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Main Classifications of Greenhouses

I. Classification by Covering Material

1. Film Greenhouse

Covering Material: Single or multi-layer films such as polyethylene (PE), polyolefin (PO), and EVA film.

Structural Forms: Single-span arched greenhouses, multi-span film greenhouses.

Global Distribution: Cost-sensitive regions such as China, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe.

Features: Lowest cost, quick installation, lifespan 1-5 years (depending on film quality).

Applications: General commercial production such as vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers.

2. Polycarbonate Sheet (PC Sheet) Greenhouse

Covering Material: Hollow or solid polycarbonate sheets, thickness 4-16mm.

Structural Forms: Mainly multi-span.

Global Distribution: Mid-to-high-end projects in Europe, North America, Japan, the Middle East, and China.

Features: Impact resistant, better heat retention than film, light transmittance around 80%, lifespan 10-15 years, lightweight.

Applications: High-end flowers, eco-restaurants, seedling cultivation, and agricultural tourism. 3. Glass Greenhouse

Covering Materials: Single or double-layer float glass, tempered glass, diffused glass.

Structural Form: The mainstream type is the multi-span Venlo type, originating from the Netherlands.

Global Distribution: Netherlands, Northern Europe, North America, Japan, Russia, and high-end markets in the Middle East.

Features: Highest light transmittance (over 90%), lifespan over 20 years, precise environmental control, extremely high investment.

Applications: High-value-added vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers), flowers, plant factories, research institutions.

II. Classification by Structure and Environmental Control System

1. Simple/Passive Greenhouse

Characteristics: No active environmental control (heating, fans, evaporative cooling pads). Relies solely on film/sheet covering and natural ventilation.

Typical Examples: Chinese plastic greenhouses, simple arched greenhouses in Africa, low-cost greenhouses in South America.

Applications: Low-cost production, temperate climate zones.

2. Active Ventilation Greenhouse

Features: Equipped with fans, evaporative cooling pads, top windows, and side windows for active cooling and ventilation.

Common Forms: Multi-span film greenhouses, PC panel greenhouses.

Suitable for: Subtropical and tropical regions, such as India, Southeast Asia, and the southern United States.

3. Semi-Enclosed Greenhouse

Features: Increases air circulation and positive/negative pressure ventilation compared to active ventilation greenhouses, resulting in more uniform temperature and humidity.

Typical Examples: Dutch-style semi-enclosed greenhouses, Israeli-modified greenhouses.

Suitable for: Regions with hot summers, such as the Middle East, Southern Europe, and California, USA.

4. Fully Enclosed Greenhouse / Artificial Light Plant Factory

Features: Completely sealed, uses artificial light (LED), multi-layered vertical cultivation, and fully controlled environment.

Global Representatives: Japan, the United States, Singapore, and Northern Europe.

Suitable for: High-value-added crops, urban agriculture, and extreme climate regions (deserts, polar regions).

III. Classification by Climate Adaptability

**Design Focus:** Insulation, double-layer or double-film PC panels, active heating system, snow load protection.

**Typical Regions:** Canada, Russia, Northern Europe, Northern China, Hokkaido, Japan.

**Common Types:** Dutch-style glass greenhouse, double-layer inflatable greenhouse.

2. Temperate Climate Greenhouse

**Design Focus:** Balancing insulation and ventilation; can be equipped with heating and evaporative cooling pads/fans.

**Typical Regions:** Western Europe, North-Central United States, North China, South Korea.

**Common Types:** Venlo glass greenhouse, multi-span PC panel greenhouse.

3. Subtropical/Arid/Semi-Arid Greenhouse

**Design Focus:** Shading under strong sunlight, efficient cooling (evaporative cooling pads + fans, misting), UV-resistant covering materials.

**Typical Regions:** Mediterranean coast (Spain, Italy), Southwestern United States, Australia, Middle East, North Africa.

**Common Types:** Spanish-style "multi-tunnel" greenhouse (with shading and roll-up curtains), high-roof multi-span film greenhouse.

4. Tropical/High Temperature and Humidity Greenhouse

Design Focus: Maximum ventilation (fully open roof windows), condensation prevention, resistance to strong winds/typhoons.

Typical Regions: Southeast Asia, India, Central America, West Africa.

Common Types: High arched sheds, multi-span film greenhouses with fully open sides.

IV. Classification by Special Purpose

1. Seedling Greenhouse

Features: Equipped with movable seedbeds, misting systems, and supplemental lighting; commonly used in commercial seedbeds.

Covering Materials: Primarily glass or PC panels.

2. Production Greenhouse (Commercial Harvesting)

Features: High ceilings, vine hanging systems, harvesting tracks, integrated water and fertilizer management.

Typical: Tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, rose greenhouses.

3. Research/Teaching Greenhouse

Features: Zoned isolation, artificial climate chamber modules, high-precision sensors.

Users: Universities, research institutes, breeding companies.

4. Ecological Restaurant/Sightseeing Greenhouse

Features: Large span, high light transmittance, aesthetically pleasing design, interior landscaping possible. Common coverings: PC board or glass.