17 Greenhouse Designs You Should Consider When Upgrading
Many greenhouse structures manufacturers and suppliers say their customers are asking for new models that can accommodate a diverse crop mix (from ornamentals to vegetables to cannabis), while providing flexibility in design, maintenance, and control of the environment.
-
-
1 of 17
GrowSpan Series 500 (GrowSpan)
The GrowSpan Series 500 Tall Greenhouse creates an ideal climate-controlled commercial growing environment, featuring an expansive growing room, extra overhead space, and roll-up or drop-down sides for improved ventilation. Structures are built with a triple-galvanized steel frame to resist corrosion and are covered with a sturdy, double-layer film that prevents excess moisture and offers exceptional drip control.
GrowSpan.com -
2 of 17
GrowSpan Series 1000 Greenhouse (GrowSpan)
GrowSpan Series 1000 Greenhouses are designed to economically produce crops of any kind on a commercial scale. The Series 1000 complements all types of growing, including hydroponics and aquaponics, and the arched-roof design minimizes snow, ice, and water buildup, saving valuable time and money. Featuring galvanized-steel frames that ensure durability, these greenhouses are cost-effective, versatile, and energy-efficient.
-
3 of 17
Cabrio Venlo Greenhouse (GrowSpan)
GrowSpan’s Cabrio Venlo Greenhouses offer precise, large-scale growing for any commercial operation. Each Cabrio Venlo Greenhouse can be clad in glass, polycarbonate, or film and features a fully opening motorized roof to ensure maximum ventilation and up to 96% light transmission. Structures can be tailored to specific growing needs with custom sizes, design, bay spacing, and gutter heights.
-
4 of 17
Cravo X-Frame (Cravo Equipment Ltd.)
The latest design of Cravo’s X-Frame automated retractable roof greenhouse is a low-cost structure that provides crop protection from rain, hail, wind, heat, and cold. The standard model has a 31.5-foot width with a 14-foot gutter height and is available with roll up sidewalls and an optional retractable interior curtain system.
Cravo.com -
5 of 17
Rainbow Plus (Stuppy Greenhouse)
The versatile Rainbow Plus is an affordable, long-lasting greenhouse for the toughest weather conditions. Rainbow (rounded-arch) or Diamond (peaked-arch) low-profile roofline options reduce heated surface area and increase summer cooling efficiency. Direct connection of bows to columns through the Y and L connectors accommodates higher loads and makes construction simple. Standard 8-foot sidewall height, 10 feet optional.
Stuppy.com -
6 of 17
Continental (Agra Tech)
Agra Tech’s Continental Greenhouse is a gothic arch, polyethylene-covered, gutter-connect structure. It is designed for high performance in all climates and can easily withstand snow, rain, wind, and extreme heat. A ridge vent can be added for natural ventilation. The Continental’s gothic peak and steep roof pitch captures low-angle winter light. The extra-large gutters add strength and carry 60% more water runoff compared to Agra Tech’s other structures. There are two widths available: 31 feet, 6 inches, and 40 feet (more widths to come in the future). The Continental is best for mid- to large-sized crops that thrive under polyethylene.
AgraTech.com -
7 of 17
North Slope (Agra Tech)
The North Slope is a commercial grade Quonset high tunnel greenhouse. Its unique arch design provides maximum strength while shedding condensation. The North Slope is good in any climate, offering excellent natural ventilation for heat and strength for snow. It is ideal for small to mid-sized crops and can be outfitted with curtain, heating, and cooling systems, etc.
-
8 of 17
Solar Light (Agra Tech)
The Solar Light, also known as the Dry House due to its built-in condensate removal system, is an all-season greenhouse that is best for maintaining a critically sensitive environment for high-quality, high-value crops. The Solar Light features an efficient, strong and spacious design with insect exclusion capabilities. It’s ideal for natural ventilation with optional single or double ridge vents.
-
9 of 17
Flexible Shipping Facilities (Nexus)
In recent years, Nexus has designed a number of shipping structures that have multiple uses. One variation makes the structure also produce revenue while functioning as a shipping facility at the same time. The company designed the building with a clear roof and basket systems, giving the owner 35,000 hanging baskets. The company also offers variations to standard models, such as a traditional Vail structure that is covered in metal and can include a staging area for shipping, a storage area, warehouse, an isolation area, mechanical room, offices, breakroom, and bathrooms. In recent years, Nexus has also added the option to include solar panels on the roof, reducing utility costs in an environmentally friendly way.
NexusCorp.com -
10 of 17
Dual Atrium (Nexus)
The wide span Nexus Dual Atrium system offers maximum natural ventilation. The unique ridge vent opens outward and upward from near the top of the ridge to provide natural ventilation, offering versatility for all crops at all stages. The structure will reduce capital and operating costs. The Nexus Dual Atrium Greenhouse provides outdoor conditions when the roof is open, creating hardier plant material. Fewer obstructions are present than other open roof style structures, leading to higher light levels. There is less chance of crop loss in case of sudden inclement weather since the roof closes in less than three minutes. This structure is constructed to meet regional snow and wind load requirements. It also features covering flexibility.
-
11 of 17
Zephyr (Nexus)
Superior cooling and dehumidification is the basis of the Nexus Zephyr Greenhouse. Top-ridge vents allow for dehumidification even when snow is in the gutters. The combination of the Zephyr vertical ridge vent and side/endwall vents eliminates the need for exhaust fans and reduces dependence on high-cost electricity. The strength of the Nexus pioneered, welded truss design gives growers flexibility to hang baskets, vegetable crops, and equipment, in the same square footage.
-
12 of 17
Flat Roof Fixed Shade (Rough Bros.)
Plant material in the Flat Roof Fixed Shade model is exposed to an environment most like the outdoors with the needed protection to thrive. It provides protection from frost, wind, sun, and less than desirable temperatures. Higher light levels combined with the ability to maintain uniform desired temperatures increase plant growth and quality. Natural ventilation eliminates the need for fans.
RoughBros.com -
13 of 17
RBI Highlight Venlo Greenhouse (Rough Bros.)
The RBI HighLight Venlo Greenhouse is a Dutch greenhouse style used in the Netherlands by many growers. It offers maximum light transmission with lower square foot costs than other glass houses. The webbed truss style post eliminates large shadows and allows the greenhouse to be built as high as 26 feet. A narrower roof extrusion and a frameless roof vent maximizes light transmission.
-
14 of 17
Liberty Greenhouse (Merchney Greenhouses)
The Liberty model is versatile for all types of growing needs. This gutter-connect house is made of strong, economical materials to offer a wide variety of square footage and growing needs. Additions to the design are easy, and an extruded aluminum gutter provides I-beam structural support. Round columns are standard with square columns available for straight side walls.
MerchneyGreenhouses.com -
15 of 17
Teacher Greenhouse (Merchney Greenhouses)
The Teacher Greenhouse is perfect for schools and government institutions. The Teacher’s peaked roof is aesthetically pleasing and is a strong structure meant for years and years of use with minimal upkeep. It is perfect for creating different learning areas and housing unique growing environments. The Teacher Greenhouse is great for smaller spaces and urban environments as well as large agriculture programs.
-
16 of 17
Pinnacle Greenhouse (Merchney Greenhouses)
The Pinnacle Greenhouse is Merchney’s strongest and most versatile greenhouse. The peaked roof and wide range of sizes, including sidewalls, is perfect for a high-quality growing environment. The Pinnacle is a greenhouse solution for retail space and expanding growing environments by adding on easily through the gutter connect system. Length is available in any multiple of 12 feet.
-
17 of 17
Alquimi Renewables
Alquimi Renewables and its technology group Island AgTech, together with its strategic engineering partner Sprung Structures Ltd, based in Calgary, Alberta, have finalized development of the first fully certified Category 5 hurricane resistant greenhouse and blackhouse applications. The greenhouse structures have been specifically engineered to secure investment in the first commercial scale protected agriculture production in regions constantly threatened by climate change and cyclonic weather events including hurricanes and typhoons. The company is focused on islands in the Caribbean and Pacific as well as affected U.S. regions. The customized growhouse systems will support all forms of hydroponic classifications, as well as soil-based farming and medical cannabis production.
View all
GrowSpan Series 500 (GrowSpan)
GrowSpan Series 1000 Greenhouse (GrowSpan)
Cabrio Venlo Greenhouse (GrowSpan)
Cravo X-Frame (Cravo Equipment Ltd.)
Rainbow Plus (Stuppy Greenhouse)
Continental (Agra Tech)
North Slope (Agra Tech)
Solar Light (Agra Tech)
Flexible Shipping Facilities (Nexus)
Dual Atrium (Nexus)
Zephyr (Nexus)
Flat Roof Fixed Shade (Rough Bros.)
RBI Highlight Venlo Greenhouse (Rough Bros.)
Liberty Greenhouse (Merchney Greenhouses)
Teacher Greenhouse (Merchney Greenhouses)
Pinnacle Greenhouse (Merchney Greenhouses)
Alquimi Renewables
Check out the slideshow above for a closer look at some of the latest greenhouse structures on the market.
Be sure to visit each company’s website (GrowSpan, Cravo, Stuppy Greenhouse, Agra Tech, Nexus, Rough Bros., Merchney Greenhouses) for more specs and details.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
Brian D. Sparks is Editor of Greenhouse Grower and GreenhouseGrower.com. See all author stories here.