How a former Sandia engineer is revolutionizing a DIY hoop house

• Dave Glowka, a former geothermal research manager, has created a low-cost, DIY hoop house (high tunnel greenhouse) using readily available materials like chain-link fence components.
• Glowka’s hoop house design is modular, allowing gardeners to customize the size based on their needs. The construction process involves precise steps, including using a custom hoop bender and aligning posts and hoops, showcasing his engineering expertise.
• The hoop house can be tailored to different climates by using UV-resistant polyethylene plastic for winter or shade cloth for summer. Features like sidewall hand cranks for ventilation ensure optimal plant health in extreme weather conditions.
• Glowka and Marjory Wildcraft have experimented with aquaponics systems inside the hoop house, growing tilapia and vegetables year-round. Despite challenges, their experiences have led to design improvements, emphasizing the importance of trial and error in DIY projects.
• Glowka provides free resources, including a detailed bill of materials, 3D printable files and an e-book, through The Grow Network’s library. His design costs about $4.89 per square foot, offering an affordable and versatile solution for sustainable gardening.

In episode 9 of “Off Grid Survival Skills” by Marjory Wildcraft, aired Feb. 9 on Brighteon University, Dave Glowka shared his innovative approach to building a hoop house—a structure also known as a high tunnel greenhouse. “A hoop house is undoubtedly the lowest-cost way to capture sunlight, provide shelter and control the environment for both you and your plants,” Glowka explained. His design uses readily available materials, such as chain-link fence components and modular construction techniques that can be adapted to fit various gardening needs.

Glowka is a former manager of geothermal research at Sandia National Laboratories, has turned his engineering expertise toward sustainable living, creating an affordable and accessible DIY hoop house design that’s revolutionizing home gardening. With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a passion for 3D modeling, Glowka has designed a 12×36-foot hoop house that costs just $2,100 to build. His step-by-step guide, complete with 3D printable files and detailed instructions, empowers DIY enthusiasts to extend their growing seasons and take control of their food supply.

The hoop house’s construction begins with simple yet precise steps: selecting a sunny, well-drained location, driving line posts into the ground and bending top rails into semicircular hoops. Glowka’s engineering background shines through in his meticulous attention to detail, from the use of a custom hoop bender to the precise alignment of posts and hoops. “It’s modular,” he emphasized. “You can build it as a single section or expand it to dozens of feet long, depending on your needs.”

One of the standout features of Glowka’s design is its adaptability to different climates. The hoop house can be covered with UV-resistant polyethylene plastic for winter growing or shade cloth for summer heat. “In Texas, we strip it down to nothing before dawn in the summer,” Glowka said, highlighting the importance of ventilation and temperature control. His design includes sidewall hand cranks that allow gardeners to roll up the sides of the hoop house for airflow, ensuring plants stay healthy even in extreme weather.

Glowka’s passion for sustainability extends beyond the structure itself. He and Marjory Wildcraft have experimented with aquaponics systems inside their hoop house, growing tilapia and vegetables year-round. While they faced challenges—such as losing fish due to an aquaponics management mishap—their experiences have informed improvements to the design. “We’ve learned a lot along the way,” Glowka admitted. “And that’s part of the joy of DIY projects.”

This hoop house costs about $4.89 per square foot

The presentation also included a detailed bill of materials, 3D printable files and an e-book, all available for free download from The Grow Network’s library. “This hoop house costs about $4.89 per square foot,” Glowka noted. “I don’t think any other structure that’s so useful and versatile can be built for that price.”

Wildcraft, who introduced Glowka as “the best presenter possible on how to build a hoop house,” praised his ability to make complex engineering concepts accessible to everyday gardeners. “Dave is a master with 3D modeling software,” she said. “And he has a 3D printer in his living room. He’s a total engineer, for sure.”

Glowka’s hoop house design is more than just a gardening tool—it’s a testament to the power of combining high-tech expertise with a commitment to sustainability. As Wildcraft put it, “This presentation may be worth the price of the summit package alone.” For anyone looking to take their home gardening to the next level, Glowka’s hoop house is a game-changer.  

His journey from geothermal research to sustainable living has culminated in a DIY hoop house design that’s both affordable and innovative. By sharing his expertise and resources, Glowka is empowering home gardeners to grow food year-round, reduce their environmental impact and embrace the joys of DIY sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, his hoop house design offers a practical and inspiring way to take control of your food supply.

If you want to learn more about the essential skills Wildcraft has gathered for you, purchase your copy of the “Off Grid Survival Skills” bundle here. You will get a copy of the videos from all 10 episodes, 29 life-saving video bonuses, 21 exclusive eBooks and and a physical copy of Wildcraft’s “The Grow Book System,” which will be delivered directly at your doorstep.

Sources include:

BrightU.com

BrighteonUniversity.com