtheorientation of the greenhouse. However, the research team investigated incident solarradiationintheinnersouth-facingsurfaceofthenorth-facingwall.Figure4&Figure5demonstratethefactthatthewallreceivesmuchmoresolarradiationinwinter than in summer if the greenhouse is south-facing. This is especially true in winter because of the low winter sun altitude. Because of the cosine effect the best orientation for the greenhouse will be facing true south ± 20°13.

13 Smith, Shane. 2000. Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace.

Figure 1 South and north-facing glazing receive the same amount of solar radiation

SOUTH

South-facing North-facing

SOUTH

South-facing North-facing

Biocellar | 13

Figure 2 Solar gain comparison

Figure 3 Temperature profile comparison

Biocellar | 14

Figure 4 Incident Solar Energy on internal south-facing wall (Winter)

Figure 5 Incident Solar Energy on internal south-facing wall (Summer)

Biocellar | 15

SOUTH

INCLINATIONOFTHEROOF

Changing roof inclination does not substantially affect total indoor solar gain because of the solar aperture size is not drastically altered with the increase of the roof angle (Figure6).Howevermodelingthedifferentconfigurationsshowedthatthesmallerthe volume of the greenhouse, the higher the indoor temperature especially in summer(Figure7&Figure8).Ontheotherhand,increasingroofinclinationangleresulted in increasing the indoor surface area exposed to solar radiation. These internalsurfacesofthewallsinturnreceivemoresolarenergy(Figure9&Figure10).As a result we can conclude that the recommendation is to choose the largest roof slope that is economically feasible and structurally viable (including considerations such as snow load).

A general rule of thumb for passive solar heated structures is to add 10 or 15 degrees to the site’s latitude to get the proper angle 14(ref). So Cleveland being Latitude 41º, the slope should ideally be 51 to 56º. Using this information, we will conduct further simulation experiments in the next phase to determine the most optimum angle.

14 Thomas,StephenG.,etal.1984.Solar Greenhouses and Sunspaces: Lessons Learned.

Figure 6 Changing glazing inclination has limited effect on solar gain

Biocellar | 16

Figure 7 Effect of Roof Inclination on Indoor Temperature of Greenhouse

Figure 8 Effect of Roof Inclination on Indoor Temperature of Greenhouse

Biocellar | 17

Figure 9 Effect of Roof inclination on incident solar radiation on south facing inner wall

Figure 10 Effect of Roof inclination on incident solar radiation on south facing inner wall

Biocellar | 18

EFFECTOFGLAZINGTYPE

Tested for this preliminary stage were two glazing types; a 6 mm single glazed and doubleglazedFRP(fiberreinforcedplastic).Figure5demonstratestheconsistentincrease in solar gain of the single pane glazing material. This increase is estimated to be between two to three times as the energy transmitted through the double glazing panels. The result is an increase in the temperature build up in the green house during summermonthstoreach130°F(Figure12),andtooffsetthatfansandventswillbe needed. On the other hand, even though the double glazed naturally ventilated configuration did not reach these high temperatures, the heat buildup still makes the need for mechanical ventilation a necessity. Solar gains were welcomed in winter as the single pane glazing skylights helped offset some of the energy needed to provide the auxiliaryheatingsystem.Figure13showsthatthesingleglazingconfigurationincreasesheat loss due to conduction far beyond the limited solar gain advantage of the single glazing configuration(Figure14)duringwinterdays.

Figure 11 Solar Gain through roof in winter and summer

Figure 12 Comparison between temperature profiles of single and double glazed roofs

Biocellar | 19

Figure 13 Heat loss through conduction

Figure 14 Sensible heating requirements for auxiliary heating in winter

Biocellar | 20

TEMPERATUREPROFILES

Temperatures inside the BioCellar during summer months remained higher than the outdoors. The use of natural ventilation by partially opening skylight apertures reducedtheaveragetemperaturetolessthan95°Fforthemajorityofthesummermonths(Figure16).

In winter indoor air temperatures were slightly above ambient conditions, increasing the risk of ice building and water pipe damage. To avoid that a heating source with a setpointof57°Fwasadded(Figure17).

Figure 15 Tested Configuration

EXTENSIONOFTHEGROWINGSEASONSTUDY

Biocellar | 21

Figure 16 Indoor air temperature during Summer

Figure 17 Indoor Air Temperature during winter

Biocellar | 22

Figure 18 Annual temperature profile in basic unconditioned space

ANNUALTEMPERATUREPROFILEThe unheated BioCellar without natural ventilation cooling provision was consistently warmerthantheoutdoorambientconditions(Figure18).Theadditionofanauxiliaryheatingsystem(Figure19)helpedreducetheriskoffreezing.Theadditionofanoperable skylight proved to be beneficial in reducing peak indoor air temperatures duringsummer(Figure20)bybringingitclosertotheambientoutdoordrybulbairtemperatures.

Biocellar | 23

Figure 19 Annual temperature profile with addition of an auxiliary heat source

Figure 20 Improving indoor summer temperatures by adding ventilation through operable vents and fans

Biocellar | 24

EXTENSIONOFTHEGROWINGSEASON-CONCLUSIONAccording to the literature on the subject a favorable growing temperature range formostregularseasoncropsis65-75°F±10°F.Figure20showsthatwithauxiliaryheating the growing season is extended in the green house by about two weeks in springandtwoweeksinfall.Figure21showsacumulativetemperaturefrequencyprofile of the three conditions described. Confirming the visual observation of the previous graph the difference between the natural growing season (outdoors and the heated and ventilated configuration was about 7.5% or 650 hours which is equivalent to four weeks. The growing season is thus effectively four weeks longer than the outdoors.

On the other hand, research showed that the unconditioned greenhouse will bring theseasonforcoldseasoncropsfourorfiveweeksearlier(Figure22).Thismayhave definite positive economic impact because of the relatively high price of early or off season crops to the market. Without completely opening the greenhouse to the environment, cold season crop may end four or five weeks earlier. If multiple crops are planned, research showed that the unconditioned but ventilated greenhouse will expand the growing season from cold and regular crops to encompass over 60% of theyearorabout32weeksayear(Figure23).

Figure 21 Cumulative temperatures under different scenarios

Figure 22 Cumulative temperatures for cold season crops

Biocellar | 25

TEMPERATURE AND VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION Figures24-31showcomputationalfluiddynamicmodelingresultsofthetestedconfiguration. Because of the relatively small volume of the space and simple design, the temperature distribution remains predominantly well mixed. Cooling effect of naturalventilationisclearlyaffectingsummerafternoonconfiguration(Figure24)while the hot air is accumulating at the upper section of the volume. The evening is coolerwithsomewarmairleftattheuppersectionofthevolume(Figure25).Thesame pattern is repeated in winter with the winter unconditioned greenhouse.

Figures28-31showairmovementpatternandvelocityinsidethegreenhouseatsummerandwinterafternoonandevening.Duringventilationperiod(65-95°F),airisnaturallyventilatedintothespacecreatingtheclearpatterninFigure28.Attheevening some heat is retained at the ground mass and is released slowly through stackeffectresultinginupwarddraftinthecenterofthegreenhouse(Figure29).Similarly, and due to the cold temperatures in winter, the warmer ground floor releases its stored heat through thermal stack effect creating the upward draft in the middleofthespace(Figure30&Figure31)

Figure 22 Cumulative temperatures for cold season crops

Biocellar | 26

Figure 24 Temperature on a summer afternoon

Figure 25 Temperature on a summer evening

Biocellar | 27

Figure 26 Temperature on a winter afternoon (unconditioned)

Figure 27 Temperature on a winter evening (unconditioned)

Biocellar | 28

Figure 28 Air movement summer afternoon

Figure 29 Air movement summer evening

Biocellar | 29

Figure 30 Air movement winter afternoon

Figure 31 Air movement winter evening

Biocellar | 30

MOISTURE CONTENTModeling of moisture content in the unconditioned configuration showed that it followscloselytheoutdoorconditions(Figure32&Figure33).Thismeansthatclose monitoring of the outdoor humidity and moisture content would be essential to guarantee appropriate conditions for the different plants and vegetables in the greenhouse.

Figure 32 Summer moisture Content

Figure 33 Winter moisture content

Biocellar | 31

BIOCELLAR USES

FOODPRODUCTIONThe primary function considered for a BioCellar is a greenhouse for food production. Other possible functions include aquaponic facilities, root cellars, energy generation, soil production, shelters for farm animals, and community uses, some of which are discussed in this chapter.

A BioCellar greenhouse can be compared to unheated high tunnels or hoop houses. High tunnels increase the productivity of agricultural operations. These types of structures extend the growing season for food crops and can increase production yields and revenues.Forexample,BlueGateFarmsnearDesMoines,Iowaaddedahightunneltotheir farm, which has a community supported agriculture (CSA) program for 30 families. The high tunnel is projected to recover the cost of construction (about $4,500) in approximately four years.

A BioCellar is a more permanent structure with a longer life span and higher construction costs. BioCellars can allow for multi-tiered planting and greater solar heat gain, providing a longer season extension than is possible with a high tunnel.

The growing area inside a BioCellar consists of raised beds on either side of the central water tank, with tiered beds against the north wall. Raised beds have the capacity to absorb more solar energy than low, flat beds15.

The building performance study demonstrated that for regular weather crops, the season is extended by two weeks on either end of the typical 16 week season (see page 21). However, cool-season crops (shown in the table on the next page) can withstand lower temperatures.

15 Thomas, Andrew L., et al. 2003. An Energy Efficient Solar Heated Greenhouse Produces Cool-Season Vegetables all Winter Long.

Season Extension Table 1. Fall 2008 revenue along with spinach, both sold out at the market. Beets were a

Crop Revenue Marketable Revenue

% Marketable Product Sold

Potential Revenue

Spinach $540 $640 84% $840

Swiss Chard $200 $304 66% $464

Pac Choi $140 $160 88% $380

Carrots $189 $228 83% $237

Beets $36 $240 15% $240

Total $1,105 $1,572 70% $2,161

farmer’s market window. Typically Blue Gate Farm offers a fall CSA share. However, they lost their original high tunnel in a tornado in 2008. They didn’t have their replacement tunnel up in time to plan for a fall CSA. This would, in other years, provide a more stable market for their product.

Potential revenue includes marketable plus non-marketable product—product that had pest or frost damage. Aphids and

rabbits/rodents were their primary pests. Figure 2 breaks down the percentage of revenue per crop.

Spinach was the main bread winner, bringing in roughly half of the income. Swiss chard and pac choi shared a bed, or each had 84 square feet of growing area, while the other crops each had an entire bed, 168 feet of growing space.

The carrot bundles at market were popular sellers. “They were beautiful, and looked like bouquets,” commented Jill. The carrots,

tougher sell. Jill noted that “They were small beets. Plus, our regular customers didn’t expect us to have fresh beets at that time of the year. They picked those up at another location in the market before making it to our booth.”

Jill and Sean spent a total of 101 labor hours in the high tunnel cultivating their fall fare. Breakdown of hours is in Figure 3.

From table 1, it appears that Blue Gate Farm brought in about half of the revenue they could have if they had more aggressively marketed their crops and controlled aphids and rodents. Figure 4 shows the revenue and potential revenue per square foot according to Blue Gate’s 2008 market price. Spinach made the most in 2008 per square foot, and comes

in second for potential revenue. Swiss Chard came in second for 2008 revenue per square foot, and has the potential to make the most per square foot. However, Jill and Sean didn’t always sell out of Swiss Chard at the market.

Adam Montri, Outreach Coordinator for the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm, says that a good goal to shoot for would be $9-$10 revenue per square foot per year. Jill and Sean plan on growing at least three successive crops this year, so the potential

Continued on page 17

Blue Gate’s early season market offerings.

the Practical Farmer 11

Season Extension Table 1. Fall 2008 revenue along with spinach, both sold out at the market. Beets were a

Crop Revenue Marketable Revenue

% Marketable Product Sold

Potential Revenue

Spinach $540 $640 84% $840

Swiss Chard $200 $304 66% $464

Pac Choi $140 $160 88% $380

Carrots $189 $228 83% $237

Beets $36 $240 15% $240

Total $1,105 $1,572 70% $2,161

farmer’s market window. Typically Blue Gate Farm offers a fall CSA share. However, they lost their original high tunnel in a tornado in 2008. They didn’t have their replacement tunnel up in time to plan for a fall CSA. This would, in other years, provide a more stable market for their product.

Potential revenue includes marketable plus non-marketable product—product that had pest or frost damage. Aphids and

rabbits/rodents were their primary pests. Figure 2 breaks down the percentage of revenue per crop.

Spinach was the main bread winner, bringing in roughly half of the income. Swiss chard and pac choi shared a bed, or each had 84 square feet of growing area, while the other crops each had an entire bed, 168 feet of growing space.

The carrot bundles at market were popular sellers. “They were beautiful, and looked like bouquets,” commented Jill. The carrots,

tougher sell. Jill noted that “They were small beets. Plus, our regular customers didn’t expect us to have fresh beets at that time of the year. They picked those up at another location in the market before making it to our booth.”

Jill and Sean spent a total of 101 labor hours in the high tunnel cultivating their fall fare. Breakdown of hours is in Figure 3.

From table 1, it appears that Blue Gate Farm brought in about half of the revenue they could have if they had more aggressively marketed their crops and controlled aphids and rodents. Figure 4 shows the revenue and potential revenue per square foot according to Blue Gate’s 2008 market price. Spinach made the most in 2008 per square foot, and comes

in second for potential revenue. Swiss Chard came in second for 2008 revenue per square foot, and has the potential to make the most per square foot. However, Jill and Sean didn’t always sell out of Swiss Chard at the market.

Adam Montri, Outreach Coordinator for the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm, says that a good goal to shoot for would be $9-$10 revenue per square foot per year. Jill and Sean plan on growing at least three successive crops this year, so the potential

Continued on page 17

Blue Gate’s early season market offerings.

the Practical Farmer 11

Revenue per crop for Blue Gate Farms(Worley, Sally, High Tunnels: Are they Lucrative, The Practical Farmer)

Revenue per square foot for Blue Gate Farms

Biocellar | 32

The winter temperature fluctuations in a BioCellar range from 40º to 56º, which are acceptable for cool season crops16 Therefore, if a BioCellar is predominantly used for cool season crops, it could be used throughout the winter season with a limited need for supplemental heating. This would have a significant impact on the economic viability of a BioCellar.

The BioCellar performance study gives a basic sense of the environment inside a BioCellar.Foodproductioncouldbeamajorityuseforthestructures,butafavorableinternal environment opens up the possibility for some other uses as well.

16 Thomas, Andrew L., et al. 2003. An Energy Efficient Solar Heated Greenhouse Produces Cool-Season Vegetables all Winter Long.

COOL SEASON CROPS

Leafy greens Vegetables FlowersArugula Beet CalendulaChard Bok choi Johnny jump-upCilantro Broccoli Linaria (Toadflax)Collards Broccoli raab PansyCornsalad (Mache) CabbageCress CarrotDandelion KaleEndive LeekEscarole OnionLettuce Pak choiMizuna PeaMustardPurslaneRadicchioSpinachSeason extension with the use of a

high-tunnel greenhouse (HT)(Kleinhenz, Matt, OARDC/Market Gardener Training Program 2010)

An illustration showing a food production BioCellar adjacent to a market garden

Biocellar | 33

ROOT CELLARRoot cellars are underground structures used to store food at a low temperature and steady humidity. A root cellar keeps produce from freezing during the winter and keeps it cool during the summer to prevent spoilage. Typically, a variety of vegetables are placed in a root cellar in the fall, after harvesting. A BioCellar could be used for a root cellar as part of an urban farm, provided the following criteria for a controlled environment17 are satisfied:

Temperature and humidity: optimal temperatures and humidity levels for 1. a BioCellar vary, depending on the fruits and vegetables being stored (see chart below)Air circulation: because of natural release of ethylene from fruits and 2. vegetables, a root cellar needs ventilation to prevent spoilage; Flooring:rootcellarsworkbestwhentheyhavedirtfloorsasopposed3. to a typical concrete basement floor. A soil pit can be constructed on the floor over the basement slab to provide the right environment.18

Temperatures will be cooler in the lower section of the BioCellar so this area can be converted into a root cellar, leaving the upper portion for a solar-energy based use. This would effectively reduce the volume of the heated surface. The root cellar can be constructed by reusing old bricks or other material from the deconstructed home.

17 RootCellars.2009.http://www.surviveabide.com/Advanced/Food%20Plan/4%20Root%20Cellars.htm

18 Greene,Janet,etal.1992.Putting Food By.

Preferred storage conditions for some common winter crops for Northeast Ohio(Bachman, Janet et. al, Postharvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables, NCAT)

Section showing a root cellar incorporated into a BioCellar (redraw)

Biocellar | 34

Section of the greenhouse showing the compost chamber (Fulford, Bruce, 1984)

Besides food production, we are also exploring some other uses for the BioCellar structure, some of which are briefly described below.

ENERGY PRODUCTIONSince BioCellar collects and contains heat, it may be possible to use the structure as an energy production unit that could provide heat to one or more neighboring houses.However,tomaintainasteadytemperatureof57ºFahrenheit(minimum),aBioCellar will require an auxiliary heating source.

Active solar heating forces solar-heated air, water, or phase-change materials through pipes buried in floors or walls.19 Another option is to pump water through pipes that circulate between the coils lining the glazed wall and the central water tank. This heat generated in the coils could be used for the BioCellar or converted into energy for use in an adjacent building. The performance study determined that even with the use an active solar heating system, a BioCellar would not provide enough energy for heating an adjacent house in winter. However, it could comfortably provide energy for domestic uses in summer like heating water for cooking and bathing, etc.

SOIL PRODUCTION & COMPOST CELLARUrban farming requires healthy, uncontaminated soil. City soils tend to be unsuitable for food production, so urban farmers often make use of raised beds. A BioCellar can be used for composting and soil production to support agricultural uses. A composting BioCellar provides two products: fertile soil, and energy in the form of heat and carbon dioxide.

To operate a composting BioCellar, organic material would be collected from residents, restaurants, and markets. The north face of a compost cellar should have removable insulated panels20 through which the compost can be loaded into the structure. The compost must be turned periodically, allowing the release of heat, water vapor, nitrogen gases and carbon dioxide, all of which can be used to support plant growth. The moist air from the compost chamber can be blown into the cellar if it is also being used as a greenhouse. Methane gas could also be collected as an energy source.

19 Monk,G.J.,D.H.Thomas,J.M.Molnar,andL.M.Staley.1987.Solar Greenhouses for Commercial Growers.

20 Fulford,Bruce.1984.Composting Greenhouse. Bioshelters of New Alchemy Institute.

Biocellar | 35

The New Alchemy Institute has studied various greenhouse alterations and their capacity for energy production.21 Questions remain, particularly as to the amount of CO2 production for plants and ways to ensure controlled environments for the production of methane gas, which is highly explosive.

COMMUNITY CELLARThe temperature profiles show the possibility of manageable indoor weather conditions, thus presenting the opportunity to have a community-amenity, like a sauna in dense neighborhood, responding to resident needs. With a number of branches of alternative medicines reinforcing the health benefits and prescribed uses of saunas, and more than 60 million consumers in the U.S. taking herbal remedies, an herb garden + sauna could be a great use for a BioCellar.

21 Fulford,Bruce.1984.Composting Greenhouse. Bioshelters of New Alchemy Institute.

Illustration showing the use of a BioCellar as a community sauna

Compost Cellar

Compost bucket

provided to residents

provided to community

collected by compostal workerbrought to local BioCellar trench boxes

worms

produces heat and CO2produces nutrient rich soil

composting systems

Biocellar | 36

Sauna is known to provide relief to patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis, and also known to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility in patients with rheumatism. It is also a excellent opportunity for social interaction.

ANIMAL CELLARThe Restrictions on the Keeping of Farm Animals and Bees ordinance22 recently passed in the city of Cleveland opens up new possibilities for animal rearing within the city limits. Chicken and bees reared in Cleveland either for personal or business use, has multiplied manifold since the ordinance.

The BioCellar provides an entrepreneurial opportunity for an all-year round business not only in chicken and bees rearing but also for other animals, since the structure can provide:

Warm place at night;1.

Protection from wind and rain;2.

Protection from predators. 3.

Depending on the specific animal rearing at the BioCellar, the site selection criteria would vary; chickens need about 3 to 4 sq.ft per bird in the coop23, and 6 to 8 sq. ft. for free range roaming outdoors, whereas bigger animals will have different spatial requirements. In the next phase of this work, we would like to explore the financial feasibility of animal cellars for specific or combined uses.

22 CityofCleveland,ZoningUpdate.2009.Restrictions on the Keeping of Farm Animals and Bees ordinance.

23 Hubbard, Kerrie. 2010. City Girl Farming. www.citygirlfarming.com

Biocellar | 37

BIOCELLAR SITE SELECTION

Diagram showing building orientation for maximum solar gain (Luce, Ben. 2001. Passive Solar Design Guidelines for North-ern New Mexico)

Criteria for BioCellar site selection include:

Building orientation1.

External obstruction to solar gaina.

Southern exposureb.

Tree canopy c.

Water table2.

Accessibility3.

Community gardens and/or urban farms;4.

Adjacency to vacant land5.

Local champions (community group or CDC).6.

BUILDING ORIENTATION:

a. External obstruction to solar gain:

Foroptimumsolargain,obstructionsshouldbeabsentfrom45-60degreesofboththe south corners, if possible. Absence of obstructions means24:

No obstructions within10 feet of the south side within the angles shown •in the adjacent diagram;

Fencescanbelocatedoutsideof10feet;•

1-story buildings located outside of 17 feet;•

2-storybuildingslocatedoutsideof39feet.•

24 Luce, Ben. 2001. Passive Solar Design Guidelines for Northern New Mexico. New Mexico Solar Energy Association.

Biocellar | 38

Chart showing solar path for Cleveland at 41 degree North latitude(Chart generated at: University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory)

Diagram showing the winter and summer solstice sun altitutes (University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service & West Virginia University Extension Service)

Summer altitude 72º

Winter altitude 72º

Preferred orientation for the BioCellar; longer wall facing South Variations to the BioCellar roof structure to make the shorter South-facing wall work

b. Southern exposure: A BioCellar should have its longer wall face within 20° either side of true south.25 The energy calculations did not show much fluctuations when the south wall was the longer wall or the shorter wall. But for construction of the roof structure, having the longer wall as south facing works better. In case the other case, either the roof structure becomes heavier and more expensive because of a larger span, or gets added framework and consequently more obstruction for the sunlight into the structure.

25 Smith, Shane, Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace.

Biocellar | 39

Mature tree canopy for the city of Cleveland

c. Tree canopy: Among the external obstructions to solar gain, trees play an important role along with neighboring buildings. The preferred distance requirement for trees is the same asbuiltstructuresfromthesouthfacade,i.e.39’.Evendeciduoustreesarenotgoodwithin that distance from the south facade. In winter, in spite of losing its leaves, a deciduous tree will shield 40% of the winter sun26.

The following map shows mature tree canopy for the city of Cleveland.

26 NREL.1994.Sunspace Basics. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. U.S. Department of Energy

Biocellar | 40

WATER TABLEPotential problems with underground structures are wet conditions from the water table seeping through the soil on the floor, and the entry of surface water through gaps in the walls at the ground level. To minimize the risk of water rising through the floor, the bottom of the structure should be at least five feet above the water table27. Since the BioCellar is reusing old basements, the water table level should have already been taken into consideration. It is still important to inspect for any signs of leakage in the structure or in the neighborhood before considering the house for reuse as BioCellar. Additional waterproofing is discussed in the BioCellar building design chapter.

ACCESSIBILITYFortheBioCellarstoworkasanimportantpartofthecity’sinfrastructureintermsof food production, vacancy reuse and community amenity, accessibility becomes an important criteria. It would be desirable for the BioCellar to be located within a 1/4 radius of and RTA bus/train stops. In case of the BioCellar’s use for food production, its proximity to a community garden or urban farm makes this easier as almost all farms use accessibility within a neighborhood as an important criteria for their location. But even in case of uses such as soil or energy production, better accessibility can create job opportunities for lower income residents, refugee communities, etc. who use public transportation as primary means of access.

27 Walipini House.2002.BensonAgricultureandFoodInstitute;Bellows,Barbara,Solar Greenhouses. National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.

Biocellar | 41

Community gardens and urban farms in the city of Cleveland (2009)

COMMUNITYGARDEN&URBANFARMLOCATIONSThe map below shows the city of Cleveland with an overlay of community gardens and urban farms, which is an important selection criteria for the BioCellar to be used as a greenhouse or a root cellar. The circles around the map show a 1/4 mile radius around the gardens, which should be the maximum distance between a food production BioCellar and an urban farm, although it would be ideal to reuse a vacant house adjacent to the garden if it satisfies other criteria.

Biocellar | 42

Vacant parcels in the city of Cleveland (2009)

ADJACENT VACANT LAND

ForBioCellarsthatneedopenlandforsupplementaryuses,thevacantparcelsmapping can serve as an excellent starting point. The existing conditions of these vacant parcels, however, vary in terms of foliage, pervious surface percentage, soil toxicity, etc., and so more study would be needed to determine the suitability of the vacant land for intended purposes.

Forexample,additionalmappingofsoiltoxicityandperviouscoveragewouldbeneeded to determine a suitable site for a new urban farm + BioCellar project.

LOCAL CHAMPIONSBeyond the criteria discussed in this chapter it is important for the consideration of social criteria, the community group or local community development corporation (CDC) that can undertake the construction and management of the BioCellar(s). It would be preferable if a local champion has:

More than one community garden/urban farm in the neighborhood, to 1. allow for a bigger network of BioCellars;

Local, state or federal funding for urban agriculture or neighborhood 2. stabilization projects;

Farmers’market,wherethereisagreateropportunityforlocalfood3. education & community interaction;

Biocellar | 43

Map showing overlapping of all paramters for site selection for a BioCellar

Large scale view of the map shown above

When these different layers of information are overlapped with the map showing vacant properties, it can help shortlist vacant residential properties that are slated for demolition as potential candidates for conversion into BioCellars.

Biocellar | 44

CONCLUSIONS & NEXT STEPS

A BioCellar can be temporary or permanent, singular or clustered, striking in its architectural vocabulary or mild-mannered and inconspicuous. A BioCellar is infrastructure made legible—a window into the systems that give life to cities. BioCellars are a direct response to population loss and urban decline, but they also set a framework in place for future growth by lowering energy costs in city neighborhoods and fostering new patterns of grass roots entrepreneurship. The BioCellar model harvests the opportunities embedded in the natural processes of change and creates a do-it-yourself approach for managing urban infrastructure.

The first step towards exploring the possibilities for this DIY urban infrastructure, is to understand the structural, economic and commercial feasibility of the BioCellar model, some of which were addressed in this report. This chapter presents the recommendations from the Phase II work along with issues and questions for further considerations for the next phase.

1. BIOCELLAR BUILDING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

a. Preferred materials/specifications recommendations:• Walls:brickorconcretefilledcinderblocks• Roof:galvanizedsteeltubing• Glazingmaterials:6mmdoublewalledfiberreinforcedplasticor

polycarbonate rigid plastic• Solarheatstorage:3000gallonsofwaterstorageusingeithera34x4x4footFRPwatertank,or55-gallonwaterdrumsliningthenorthwall

• Insulationandventilation:polyurethanefoams,vaporbarriersandnightcurtains.

b. Further design questions:• Coderequirementforkeepingwaterandsewerconnections,andprovisions

needed for the maintenance of these systems

• Optimalalternativesforaccessandegress(steps,ramps,etc.)

• Waystoaddresscontaminantissues(leadpaint,blackmold,radon,asbestos)

• CriteriaforADAaccessibilitycomplianceandLEEDcertification

• Costofabasicprototype(deconstructionofthevacanthouse,stabilizationofthe foundation, and new construction)

• Costofabasicprototypefordifferentscales;oneversusmany,includingoff-site construction and prefabrication options).

Biocellar | 45

2. BIOCELLARPERFORMANCE a. Recommendations:• Orientation:BioCellarstructureshouldbesouthfacingwiththelongwall

facing within 20º either side of true south.

• Inclinationoftheroof:Choosethelargestroofslopethatiseconomicallyfeasible and structurally viable.

• Temperatureprofiles:TemperaturesinsidetheBioCellarduringsummermonths remain higher than the outdoors. Additional ventilation can reduce theaveragetemperaturetolessthan95°F.Auxiliaryheatingsourcewillberequired if the BioCellar uses require to be above 57º during winter.

• Additionalventilation:Automatic,thermally-activatedventsandsolaroperatedfans will be necessary to offset the high summer indoor temperatures.

• Seasonextension:Thegrowingseasonisfourweekslongerthantheoutdoors for crops that need a favorable growing temperature of 65-75 °F±10°F.Ifmultiplecropsareplanned,theunconditionedbutventilatedgreenhouse can expand the growing season from cold and regular crops to encompass over 60% of the year or about 32 weeks a year.

• Moisturecontent:Closemonitoringoftheoutdoorhumidityandmoisturecontent would be essential to guarantee appropriate conditions for the different plants and vegetables in the greenhouse.

b. Next steps:Expand on the work in Phase II to include:•

Energy comparisons to an at-grade greenhousei.

Variations with different thermal heat storage mechanismsii.

Effect of external insulation, plant and human addition, etc. to the iii. temperature profiles.

Environmental simulation to understand the viability of a BioCellar for other •uses like root cellar, aquaponics, compost cellar, community cellar, etc.

4. BIOCELLAR USESRecommendationsa. :

The feasibility study of a BioCellar for food production so far, is encouraging. •Forregularweathercrops,theseasonisextendedbytwoweeksoneitherend of the typical 16 week season, four weeks on either end for cool-season crops and a year-round harvest and storage for rootcellars.

Biocellar | 46

Next steps:b.

Detailed study of a BioCellar for food production:•

Types of crops and projected yield datai.

Cost comparison with high tunnels for farming.ii.

Detailed study of other potential uses for a BioCellar:•

Aquaponicsi.

Root cellar + food cellarii.

Energy productioniii.

Compost productioniv.

Community cellar.v.

5. BIOCELLAR SITE SELECTIONRecommendationsa. :

Building orientation:•

External obstruction to solar gain: No obstruction within 10’, fences i. beyond 10’, 1-storey buildings outside of 17’, 2-storey buildings outside of39’onthesouthernsidewithin45º-60ºoftheBioCellarstructure.

Southern exposure: A BioCellar should have its longer wall face within ii. 20º either side of true south.

Treecanopy:Notreesinsideof39’onthesouthernsidewithin45-60iii. degrees of the BioCellar structure.

Water table: The bottom of the structure should be at least 5’ above the •water table.

Accessibility: The BioCellar should be located within 1/4 mile of an RTA bus •or train stop.

Community gardens and/or urban farms: Within 1/4 mile radius of •community gardens and/or urban farms for the food production BioCellar is preferable.

Adjacency to vacant land is preferred for BioCellars that need open land for •supplementary uses.

Collaboration with a local champion (community group or CDC) is •advisable.

Next stepsb. :

Other criteria important for a BioCellar site selection•

Biocellar | 47

Role of community engagement in the development and implementation of a •BioCellar

Impact of zoning restrictions on the site selection, especially since the •BioCellars are essentially residential units converted into for-profit uses

Neighborhoods in Cleveland that might be well-suited for housing the •BioCellar prototypes.

6. MANAGEMENTNext steps:a.

Ownership options for a BioCellar•

Legal implications of a cooperative ownership arrangement•

City permit(s) needed for a BioCellar•

Potential funding mechanisms.•

7. BIOCELLARINFRASTRUCTURESTUDYNext steps:a.

BioCellar network as a distributed, visible infrastructure that improves the •health of neighborhoods

Its capacity to introduce diversity in a climate of monocultures of family and •housing types

New programs and uses generated from a BioCellar as catalysts for •sustainable change

Range of ecological services that a BioCellar can offer•

Use of social network platforms like social media websites, smart phone •apps, etc. to develop this DIY urban infrastructure

Its ability to participate in the community’s education in the culture •of interdependency, the need for biodiversity and benefits of social engagement.

8. PROTOTYPE DEVELOPEMNTDesign and feasibilitya.

Construction b.

Managementc.

Monitoring the building performance, productivity, etc.d.

Statistics for mass production.e.

Biocellar | 48

REFERENCES

Alward,Ron,andAndyShapiro.1981.Low-CostPassiveSolarGreenhouses.NationalCenterfor Appropriate Technology, Butte, MT. 173 p.

Barnhart, Earle. 2007. Bioshelter Guidebook, Bioshelter research by The New Alchemy Insti-tute(1971-1991).http://www.thegreencenter.net/pdf/BiosheltersofNAI.pdf

Bellows, Barbara. 2008. Solar Greenhouses. National Sustainable Agriculture Information Ser-vice,http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/solar-gh.html#designs

BTS. 2001. Passive Solar Design. Technology Fact Sheet. U.S. Department of Energy. Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs. apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publi-cations/pdfs/building_america/29236.pdf

Bubel, Mike & Bubel Nancy. Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits and Vegetables. Storey Publishing, LLC; 2 edition. 320 p.

Chinese solar greenhouse.ComputersandElectronicsinAgriculture68:129-139.http://ener-gyfarms.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/solar-greenhouses-chinese-style/

CityofCleveland,ZoningUpdate.2009.Restrictions on the Keeping of Farm Animals and Bees. http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/zoning/pdf/34702FarmAnimalsandBees.pdf

Coleman,Eliot.1998.The winter-harvest manual: Farming the back side of the calendar: Com-mercial greenhouse production of fresh vegetables in cold-winter climates without supplementary heat.FourSeasonFarms.57p.

Fulford,Bruce,Composting Greenhouse. Bioshelters of New Alchemy Institute. 1984.TheNewAlchemy Institute. http://www.thegreencenter.net/

G.Tong,D.M.ChristopherandB.Li.2009.Numerical modelling of temperature variations in a Chinese solar greenhouse.ComputersandElectronicsinAgriculture68:129-139.http://ener-gyfarms.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/solar-greenhouses-chinese-style/

Hubbard, Kerrie. 2010. City Girl Farming. www.citygirlfarming.com

Giacomelli,GeneA.1999.Greenhouse glazings: Alternatives under the sun. Department of Bioresource Engineering. Cook College. Rutgers University. http://AESOP.RUTGERS.EDU/~ccea/publications.html

Greene, Janet, Hertzberg et al. Putting Food By. Penguin Books Australia; 4th edition. 420 p.

Illinois Solar Energy Association, 2002, Solar Greenhouse,ISEAFactSheet#9.www.illinoissolar.org

Biocellar | 49

Loria, Jean. 2008. CW Waterworks.

Luce, Ben. 2001. Passive Solar Design Guidelines for Northern New Mexico. New Mexico Solar Energy Association. www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Courses/Passive_Solar_Design/Guidelines/Guidelines.htm

Monk,G.J.,D.H.Thomas,J.M.Molnar,andL.M.Staley.1987.Solar Greenhouses for Commer-cial Growers. Agriculture Canada. Ottawa, Canada.

NREL. 2001. Passive Solar Design for the Home. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. U.S. Department of Energy. www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/27954.pdf

Root Cellars.2009.http://www.surviveabide.com/Advanced/Food%20Plan/4%20Root%20Cellars.htm

Smith, Shane, 2000. Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Green-house or Sunspace. Fulcrum Publishers. 2nd edition. www.greenhousegarden.com/energy.htm

Thomas, Andrew L., et al. 2003. An Energy Efficient Solar Heated Greenhouse Producs Cool-Season Vegetables all Winter Long. University of Missouri-Columbia, Southwest Research Center, Mt. Vernon, Missouri. http://aes.missouri.edu/swcenter/research/Solar-heated%20greenhouse.pdf

Thomas, Andrew L., et al. 2001. Performance of an Energy-efficient, Solar-heated Greenhouse in Southwest Missouri. Missiouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Missouri University College of Agriculture,Food,andNaturalResources.

Thomas,StephenG.,JohnR.McBride,JamesE.Masker,andKeithKemble.1984.Solar Greenhouses and Sunspaces: Lessons Learned. National Center for Appropriate Technology. Butte, MT. 36 p.

Vignola,Frank,Sun path chart program, University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory. http://solardat.uoregon.edu/SunChartProgram.html

Walipini House.2002.BensonAgricultureandFoodInstitute.http://www.bensoninstitute.org/Publication/Manuals/Walipini.pdf

Worley, Sally. 2008. High Tunnels: Are they Lucrative,ThePracticalFarmer.www.practicalfarm-ers.org/assets/files/horticulture/on-farm/High_Tunnels.pdf