Surviving Norway’s freezing winters without relying on heavy heating? One woman found a brilliant solution—she built an enormous greenhouse around her entire house. Not only does this keep her home warm, but it also allows her to grow fresh food all year long, even in the dead of winter.
This concept, inspired by similar projects in Sweden, creates a self-sustaining microclimate that dramatically reduces energy costs while supporting an eco-friendly lifestyle. With the world facing increasing climate challenges, could greenhouse homes be the future of sustainable living?
A Home Inside a Greenhouse: How It Works
At first glance, it might sound like something out of a sci-fi novel—encasing an entire home in a glass structure—but it’s a concept that’s already proving successful in cold climates. The greenhouse acts as a protective bubble, trapping solar heat and keeping the interior significantly warmer than the outside environment.
For example, in Sweden, the Granmar-Sacilotto family has lived in a similar greenhouse-covered home for years. Even when the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, the temperature inside their greenhouse shell can remain 15–20°C (59–68°F) without traditional heating. This not only makes winter much more comfortable but also slashes heating costs.
The Norwegian homeowner followed a similar approach, designing a glass enclosure that maximizes sunlight absorption. The result? A cozy, light-filled space where she can enjoy warmth and greenery year-round—something rare in Scandinavia’s long, dark winters.
Growing Fresh Food in the Dead of Winter
One of the biggest perks of living in a greenhouse home is the ability to grow food—even in freezing conditions. The enclosed environment creates a Mediterranean-like climate, making it possible to cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and even exotic fruits like figs.
By growing her own produce, the homeowner dramatically reduces her reliance on supermarkets, cutting down on food costs and ensuring a fresh, organic diet. With rising food prices and increasing concerns about food security, this type of self-sufficient setup is more relevant than ever.
Other families who have adopted greenhouse homes have reported similar success. The Sacilotto family in Sweden, for example, has grown enough food to sustain themselves for most of the year, all while reducing their environmental footprint.
Why Greenhouse Homes Are Gaining Popularity
Beyond the obvious benefits of warmth and food production, greenhouse homes offer a range of other advantages:
✅ Massive Energy Savings – By capturing and storing heat from the sun, these homes drastically cut down on heating bills. Some homeowners report reducing their energy use by up to 50%.
✅ Year-Round Outdoor Living – Even when it’s snowing outside, the inside of a greenhouse home remains warm and inviting. Many families use the space for gardening, relaxation, and even hosting gatherings in winter.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – With climate change bringing more extreme weather, people are looking for innovative ways to live sustainably. Greenhouse homes minimize reliance on fossil fuels and promote self-sufficient living.
✅ Better Mental Health – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common in regions with long, dark winters. A home filled with sunlight and greenery can significantly boost mood and well-being.
Is This the Future of Cold-Climate Living?
As more people look for sustainable housing solutions, greenhouse homes are gaining traction. Whether it’s for financial savings, environmental reasons, or simply the joy of living in a sunlit, plant-filled home, the idea is spreading.
In Norway, Sweden, and even parts of Canada, homeowners are experimenting with this concept, proving that it’s possible to live comfortably in extreme climates without relying on excessive energy consumption.
Could this be the next big shift in eco-friendly living? If more people embrace greenhouse homes, we may see entire neighborhoods designed around this self-sustaining lifestyle.
One thing is clear—this Norwegian woman isn’t just staying warm. She’s pioneering a way of life that could reshape how we think about housing in cold climates. 🌿☀️