Hoop House

The Hoop House Purpose:

The Hoop House at the Cultivate Academy Peri-Urban Farm Campus, located at 5650 Bottoms Rd., Temple, TX 76501, will be a multi-functional space designed to support year-round agricultural activities, community engagement, and educational programs. Students will serve as the engine driving these efforts, ensuring the sustainability and success of the Peri-Urban Farm's mission to promote health, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Key activities in the Hoop House will include:

1. Year-Round Crop Production

• Cultivating seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruits in a controlled environment, extending the growing season and ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce.

• Using vertical gardening techniques and other innovative methods to maximize space efficiency and yield.

• Managing a rotation system to maintain soil health and optimize crop diversity.

2. Student-Led Agricultural Training

• Providing Cultivate Academy-CTX students with hands-on learning opportunities in crop management, pest control, irrigation systems, and organic farming practices.

• Integrating lessons on sustainable agriculture into the school’s curriculum, enabling students to apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts in real-world scenarios.

• Encouraging leadership by having students take responsibility for specific crops, tracking growth, and reporting data to their peers.

3. Seedling and Propagation Hub

• Serving as the starting point for seedlings used across the Urban Farm, including in the microgreen houses and outdoor fields.

• Teaching students and community members how to propagate plants from seeds and cuttings, fostering skills that promote self-sufficiency.

• Conducting experiments with heirloom and climate-resilient varieties to support biodiversity and sustainability.

4. Sustainability Practices

• Incorporating water conservation systems, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, to teach sustainable resource management.

• Utilizing compost produced on-site to enrich soil, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and enhances farm productivity.

• Exploring renewable energy options, like solar panels, to power heating and ventilation systems in the Hoop House.

5. Community Engagement and Education

• Hosting workshops and classes on gardening, composting, and sustainable farming practices for local residents.

• Organizing "farm-to-table" events and cooking demonstrations, where participants can learn how to use fresh produce grown in the Hoop House.

• Offering volunteer opportunities for community members to work alongside Cultivate Academy students and staff, strengthening connections between the farm and the surrounding community.

6. Market and Distribution Preparation

• Preparing produce for sale at bi-weekly markets hosted by Cultivate Academy-CTX, where students manage logistics, customer interactions, and financial tracking.

• Packing and distributing fresh products to local schools, restaurants, and markets, reinforcing the farm’s commitment to improving access to nutritious food.

7. Innovation and Research

• Partnering with agricultural experts and local universities to explore innovative practices such as aquaponics, hydroponics, and integrated pest management.

• Using the Hoop House as a living laboratory where students can conduct experiments, analyze data, and propose solutions to farming challenges.

8. Wellness Integration

• Highlighting the connection between food, wellness, and community through holistic programs that emphasize the health benefits of fresh produce.

• Engaging students in discussions about the role of urban agriculture in addressing food deserts and promoting food justice.

With Cultivate Academy-CTX leading the way, the Hoop House will be a centerpiece of the Urban Farm’s operations, serving as a space for learning, growing, and connecting. Its activities will embody the principles of sustainability, education, and community empowerment, ensuring that the farm not only thrives but also inspires others to embrace urban agriculture as a pathway to wellness and resilience.

The cost of a 5,000 sq. ft. hoop house with sturdy walls and fans for cooling and heating in Temple, TX will depend on materials, installation, and features. Below is a detailed estimate:

Cost Breakdown

1. Hoop House Frame and Covering

• Frame:
  
  

  • Galvanized steel frame (durable and long-lasting): $2.50–$4.00 per sq. ft.

  • Total for Frame: $12,500–$20,000

• Covering:
  
  

  • Heavy-duty polyethylene film (double-layer for insulation): $0.75–$1.50 per sq. ft.

  • Optional polycarbonate or rigid panels for walls: $2.50–$4.00 per sq. ft. (adds durability).

  • Total for Covering: $3,750–$20,000 (depending on materials).

2. Cooling and Ventilation

• Fans and Cooling System:
  
  

  • Exhaust fans (48-inch): $800–$1,200 each (2–4 fans recommended for 5,000 sq. ft.).

  • Circulation fans: $300–$500 each (4–6 fans).

  • Evaporative cooling system (optional): $2,500–$5,000.

  • Total for Cooling: $5,000–$10,000

• Vents and Automated Systems:
  
  

  • Roll-up sidewalls or ridge vents: $2,000–$4,000.

  • Vent automation: $1,000–$2,000.

  • Total for Ventilation: $3,000–$6,000

3. Heating System

• Options:

  • Propane or natural gas heaters: $2,000–$4,000 each (2–4 units recommended).

  • Radiant or hydronic heating (optional for higher efficiency): $5,000–$10,000.

  • Total for Heating: $6,000–$16,000

4. Site Preparation and Utilities

• Site Preparation:
  
  

  • Grading, leveling, and anchoring: $5,000–$8,000.

• Water and Electric Hookups:
  
  

  • Plumbing for irrigation: $2,000–$5,000.

  • Electrical wiring for fans, lights, and heaters: $3,000–$6,000.

  • Total for Utilities: $5,000–$11,000

5. Additional Costs

• Doors:
  
  

  • Sliding or roll-up doors (2–4 doors): $500–$1,000 each.

  • Total for Doors: $1,000–$4,000

• Insulation (Optional):
  
  

  • Insulated panels or bubble wrap for winter use: $1,500–$3,500.

• Contingency (10–15%): $4,000–$8,000.
  
  

Total Estimated Cost:

$36,250–$82,500

Factors Affecting Cost:

1. Materials: Opting for polycarbonate walls over polyethylene film significantly increases cost but improves durability.

2. Size Customization: Larger or more powerful fans/heaters may be needed if internal layouts reduce airflow.

3. Automation: Adding automated systems for temperature and humidity control increases upfront costs but improves efficiency.