Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse by Juwel

This description taken from the membership store's on-line description from when I bought this Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse. "Product Details This Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse by Juwel® is a great alternative to a permanent greenhouse if space or complexities are a concern. The unusually thick panels are identical to those used in full sized high end greenhouses throughout Europe and the United States. These panels retain heat far better than glass and are even stronger. If it’s an 8-9 month growing season that you care about and you want to clear some yard or patio space for winter, the Bio Star 1500 dismantles in five minutes for storage until next year.   In many US climatic regions this unit sustains enough warmth to grow vegetables all year round. In the northern climates, you can normally jump start the spring by starting in February and extending the growing season into October. The retained heat can radiate overnight and keep frost and light freezes from harming the plants. Another great feature is the high quality automatic lid opener. In the summer months, this clever device will expand to release hot air during the days and close again in the evening as temperatures cool. Whether it’s a condo garden on a rooftop, deck or patio, or used in a typical yard, the BioStar 1500 provides a safe protected area free of birds, pests, pets, slugs and snails. On a deck or patio, simply use standard planting pots for your vegetables and flowers, in a yard use the ground itself with compost added to amend the soil. Features: Double walled polycarbonate panels are 8mm thick for maximum thermal insulation & strength   1 Automatic Opener included –opens/closes one lid panel as temperatures change   Lid panels are fully assembled and just slip into place   ‘No-Drip Coating’ prevents condensation from dripping onto plants   6 anti wind clamps are supplied for the three window lids   Grounding stakes included   Rounded plastic corner parts give the unit a child safe, finished and attractive look   Dimensions: Length 59”, Depth 36”, Back height 21”, Front height 17”   Tools required are only a screwdriver and pliers   Weight 22 lbs   Made in Austria   Warranty; 3 yrs against mfg defects Panels have 10 guarantee UV coating   For inquiries with respect to assembly & installation call show contact info Specifications Brand Juwel Dimensions: W x D x H 4.92 ft. x 3 ft. x 1.75 ft. Frame Material Metal Frame Material Details Aluminum Panel Material Polycarbonate" The above is copied and pasted in here. It isfrom the membership store where I ordered it for home delivery. The first three (3) pictures are from the membership store's website information. The other pictures are of the actual unit. For the first three months that I owned it, I assembled it on the roof patio deck of the condominium where I lived in Englewood. After 3 months, I moved to Denver Wash Park area and assembled it on bare ground adjacent to my concrete patio. I used it all winter with a little space heater to keep the minimun temperature at 50 degrees. As you can see from the photographs, even on cold snowy days, the automatic roof opener will cause the roof to open to let the radient heat from the sun excape. The mechanism to cause the roof to open is a gas cylinder that causes the piston to operate like a door closer based on temperature. When the temperature heats up, gas inside the cylinder expands and pushes the piston to cause the roof panel to rise open. The opposite happens when it is cooling down. Although it works great, I have determined I simply am not enough of the 'green thumb' that I thought I might be. You can look up the manufacturer on their website. On the web, look for "Juwel coldframe". You will quickly see that there are many retailers offering these for sale at twice the price of this one I am getting rid of. You will see that it is just as good as new.