Differences between multi-tunnel and Gothic greenhouses: Essential features of each type
Choosing the right type of greenhouse is one of the most important decisions when seeking to improve the performance of a professional crop. Not all structures respond in the same way to wind, crop loads, ventilation, light levels or the need to make the most of every available square metre.
Among the production greenhouses designed for large areas, the multi-tunnel greenhouse and the Gothic greenhouse are two widely used options due to their strength, adaptability and ability to create a controlled environment. Although they may look similar at first glance, each has its own distinctive features that should be considered before making a decision.
- What is a multi-tunnel greenhouse?
- What is a Gothic greenhouse?
- Main differences between multi-tunnel and Gothic greenhouses
- When should you choose a multi-tunnel greenhouse?
- When should you choose a Gothic greenhouse?
- Best professional greenhouses for each type of crop
What is a multi-tunnel greenhouse?
A multi-tunnel greenhouse is a structure made up of straight sides and a curved roof. Its design is intended to adapt to different types of land and crops, particularly when a large production area needs to be covered.
One of its main advantages is that several bays can be joined together, helping to optimise the growing area and reduce shading between tunnels. This makes it a highly suitable solution for agricultural projects requiring efficiency, strength and effective use of the available surface area.
Main features of a multi-tunnel greenhouse
The multi-tunnel greenhouse is characterised by its rounded arch, a shape that makes the structure more aerodynamic and therefore more resistant to the effects of wind.
This model can also incorporate different ventilation systems, including roof, front and side ventilation. This facilitates the natural renewal of the air and helps maintain better conditions inside the greenhouse.
Its most important features include:
- Straight-walled structure with a curved roof.
- Good wind resistance thanks to its rounded arch.
- Reduced shading between bays.
- High interior light levels.
- Possibility of installing roof, side or front ventilation.
- Choice of plastic or polycarbonate cladding.
- Sufficient interior height for installing thermal screens, shade netting or sprinkler irrigation.
In summary, the multi-tunnel greenhouse is a highly practical alternative for anyone seeking an efficient professional greenhouse designed for large-scale crop production.
What is a Gothic greenhouse?
A Gothic greenhouse is similar in structure to a multi-tunnel greenhouse, but with one key difference: its roof is formed by Gothic or pointed arches. This design provides greater height, a larger volume of air and more usable interior space.
Thanks to this shape, the Gothic greenhouse is particularly suitable for agricultural production that requires more robust structures capable of supporting heavier loads and providing more precise environmental conditions.
Main features of a Gothic greenhouse
The pointed shape of the Gothic greenhouse provides greater interior height and volume. This increases the amount of air available inside the structure and helps make temperature fluctuations more gradual.
Its arch slope also promotes the drainage of condensation and reduces the area from which water can drip onto the crop. This can be especially useful in production systems where environmental control plays a fundamental role.
Its most notable features include:
- Gothic or pointed-arch roof.
- Greater interior height and a larger volume of air.
- More usable space for crop development.
- Improved ventilation and light levels.
- Capacity to support heavy loads.
- Effective environmental control.
- A roof slope that promotes condensation drainage.
- Option of roof, side or front ventilation.
For all these reasons, the Gothic greenhouse is a recommended choice for professional crops that require a robust, stable structure capable of providing a more controlled growing environment.
Main differences between multi-tunnel and Gothic greenhouses
Although both models are designed for large areas and professional crop production, there are important differences in their design and performance.
Structural shape
The most visible difference is the roof. The multi-tunnel greenhouse has a curved, rounded arch, whereas the Gothic greenhouse uses a pointed shape.
This difference influences the height, interior volume, condensation drainage and resistance to certain loads.
Height and usable space
The Gothic greenhouse provides greater interior height and a larger volume of air. This makes it possible to work with taller crops or install auxiliary equipment more easily.
The multi-tunnel greenhouse also offers good working height, but is particularly notable for its efficient use of the available surface area and the reduction of shading between bays.
Strength and load capacity
The multi-tunnel greenhouse offers excellent wind resistance due to its aerodynamic shape. It is highly suitable for moderate climates and crops that require efficiency and stability.
The Gothic greenhouse is designed for production systems that require a more robust structure capable of supporting heavy loads. It is therefore often a very suitable option for projects where structural strength is a priority.
Climate control and ventilation
Both models can be fitted with roof, side and front ventilation systems, allowing the installation to be adapted to the requirements of each crop.
However, because the Gothic greenhouse has a larger interior air volume, it helps make temperature changes more gradual. This facilitates more precise environmental control.
The multi-tunnel greenhouse, on the other hand, provides highly efficient natural climate control thanks to its open-angle design, which promotes air renewal.
Interior light levels
Both multi-tunnel and Gothic greenhouses provide good light transmission. The shape of the arches and the cladding materials used allow light to enter the interior effectively.
The difference is that the greater height and volume of the Gothic greenhouse can provide a broader distribution of interior space, while the multi-tunnel greenhouse is particularly effective at reducing shading between bays when several structures are joined together.
When should you choose a multi-tunnel greenhouse?
A multi-tunnel greenhouse is recommended when a strong, efficient structure that can adapt to different types of land and crops is required.
It is a good option for growers who need to cover large areas, reduce shading between bays and use a structure designed for moderate climates.
It is also a highly suitable alternative when efficient use of space is a priority and a professional greenhouse with different ventilation and auxiliary equipment options is required.
When should you choose a Gothic greenhouse?
A Gothic greenhouse is the best choice when a project requires greater height, a larger volume of air and a structure designed to support significant loads.
It is particularly useful for professional crops that require more precise environmental control, improved ventilation, good light levels and a spacious interior in which to work comfortably.
This model is also suitable when the aim is to reduce dripping onto the crop and promote condensation drainage through the slope of the arch.
Best professional greenhouses for each type of crop
At Fertri, we provide solutions adapted to different crops, climates and production areas. Both the multi-tunnel greenhouse and the Gothic greenhouse are structures designed for professional crops requiring strength, durability and an optimised production environment.
Should you have any questions about which model is best suited to your project, you can contact us and we will help you choose the most appropriate structure according to the type of crop, the available land and the area’s climatic conditions.