Commercial Greenhouse Design
Greenhouse Design: Types, Structure, and Coverings for the Commercial Operation
When looking at new construction builds for a commercial operation, it is essential to know the types, structural aspects, and covering types for a greenhouse to make an informed decision. Starting off on the right foot with the structure will save time, money, and future headaches from poor design decisions. The overall efficiency and production of a commercial grow operation is very dependent on the type of structure used. There are many designs to choose from, as well as countless modifications that can customize a structure for an operator’s goals and needs that all have important advantages and disadvantages. 
Considerations to Think About When Selecting a Greenhouse
Before selecting a structure design for the commercial greenhouse, an operator has five things that need considered. Location of the greenhouse should be part of the decision, as placement of the structure and topographical challenges will determine the size and scale of the structure. Additionally, the overall function of the greenhouse should be considered.
Although there are three main designs of greenhouses, there are no cookie cutter operations. No two greenhouses are exactly alike and this is based on goals, crops, and overall function of the greenhouse. Is it an all-season greenhouse or one that is used for extending one growing season?
Is the operation field/soil based or one that is strictly container based? Based on the answers to these questions, the operator will need to make an informed decision. Consideration needs to be given to the systems being used in the operation as well. These systems range from automation, watering systems, vents, shade curtains, and supplemental lighting control systems. The level of attention needed rests on the scale of the operation as well as the space and budget that has been allotted by the business. The last consideration is in the structure styles which will be covered in detail below. 
Types of Commercial Greenhouse Structures
There are many different styles and types of greenhouse structures that can be used for commercial greenhouse operations. Some operations will select and design with inspiration from a few different types morphed together. It all depends on the plants being grown, the quantity of plants grown, operator goals and future plans, and budget. Greenhouse designs can range from a basic lean-to structure all the way to a fancy multi-ridge structures.
Lean-To Structure Contrary to the name, lean-to structures, though some of the simplest of the greenhouse designs, are efficient and get the job done. Lean-to refers to the design having three sides built against another permanent structure. This can be against a warehouse, standard building, barns, or pole buildings. Lean-to greenhouses are usually built along the south-facing side of a building with the ridge connecting directly to the building. This is easy to design, build, and often a cheaper heating solution for a greenhouse operator, especially in colder climates. These types of greenhouse structures are typically not free-standing.
Even Span Structure An even span structure is a greenhouse that has the roof’s pitch at an equal length and angle as the design. This is a grand contrast to another type of greenhouse structure known as uneven span. There are two main types of even span structure- the American and Dutch Venlo. American Even Span designs are high profile and feature a large roof per structure, while Dutch Venlos are low-profile and have two roofs per structure. Even-span structures provide more space for plant growth due to the end wall being fully attached to the house and rafters in an equal length. However one draw-back to both a lean-to and an even-span structure is that there may be a reduction of available light, meaning that supplemental lighting may need installed.
Uneven Span Structure Uneven Span greenhouses are the complete opposite of even-span. This is because the rafters are unequal and the structure is not self-supported. It is because of this that this greenhouse type is ideal for hilly landscapes and should be built on a hillside. The main advantage of the unequal structure is that this greenhouse is free-standing and has a full maximization of sunlight. However, depending on the crop being grown and the overall operation there may be a limiting factor on space and orientation of the greenhouse.
Quonset/ Hoop House Structure A Quonset or more commonly called Hoop House structure is one that is characterized by a single curve roof with a hut style design. These hoops are typically made of aluminum or PVC pipes covered with a poly film or more insulating panels. These hoop houses are ideal for soil operations where plants are grown in the soil in a field setting. Large scale operations that have fruits and other produce related crops lean more towards this structure as they can be installed either permanently or semi-permanently for moving later. The sidewalls in this structure are typically on the lower side and can limit head-space and storage areas. However, of the structures listed, this is the most affordable and easiest to install. The shape of the hoops is also ideal for areas with high snowfall and water due to the angles of the hoops allowing for the roll off of snow and water easily.
Gothic Arch Of all of the greenhouse structures, the Gothic Arch is often the most aesthetically pleasing design. This design has wells that are bent over to form a roof inspired by Gothic cathedrals found all around the world. This greenhouse has the widest base and is regarded as one of the more convenient structures for growing in rows on shelving and hanging pots. The functionality of the Gothic arch is very similar to the Quonset Hoop house and offers the same benefits of water and snow roll off. However, due to the design of the Gothic structure, heat is conservative because of overall minimal heat exposure.
Conventional Structure Conventional structure greenhouses are some of the most common of the greenhouse structures because of the simple design and construction. A grower shouldn’t put this structure type to the wayside, however, because even though the structure is simple, the conventional greenhouse design is one of the strongest. The rafter support strengthens the roof. With this strengthening, the greenhouse is top heavy so the frame will need a footing increasing overall costs. The simple design allows for space and air circulation especially along side walls- maximizing the air flow.
A-Frame Structures A-frame structures are those that are constructed with sharply angled side walls and tall roof ridges in an “A” shape. These are simple and small in size. Typically on a commercial scale, these designs are not seen due to low space availability. These are more suited for the smaller ‘gentleman’ farmer or small scale operation.
Cold Frame Structures Cold frame structures are the basic greenhouse and do not have heaters or most of the time ventilation systems. Cold frames can be tall or short and can be oriented either horizontally or vertically. In essence, a cold frame structure is a ventilated box that is placed on flat ground and has a glazed, and sloping roof or lid. This is ideal for seed starting, or operations that are seasonal.
Deciding Which Greenhouse is Right For the Operation
When choosing a greenhouse structure the grower should look at eight key considerations. These are simplicity, structure design, covering of greenhouse, retaining heat, overall heating during cooler months, preventing heat loss, cooling considerations, ventilation, and lighting. All of these considerations need to be decided with the best interests in mind as well as capabilities of installation and budget of the operation.
There is a lot to consider and one should be aware that no two operations are alike. To help with making the important decisions on the right design for the operations it is wise to consult with build and install companies to make recommendations. MORR Inc. now offers services for the commercial horticulture operation from installs, builds, design, testing, and more. With decades of in field knowledge and experience, MORR’s experts and agronomists are able to make wise recommendations for the commercial operation based on goals, location, and budget.
With a team of specialized designers, consultants, subcontractors, and agronomists to get new or upgraded facilities running quickly, effectively, and efficiently- taking almost all of the stress of upgrades and new commercial grow build-outs. 
About MORR Inc.
MORR Inc. is a wholesale commercial agriculture distributor for planting, growing, and farming located in Los Angeles, CA. MORR Inc. supplies top of the line wholesale commercial hydroponic systems, commercial grow systems, a wide selection of grow lights and automated control systems, nutrient rich soils and growing media, a large selection of specialized advanced plant nutrients for different plant life cycles, dosing and drip irrigation systems, high tech environmental meters and automated systems, fans, filters, plant pesticides, plant fungicides, automated crop management systems, general commercial grow facility supplies and services, plus much more! https://MORR.com