Design Review: school greenhouse recommended for rear placement; staff flags polycarbonate material

The DRC reviewed plans for a new prefabricated greenhouse to support a STEM curriculum at the BGA lower school campus.

Christopher Wood of Kaiser Bogen Design described a Yoderbilt prefabricated greenhouse with a wood lower base, metal framing and polycarbonate glazing. Staff acknowledged greenhouse function but noted that polycarbonate is not typically recommended for building siding or roofing within the historic district; because the structure is a greenhouse staff asked for commissioners’ feedback about appropriate materials and the location choice. Staff recommended locating the greenhouse at the rear plane (site location #4) so the new structure would be least visible from the street per design guidelines. Commissioners also requested a plan showing routes and surfaces to make the greenhouse accessible to students and suggested showing sun‑orientation details (applicant noted a preference for south–southwest exposure).

The applicant said he would return with elevation studies, a pedestrian‑level plan showing paths and a material sample to better inform the commission at the voting meeting.