Ellipse Greenhouse by SAW.EARTH – Innovative Community Garden Architecture in Brooklyn

The Ellipse Greenhouse, designed by SAW.EARTH, is a student-led architectural project located in the Scholes Street Community Garden, Brooklyn, NY. Completed in 2025, this 144 ft² ellipsoidal greenhouse combines sustainable design with hands-on learning, creating a functional and visually striking addition to the urban garden.

Design Concept

The greenhouse features a tiered, ellipse-shaped structure designed to maximize solar exposure throughout the day. Its layout carefully follows the sun path of the garden, ensuring that each tier receives optimal sunlight for plant growth. The design emphasizes space efficiency and horticultural productivity within a compact footprint.

Materials and Sustainability

To ensure durability and natural aging, students used cedar wood for the main structure and copper flashing, which develops a subtle patina over time. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainable materials while blending the greenhouse seamlessly into the surrounding garden environment.

Educational and Community Impact

This project was completed over four weeks by students from the New York Institute of Technology Graduate School of Architecture and Design (NYIT SoAD). It represents the sixth permanent installation by SAW.EARTH’s program, which aims to create community-driven, small-scale architectural interventions for urban gardens across New York City.

The Ellipse Greenhouse is not only a productive space for plants but also a hands-on learning environment, empowering students to explore:

• Innovative design strategies
• Sustainable construction practices
• Urban ecological integration

Significance

The project exemplifies the potential of site-responsive, small-scale architecture to enhance urban communities. By combining education, sustainability, and community engagement, SAW.EARTH demonstrates how design can positively impact neighborhoods while providing students with practical, real-world experience.

All Photographs are works of Dan McMahon, SAW.EARTH