Why the Glasshouse Comes Before the House

When I first mentioned building a glasshouse to Paul, he gave me that look. You know the one. The look that asks, “How much is this going to cost?!” And building a glasshouse before we’ve even built a house does sound a little backwards.

But it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made so far, and I want to explain why. (Well, most of why. Some of it is top secret.)

Our secret squirrel project

Here’s what I can tell you: the glasshouse is not for tomatoes. (Sorry, tomatoes.) It’s a big part of how we plan to fund the house build, and we’re aiming to have it ready for autumn 2027. Here’s what I can’t tell you: anything else. Not yet, anyway. You’ll just have to follow along.

It’s a project we can actually afford

A house is a big, expensive, multi-year undertaking. A glasshouse is a project we can plan, fund and finish ourselves, right now. After our “now what?” moment of realising the house would take a while, having something real to build on the land is exactly what we needed. It turns waiting into doing.

It’s practice for the big build

Neither of us has built a home before. The glasshouse is our training ground. Footings, framing, levelling, weatherproofing, working with council and suppliers: we get to learn all of it on a smaller scale, where mistakes cost hundreds instead of thousands.

Paul is in his element designing it. Managing big projects is his forte, so he sees it as a fun puzzle. I see it as a very pretty puzzle.

Waiting for the house doesn’t mean waiting to live.

What we’re thinking about before we build

We’re still in the planning stage, and there’s a lot to get right. Here’s what’s on our list so far:

• Where it goes. A glasshouse is all about light, so we’re watching how the sun moves across the block through the seasons before we choose a spot. (Once I figure out where north is.)
• Wind. Those spring winds can be gusty, so it needs strong footings, solid bracing and a bit of shelter if we can find it.
• Ventilation. Even in Tasmania, a glasshouse can heat up fast on a sunny day. Roof vents and automatic openers are a must.
• Permits. Depending on the size and where it sits, you may need planning or building approval. We’re checking with council before we buy a single pane of glass.
• Custom, not a kit. No question about this one. Kit glasshouses are one size fits some, and pricey for what they are, so we’re designing our own. Paul has a spreadsheet, naturally.
• Reclaimed windows. We’re going window hunting! If you’re selling old windows (or know someone who is), please let me know. Facebook Marketplace, here we come.
• The roof. We might not use glass up top. Clear polycarbonate roofing is one option we’re looking at, because it’s lighter and tougher overhead. (Still learning what all the options are called.)

Why glass (well, mostly)?

Partly practical, partly heart. A well-built glasshouse lasts for decades, stands up to the weather and lets in the most beautiful light. And I’ll admit I’ve wanted one for a very long time. Some decisions don’t need a spreadsheet. (Paul made one anyway.)

Follow the build

We’ll share the whole process: the design, the costs, the build days and the things we’d do differently. Subscribe on YouTube to watch it come together, and have a guess in the comments: what do you think the glasshouse is for? (I’m not saying anything. My lips are sealed.)

Cherrie x