Tunnel-Type Greenhouses
Grupo IEP’s tunnel-type greenhouses provide a practical, cost-effective, and efficient solution for low-profile crops and operations seeking simplicity without compromising quality. Designed with galvanized steel arches and polyethylene or netting covers, these greenhouses stand out for their easy installation, versatility, and adaptability to diverse climatic and topographic conditions. Available in both lightweight and macro-tunnel configurations for crops like strawberri_es and blueberries, IEP’s tunnel greenhouses ensure optimal light distribution, natural ventilation, and a protected environment that enhances agricultural productivity.
General Characteristics
The tunnel-type greenhouse, also referred to as a curved-side greenhouse or ground-arch greenhouse, consists of a series of parallel arches extending from the ground and connected by longitudinal cylindrical profiles. These profiles provide structural rigidity and secure the covering (plastic or netting). Typically, these greenhouses lack straight walls, with arches anchored directly to the ground, and can be equipped with natural side ventilation windows. The arches may be semicircular or slightly ogival.
A specific variant is the macro-tunnel model, where arches are mounted on short Y-shaped posts, enabling modular connections and serial replication. Primarily used for low-profile crops (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, melons, or watermelons) and untrellised vegetables, macro-tunnels are often called “strawberry tunnels.”
They may include natural front and roof ventilation systems, operable manually or via automation.
These greenhouses are constructed with curved arches and galvanized steel circular-section profiles supporting the coverings (polyethylene film, insect nets, or shade cloths).
The most common tunnel dimensions vary within these parameters depending on greenhouse type:
Maximum tunnel width: 7-10 meters
Unit length: Customizable to production needs (no minimum/maximum limits)
Maximum ridge height: 3.5-4.5 meters
Arch and anchor spacing: 2-2.5 meters
Maximum height at side supports/Y-posts (macro-tunnels): 1.5 meters
Types of Tunnel-Type Greenhouses
Grupo IEP’s tunnel-type greenhouses are economical and versatile structures, consisting of galvanized steel arches supporting polyethylene or netting covers. They are ideal for low-profile crops and untrellised vegetables. These greenhouses feature natural side, front, and roof ventilation (manual or automated) and adapt to various terrains without requiring complex foundations.
Two main types are available:
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Lightweight tunnels – Ground-mounted arches without side walls, designed for small areas and mild climates.
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Macro-tunnels – Featuring Y-posts up to 1.5m tall, optimized for extensive berry crops (strawberries, blueberries), offering modularity and low cost.
Lightweight Tunnel – Ground Arches
This model lacks side walls and can be equipped with basic natural ventilation systems around the perimeter. It is specifically designed for small-scale cultivation in mild climates that don’t require extensive climate control.
Macro-Tunnel
A modular structure simpler than curved-side tunnels, featuring arches mounted on Y-shaped support posts under 1.5 meters tall. These systems enable cost-effective coverage of large land areas while adapting to the terrain topography. They are widely used for so-called “berry” crops like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
