This facility is known as a closed greenhouse, meaning it can operate independently of outdoor conditions. Researchers here have precise control over the internal environment, enabling them to simulate a wide range of climates—whether it’s dry and cool, humid and warm, or anywhere in between. This flexibility is especially important for studying plant responses to different environmental stressors or for replicating conditions from other parts of the world.

To achieve this level of control, the greenhouse uses an Argus Titan control system—a state-of-the-art platform used widely in advanced bioscience and agricultural research. Each growth chamber can be individually programmed to maintain specific conditions for humidity, temperature, CO₂ levels, lighting, and irrigation. This allows researchers to run multiple experiments at once under vastly different simulated climates.

The Argus system also supports automated scheduling and real-time data monitoring. For example, supplemental lighting—essential during the short winter days in Calgary—can be timed to ensure optimal growth cycles year-round. With automated alerts and cloud-based access, researchers can maintain ideal growth conditions even when off-site.

These features make the closed greenhouse not just a controlled environment, but a highly dynamic research hub. Similar systems are used at institutions like Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University, where they’re helping develop sustainable food production and clean water solutions for the future.