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Microgreen Growhouses' Purpose:
Microgreen Growhouses' Purpose:
The microgreen growing houses will be 2 structures at the Peri-Urban Farm at 5650 Bottoms Rd., Temple, TX 76501, that will serve as dynamic hubs for agricultural innovation, education, and sustainability, with students acting as the engine driving these efforts. Activities at the facilities will include:
Microgreen Cultivation and Harvesting
Growing a variety of nutrient-dense microgreens using sustainable farming practices.
Managing crop cycles to ensure a consistent supply of fresh produce for local markets, schools, and restaurants.
Providing hands-on training for Cultivate Academy students in advanced urban agriculture techniques, including seed selection, planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
Student-Led Agribusiness Training
Empowering students at Cultivate Academy-CTX to manage all aspects of microgreen production and sales.
Integrating real-world agribusiness skills such as inventory management, customer service, and marketing strategies into the curriculum.
Hosting entrepreneurship workshops where students can learn to run their own sustainable agricultural ventures.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Organizing tours of the microgreen houses for community members, showcasing the value of urban farming and sustainable food production.
Hosting cooking demonstrations and nutrition education sessions, where participants learn how to incorporate microgreens into their diets.
Providing opportunities for local volunteers to engage with farm activities, fostering a deeper connection to food systems and wellness.
Market and Distribution Hub
Serving as the primary site for packaging and distributing microgreens to local markets, schools, and community events.
Utilizing Cultivate Academy's youth leadership to manage product quality and delivery logistics.
Creating a vibrant bi-weekly market where microgreens and other locally grown products are sold, further reinforcing the farm’s mission of promoting health and wellness.
Research and Innovation
Conducting experiments to optimize growing conditions, reduce waste, and improve crop yields.
Partnering with local universities and agricultural experts to explore cutting-edge techniques in urban farming.
Using the farm as a living laboratory where Cultivate Academy students apply STEM principles to solve real-world agricultural challenges.
Sustainability and Education
Incorporating renewable energy solutions, water conservation systems, and composting practices to ensure the farm operates with minimal environmental impact.
Embedding sustainability principles into the Cultivate Academy curriculum, helping students understand the interconnectedness of agriculture, ecology, and health.
With Cultivate Academy-CTX as the engine of this operation, the Peri-Urban Farm will not only grow microgreens but also cultivate a generation of leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and vision to transform their communities through sustainable agriculture. Together, the microgreen houses and Cultivate Academy-CTX will create a replicable model of urban farming that aligns with the mission of promoting wellness and self-sufficiency.
Cost breakdown
To build a 4,000 sq. ft. barndominium grow house with the specified features in Temple, TX, the costs will be based on several factors like materials, design, and labor costs. Here's a detailed breakdown for your project:
Cost Breakdown for a 4,000 sq. ft. Barndominium Grow House
Cost Breakdown for a 4,000 sq. ft. Barndominium Grow House
1. Structure and Exterior
Barndominium Frame (Metal or Wood):
Metal framing (common for barndominiums): $12–$20 per sq. ft.
Total for Frame (4,000 sq. ft.): $48,000–$80,000
Exterior Cladding (Barn-style finish, metal or wood):
Metal siding or barn-style finish: $6–$10 per sq. ft.
Total for Siding: $24,000–$40,000
Roofing (Metal or Shingles):
Metal roofing: $6–$12 per sq. ft.
Total for Roofing: $24,000–$48,000
2. Interior Features
Walls and Insulation (Grow Room + Kitchen + Learning/Dining Space):
Insulation: $1.50–$3.00 per sq. ft.
Drywall or Paneling: $2–$4 per sq. ft.
Total for Interior Walls & Insulation: $6,000–$12,000
Natural Lighting (Windows + Skylights in Grow Room):
Operable windows: $200–$500 each (6–8 windows).
Skylights: $600–$1,000 each (2–4).
Total for Natural Light Features: $4,000–$8,000
3. Utilities
Water Hookups (Commercial Kitchen + Grow House):
Plumbing for sinks, water lines, drains, three-part sink, hand-washing sink, and restrooms: $12,000–$18,000.
Total for Water: $12,000–$18,000
Electrical Hookups (For Kitchen, Grow Room, and Learning/Dining Areas):
Electrical work for outlets, lighting, HVAC systems, appliances, etc.: $12,000–$20,000.
Total for Electrical: $12,000–$20,000
4. Commercial Kitchen Features (700 sq. ft.)
Appliances & Fixtures:
Double ovens: $4,000–$8,000.
Stainless Steel Tables: $500–$1,000 each (3–5 tables).
Walk-in Refrigerator and Freezer: $12,000–$20,000.
Ice Machine: $1,000–$3,000.
Three-part sink + Hand-washing sink: $1,500–$4,000.
Other kitchen appliances: $4,000–$6,000.
Total for Kitchen Appliances: $22,000–$42,000
5. Microgreen Grow Room (1,000 sq. ft.)
Environmental Controls (Lighting, Ventilation, HVAC):
Grow lights: $5,000–$10,000.
Fans and HVAC systems for cooling and ventilation: $5,000–$10,000.
Shelving/Trays for growing: $3,000–$5,000.
Total for Grow Room Equipment: $13,000–$25,000
6. Restrooms (4 Restrooms)
Plumbing and Fixtures:
Toilets, sinks, showers, and water hookups: $10,000–$15,000.
Total for Restrooms: $10,000–$15,000
7. Learning/Dining Area (2,300 sq. ft.)
Dining Furniture and Coffee Bar:
9 Dining Tables: $3,000–$6,000.
Coffee Bar Setup: $3,000–$6,000.
12 Bistro Tables + Chairs: $3,000–$6,000.
Total for Dining Area Furniture: $9,000–$18,000
8. Additional Features
Drainage Systems (Kitchen, Restrooms, Grow Area):
Ground drains and waste management: $4,000–$7,000.
Total for Drainage: $4,000–$7,000
HVAC (for Cooling, Heating, and Ventilation):
HVAC systems for the grow area, kitchen, and learning/dining space: $10,000–$18,000.
Total for HVAC: $10,000–$18,000
9. Site Preparation and Miscellaneous
Site Preparation (Grading, Leveling, and Foundation): $10,000–$20,000.
Contingency (10–15%): $30,000–$60,000.
Total Estimated Cost:
Total Estimated Cost:
$192,000–$338,000
Key Considerations:
Key Considerations:
Material Choices: The cost can vary significantly depending on the finishes and materials chosen for the kitchen, restrooms, and grow areas (e.g., stainless steel, high-end fixtures, etc.).
Complexity of Grow Room: The installation of proper ventilation, lighting, and shelving for a microgreen grow room adds to the cost.
HVAC System for Climate Control: Proper heating, cooling, and ventilation are crucial for both the grow area and the kitchen. HVAC needs to be appropriately sized.
Labor Costs: Labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of your design and the local labor rates in Temple, TX.
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