Balcony Enclosure Project
Greetings: The title pretty much sums it up. I have a unit in a 5plex row (not in an HOA) that has a tiny balcony off the front bedroom. I am determined to make this space work as an orchidarium.
It's only two feet deep, from the patio style doors access, to the balcony rail. It is 11' wide, and 8' tall. All sides and the roof are enclosed, so the front opening is the only thing I would have to cover in greenhouse plastic (8 mil thick).
I suppose I need ventilation? At the bottom is the only place I can see cutting vents. What size? How much of that precious humid air should I allow to vent out of it per hour? It's less than 180 cubic feet volume. I will have a fan or two moving air around inside the space. Do I need one specifically to pull air in or out of the enclosure itself?
The balcony faces due east but it is heavily shaded by a pretty large Sweet Gum tree. It had no leaves when we moved in but it is leafing out now. I think Phals would be happy but not much else without supplemental light. I am very familiar with under lights growing but have never tried to integrate sunlight with artificial light.
I see no outlets for power, but there are two recessed light bulbs in the ceiling. They don't work but I am assuming they are simply burned out. I might be able to get 120V A/C from those light sockets. I can't snake power through from inside because the patio doors must close fully. Even the tiniest crack lets too much noise through for my wife to sleep.
Has anyone done anything like this? Is this a terrible idea? Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks.
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