With the continuing pressure on finding new land for greenhouse production, the Dutch Horticultural Research Association (PPO) together with Bunnik Plants and De Bleiswijkse Zoom, developed the concept of building a greenhouse on the top of a multiple use single story building. The cost per m2 is halved (shared between the owner operators of the greenhouse and the building). A project called the GlasKasTeel is to be built between Gouda and Den Haag. The estimated cost of the total area of 30ha is €60 million. The ground level building will house offices, warehouses, laboratories, auditorium and restaurant facilities. It will also be used for propagation of plants which will then be transferred to the upper greenhouse level for further growth. On top of this the closed cycle greenhouse production area will be used initially to produce Capsicum (5ha) and pot plants (6ha). The overall height of the construction will be 15m and the greenhouse will require special glass to resist strong gusts of wind. All businesses occupying the lower building will be connected with horticulture. Several companies have already expressed interest in purchasing office space. Construction work is due to start in the autumn of 2005. Heat collected by the glass surfaces of the greenhouse will be transferred to underground storage tanks and pumped back to heat the entire complex when required. This recycling of energy could save up to 50% of the fuel bills for heating. Jennifer Broersma, “Floraculture International” www.floracultureintl.com may 2005. For further information consult www.innogrow.nl |
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