Common Types of Greenhouses

In today’s article, we will tell you the most preferred greenhouse varieties and production methods. But before that, we need to find out what a greenhouse for horticulture is and why it is used.

What is A Greenhouse?

Greenhouses are structures designed to reduce or control the effects of climatic conditions on plants, whether for ornamental or food cultivation purposes. The first greenhouse was built in 1545 by Daniel Barbaro in the botanical garden established by the Republic of Venice. Back then, the building was closed with walls made of stone and brick, with no windows. Today, thanks to advancing technology, modern greenhouses can be installed through computers, where climatic conditions can be regulated to maximize production efficiency.

The greenhouse structure serves as the basic skeleton that protects all systems and structures of the greenhouse and firmly supports them. It is typically covered with materials such as plastic, glass, or fiberglass. Our company produces high-quality steel construction materials for greenhouses, ensuring a longer service life and preventing rust from exposure to the humid or watery greenhouse environment.

Other Structures That Create a Greenhouse Effect

Apart from traditional greenhouses, there are other structures that create a greenhouse effect. One example is low tunnels, which are elongated half-cylinders made of plastic sheeting. They are about one meter high and one meter wide and are ideal for outdoor plants planted in containers or on the ground. However, they are too small to work from the inside, and they need to be removed when the plants grow beyond the tunnel's height.

Another example is high tunnels, which are larger and longer versions of low tunnels. They are 4-5 meters wide and 2-3 meters tall and are easy to build like low tunnels. However, due to their smaller volume, they do not retain as much heat as traditional plastic greenhouses.

Types of Greenhouses

Greenhouses can be classified into different types based on their installation method. There are three types of commercial greenhouses based on installation: adjacent, independent (individual), and gutter-connected (block greenhouses).

Adjacent Greenhouses:

These are built adjacent to an existing structure, usually a building. They share one or more walls with the existing building, and their roof slope faces south and is covered with transparent material.

• Advantages: Construction costs are lower compared to other types. Operating costs can be reduced by sharing energy and air conditioning systems in the building with the greenhouse.
• Disadvantages: It can be challenging to regulate temperature and humidity levels in adjacent greenhouses.

Independent (Individual) Greenhouses:

These greenhouses are built independently of any other structure or greenhouse. Each independent greenhouse has its own heating, cooling, and irrigation systems, making it easier to provide different environments for different plants.

• Advantages: It is easier to control the environment and provide separate environments for different plants. Some sections of freestanding greenhouses can be closed to save energy when not in use. Multi-pitch greenhouses are suitable for areas with heavy snowfall as they require heat to melt snow from the gutters.
• Disadvantages: It can be more expensive to build and maintain than adjacent greenhouses.

Gutter-Connected (Block) Greenhouses:

These are large interconnected single greenhouses formed by the merger of independent greenhouses. Struts are used to carry the weight of the roof, and the heating, cooling, and irrigation systems are shared.

• Advantages: It is more cost-effective for areas larger than 2 acres since the ratio of surface area to floor area is less, reducing heating costs. Heating costs can be up to 25% lower thanks to the low glazed area.
• Disadvantages: It can be more expensive to build and maintain than independent greenhouses.

Types of Greenhouses According to Their Structure:

Greenhouses have different shapes and sizes, each with unique features and benefits. There are four common types of greenhouses based on their structure, which can help gardeners and farmers choose the one that suits their requirements.

Quonset Type Greenhouse:

The Quonset-style greenhouse is a semi-circular structure that resembles a large, clear barrel cut in half. This design features a curved roof and a military hut-style construction. It's usually made of aluminum or PVC pipes with polyethylene film or panels for better insulation. One of the advantages of this greenhouse is that it's the cheapest and easiest type to build under most conditions. The structure can be built without the need for carpentry skills, and installation can be done in the area where it's needed. The fixtures are easily disassembled, which allows you to move your greenhouse if necessary.

Gothic Greenhouses:

The Gothic greenhouse design is inspired by the windows of Gothic cathedrals around the world. It's constructed with bent walls to form a pointed roof, making it more durable and providing more air space than Quonset-style greenhouses. The Gothic arch design is known for its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall. The half-teardrop shape of the roof allows snow and rain to flow easily, preventing damage from significant precipitation or residue accumulation. The arched roof also eliminates the need for structural beams, which helps reduce costs and makes construction faster and easier.

Traditional (Gable Roof) Greenhouses:

Greenhouses with a gable roof are one of the most common types of greenhouses. They provide the maximum amount of sunlight and offer a large area inside the structure for growing a large number of plants. The design features flat walls and a higher roof, allowing you to walk freely indoors while taking care of your plants. While the design is relatively simple, construction requires more effort than other types of greenhouses. The side walls that receive wind will be more affected because they're wider and flatter, but the structure's skeleton makes it more durable. Construction costs may vary depending on the materials used for the frame and cladding.

A-Framed Greenhouses:

The A-frame greenhouse is simpler than the gable roof greenhouse, but equally popular. It requires a minimal number of materials and can be built quite cheaply and easily. However, it can be a little more challenging to maneuver indoors due to the wide base and narrow apex. The airflow is often not ideal at low edges and tight corners.

At YENA Engineering, we understand the importance of quality control in the production processes of various agricultural structures, including greenhouses, shade systems, and irrigation systems. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that all of our products meet the highest quality standards and undergo strict inspection processes to guarantee their reliability and durability.

We offer a wide range of steel structures, and we take pride in continuously improving our brand image, product quality, and service reliability. Contact our qualified and experienced staff for timely support and advice on our products.