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Structure Guide
Greenhouse type determines capital cost, climate capability, crop options and asset life. This guide compares the four structures used in most commercial projects so the decision is made on engineering criteria rather than sales material.
Overview
Each page covers advantages, applications, suitable crops and the cost factors that actually move the budget.
Glass Structures
A commercial glass greenhouse offers the highest light transmission, the longest service life and the tightest climate control of any greenhouse structure. It is the reference choice for high-value crops where yield per square metre must justify a higher capital cost.
Venlo Design
The Venlo greenhouse is the international benchmark for high-tech horticulture. Its gutter-connected, narrow-bay roof geometry maximises light while keeping steel weight efficient, which is why most large-scale glass projects worldwide are built on Venlo geometry.
Multi-Span
A multi-span greenhouse connects arched or gothic bays under continuous gutters, giving large contiguous growing area at a fraction of glass CAPEX. It is the most capital-efficient way to reach scale in mild and moderate climates.
Hydroponics
A hydroponic greenhouse system replaces soil with a controlled root environment, giving higher yields, predictable quality and dramatically lower water use. Selecting the right system depends on crop, water quality, labour cost and climate — not on which system is most fashionable.
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| Type | Light transmission | Climate control | Design life | Indicative CAPEX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass greenhouse | 82 – 91% | High to fully automated | 20 – 30 yrs | 150 – 250+ USD/m² |
| Venlo greenhouse | 82 – 91% | High to fully automated | 20 – 30 yrs | 160 – 260 USD/m² |
| Multi-span greenhouse | 78 – 88% | Basic to medium | 5 – 15 yrs | 25 – 90 USD/m² |
| Hydroponic greenhouse | Depends on cladding | Medium to high | 10 – 30 yrs | 110 – 220 USD/m² |
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We cannot recommend a greenhouse type without these.
FAQ
Direct answers to the questions investors and growers ask most often.
There is no single best type. Glass and Venlo structures suit high-value crops, cold climates and year-round supply contracts. Multi span film greenhouses suit large areas, mild climates and capital-constrained projects. Hydroponic systems can be installed in either, and are selected by crop, water quality and labour cost.
A hot-dip galvanised steel structure with glass cladding is designed for 20 to 30 years. Multi span structures last 10 to 20 years, but film cladding must be replaced every 3 to 5 years and polycarbonate every 10 to 15 years. Cladding replacement should be modelled as an operating cost.
Yes, and it is often the most efficient answer. Many projects use glass for propagation or high-value production and multi span blocks for volume crops, sharing the same reservoir, packhouse, utilities and access infrastructure.
Continue
Explore the connected technical and commercial topics for this project stage.
Send your location, target crop and planned growing area. You will receive a technical response with a suitable greenhouse configuration and an indicative budget range.
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