Background
Richard is a passionate gardener and photographer, decided to upgrade his gardening setup by ordering a 3m x 4m Keder Greenhouse at the Malvern Show. Delivered promptly, the greenhouse remained neatly packed on a single pallet until the construction began around Christmas, amid the gales.

Installation Process
Despite the challenging weather, constructing the Keder Greenhouse was manageable. Unlike traditional poly tunnels, the strong winds posed minimal issues as the full cover didn’t need to be draped over the structure, avoiding the 'kite effect.' The only incident occurred when the frame, with the Keder material fixed to the ends, caught the wind and popped apart. This was quickly resolved by tying the ends together with a rope.

Richard found the assembly process straightforward, especially with the help of a powerful rechargeable driver for fixing the self-tappers through the profile into the tubes. "It’s a sweet system and a very good way of fixing the Keder material to the structure," he noted. Any queries were promptly addressed by Keder staff, ensuring the structure was rock solid even during the worst weather.

Features and Performance
The day after completing the greenhouse, an electrician installed a waterproof socket, connecting it to an armoured cable laid from the shed. Richard installed a thermostatically controlled propagator and sowed tomato seeds, which germinated within days. The Keder Greenhouse’s light levels were impressive, preventing seedlings from getting drawn up even inside the propagator.
The auto vent effectively prevented overheating, maintaining optimal conditions for the seedlings. Richard found that opening the rear vent on sunny days, combined with the auto vent, kept the environment just right.

Innovative Design
The Keder material, resembling "bubble wrap on steroids," provided excellent insulation, akin to double glazing, while allowing a surprising amount of light to penetrate. This diffused light created even lighting and reduced shadows, ideal for photography. "Working inside a Keder house is like working in a giant light tent," Richard explained. The lack of drafts and stable environment ensured delicate flowers remained still for the camera, and he could stay dry even during rain.

Insulation and Heating
The greenhouse’s insulation made it worthwhile to add a little heat, as the warmth didn’t escape as it would in a glasshouse. This ensured that Richard’s tender seedlings were safe from frost, allowing him to sleep soundly during cold nights. "The benefits are everything I had hoped for," he said.

Future Projects
Richard’s Keder Greenhouse is still a work in progress. Plans include installing a narrow deck at the rear vent end for standing pots outside and adding an old water tank painted black inside to act as a passive solar heat store. "We hinged the rear vent rather high...we like it that way," he noted.

Conclusion
Richard’s experience with his Keder Greenhouse highlights the structure's durability, effective insulation, and suitability for both gardening and photography. The greenhouse has met and exceeded his expectations, providing a stable, well-lit, and warm environment for his plants and photography projects, even during challenging weather conditions.