Greenhouse structure & construction.
The primary function of a greenhouse is to protect valuable crops from outside conditions — extending the growing season while letting crucial sunlight through.
Covering your valuable crops
From their humble beginnings as protection against external factors, Dutch greenhouses have developed into high-tech cultivation facilities. Technological advancements make it possible to cultivate out-of-season and supply food and flowers to markets around the world, every day of the year.
With improvements in climate, cultivation, irrigation and automation systems, the construction itself has improved greatly to facilitate and protect them. Advancements in construction directly improve climate control — especially in large setups designed to capture maximum light.
A complete construction, from the foundation
Like most buildings, the greenhouse structure consists of five high-level components: foundations, structural frames, cladding, ventilation windows and drainage systems — built from concrete, steel and aluminium, covered with glass, sandwich panels or polycarbonate.
Dutch construction is packed with multi-purpose elements. The typical V-shaped roof doubles as the rainwater discharge system, fully integrated into the structure; the cladding itself serves as part of the gutter.
How a greenhouse is built.
The construction sequence of the greenhouse structure, step by step.
1. Foundation
Every structure starts with a foundation. In most cases a lightweight foundation suffices: boreholes and a perimeter tie-beam, filled with concrete and prefabricated steel foundation posts.
Foundation →
2. Steel + aluminium + ventilation
Before erecting the steel structure, the ventilation mechanism is mounted to the trusses. The aluminium gutter between trusses is a critical structural element, erected together with the steel.
Steel structure →
3–4. Rainwater + service building
Weather is anticipated during construction: rainwater is managed before the roof goes on. The sandwich-panel service building is built first, enabling material storage and early installation work.
Service building →
5–6. Glass covering + insect netting
Glass roof covering and ventilation windows are installed simultaneously; sidewalls follow after the roof. Insect netting closes the sequence — finished before screening works commence.
Glass covering →Structural components in detail.
Foundation
Boreholes, tie-beams and steel posts
Steel Structure
The sub-structure, engineered per load zone
Aluminium System
Gutters and glazing bars as structure
Ventilation Mechanism
Opening roof panels, insect-proof
Insect Netting
Keeping pests out, air flowing
Glass Covering
Glass, polycarbonate or sandwich panels
Service Building
The operational heart of the facility
Rainwater Collection
The roof as integrated water system
Greenhouse construction questions
What is the primary function of a greenhouse structure?
To shield crops from external elements while permitting essential sunlight to reach the plants — a barrier against harsh weather that maintains an environment conducive to growth.
What are Dutch greenhouses made of?
Durable materials: concrete, steel and aluminium for the framework, enclosed with glass, sandwich panels or polycarbonate.
Which materials are used for the structural elements?
Concrete for the foundation, steel for the sub-structure and aluminium for the super-structure — robust and functional.
How is the greenhouse structure built?
Foundation first, then the steel structure with aluminium gutters and ventilation mechanisms, integrated rainwater management, a sandwich-panel service building, and finally glass, ventilation windows, sidewalls and insect netting.
Learn more about greenhouse structures?
Our engineers gladly talk through your project’s structural options.
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