What is the difference in cost between glass greenhouses and polyethylene greenhouse structures?

In terms of cost to build, glasshouses are about 30-40% more expensive than a polyethylene greenhouse structure. However, in most cases we create a glass greenhouse because it’s necessary to meet the climatic challenges in its specific location. In addition, once a glasshouse is up and running, it can be a highly efficient growing environment which can deliver high yields and an impressive return on investment due to its high durability.

How often do polyethylene greenhouses and polytunnels need to be replaced?

It depends on the specific environment. In general, the polyethylene itself needs to be replaced every three to five years. However, the steel greenhouse structure underneath is incredibly solid and well-built. It will remain intact for many years.

What ventilation methods are available in greenhouses structures?

The majority of greenhouse structures have built-in windows for natural air supply and ventilation. In glasshouse greenhouses, these are 3-pane vents that are mostly located on the roof tops, alternating with fixed panes.In polyethylene greenhouses and polytunnels, the venting window is throughout the ridge, in a continuous ventilation – either on one side of the ridge or both.Natural airing lets fresh air come in and releases humidity and heat from the top of the greenhouse – and this natural airing is good enough ventilation for most geographies. However, in cases where it is not enough, you can add forced ventilation using exhaust vents and fans.

What is the recommended greenhouse height?

Over recent years the trend has been to build taller greenhouse structures – particularly glasshouses – increasing from 3m to 7m in height. This is in order to create an air buffer above the crop trellising to help eliminate heat and create a more stable and moderate climate around the top of the crops.

Greenhouse structures

Different locations, climates and crops require different greenhouse structures to give your plants the right conditions and protection. At the feasibility stage of your project, we’ll work with you to configure the right greenhouse structure for your goals.

Different greenhouse structures

GLASSHOUSES

Glasshouses are the optimal greenhouse structure solution for the commercial production of vegetables, fruits and flowers in mild/cold climates, as well as for nurseries.

Our glasshouses incorporate the most advanced materials and automation technologies in the industry. These greenhouse structures enable you to deliver ideal and stable growing conditions to protect your plants and secure your yields even when the weather outside dips to -15^oC or more.

Glass greenhouse structures let in a lot of light and radiation. They’re durable, low-maintenance and designed for high loads and optimum productions. Glasshouses also have a range of natural ventilation options you can choose from based on the specific location, crop and climate of your greenhouse project.

We’ve built glass greenhouse projects covering growing areas from 1ha up to 20ha.

Croatia glasshouse case study

VENLO GLASSHOUSE.pdf

POLYETHYLENE GREENHOUSES AND POLYTUNNELS

Polyethylene greenhouses and polytunnels are excellent greenhouse structures for nursery cultivation and the commercial production of vegetables and flowers across diverse climactic conditions. They’re particularly good in locations where it is hot and humid outside.

Our innovative polyethylene (PE) greenhouses are tough and durable greenhouse structures. There’s a comprehensive array of polyethylene greenhouse structures available, and we’ll help you choose the best and most cost-effective solution to suit to the climatic conditions in which you’re looking to grow.

Polyethylene greenhouses and polytunnels are fast and straightforward greenhouse structures to install and are designed to withstand high winds and high crop loads. Polyhouses can cover a growing area from 0.5ha right up to 30ha.

Vietnam polyhouse case study

FIXED ROOF VENT WITH CURTAIN.pdf

MOVABLE DOUBLE ROOF VENT.pdf

MOVABLE SINGLE ROOF VENT.pdf

OPTIGROW GREENHOUSE.pdf

WALK-TUNNELS.pdf

NETHOUSES

If you need a greenhouse structure for growing in a moderate climate without diverse swings in temperature then the most profitable and cost-efficient solution might be a nethouse.

Nethouses are suitable greenhouse structures for the cultivation of various crops including vegetables, orchards and tree-crop nurseries.

Nethouses increase production efficiency and quality – by increasing the security of the crop and reducing water and pesticide use. They’re a cost-effective greenhouse structure for large areas and can deliver great value and returns.

READY TO GROW?

Learn how we can help design and deliver your next greenhouse project.

“Netafim showed superior technical and agronomic proficiency, enabling us to grow peppers throughout the year to ensure a quick return on investment.”

EMSENI, SOUTH AFRICA

Questions often asked about our greenhouse structures

In terms of cost to build, glasshouses are about 30-40% more expensive than a polyethylene greenhouse structure. However, in most cases we create a glass greenhouse because it’s necessary to meet the climatic challenges in its specific location. In addition, once a glasshouse is up and running, it can be a highly efficient growing environment which can deliver high yields and an impressive return on investment due to its high durability.
It depends on the specific environment. In general, the polyethylene itself needs to be replaced every three to five years. However, the steel greenhouse structure underneath is incredibly solid and well-built. It will remain intact for many years.
The majority of greenhouse structures have built-in windows for natural air supply and ventilation. In glasshouse greenhouses, these are 3-pane vents that are mostly located on the roof tops, alternating with fixed panes.

In polyethylene greenhouses and polytunnels, the venting window is throughout the ridge, in a continuous ventilation – either on one side of the ridge or both.

Natural airing lets fresh air come in and releases humidity and heat from the top of the greenhouse – and this natural airing is good enough ventilation for most geographies. However, in cases where it is not enough, you can add forced ventilation using exhaust vents and fans.
Over recent years the trend has been to build taller greenhouse structures – particularly glasshouses – increasing from 3m to 7m in height. This is in order to create an air buffer above the crop trellising to help eliminate heat and create a more stable and moderate climate around the top of the crops.

READY TO GROW?

Learn how we can help design and deliver your next greenhouse project.