In the Netherlands, the weather's been fluctuating wildly. And there's a materials shortage on the market. Despite this, the construction of Ugrand's large chrysanthemum nursery is on schedule. The new 10-hectare farm is now completely glass-proofed. The focus has shifted to equipment.
Engineering firm, Technokas has started installing hoist heating and air handling units. The other construction partners are working on other things. These include coverage, electrical, and water installations and the vents' wire mesh. The business area is also partially completed. Pipework can be installed there as well.
Coverage installation
“It's a challenging project under at least equally challenging conditions," says Maurice Hartman, Technokas's managing director. "We, and all the partners, are keeping this extensive project on track. We're particularly proud of that. The grower can plant the first cuttings as early as October."
Ugrand is a collaboration between Michel Grootscholten Chrysanten (MG Grand BV) and Van Uffelen Flowers. They commissioned Technokas to supervise the entire project. Technokas is also responsible for the design and delivery of not only the greenhouse. But, the air handing units and the heating system too.
The business area being completed
Challenging times
According to Maurice, there's excellent cooperation between the various partners. "That's vital if we want to realize a project in these challenging times. For example, we have been working closely with BOAL Systems. That's for the roof and wall installation. And, for years, with Duijnisveld for the steel structures. There's a growing scarcity on the world market."
"That's for materials like glass, steel, aluminum, and certain plastics. We're, therefore, delighted to have a solid relationship with these reliable companies. This extensive construction project can't falter. That takes a lot of forethought and good contact with each other. This project showcases that this is where one of our top areas of expertise lies," he says.
Insides, with an AHU on the right
Advanced gauze greenhouse coverage
BOAL Systems is providing this project's greenhouse covering. It contains 4mm diffused glass. "We put much time, energy, and attention into preparing. That was before the construction phase. That was so our production and delivery of the roofing and siding could be on schedule," says Sander van der Ven of BOAL Systems.
"The greenhouse is equipped with a Luminex Venlo greenhouse gable and coverage system. This is a quick-to-build greenhouse roof and siding system. It lets a lot of sunlight penetrate the structure. That helps the chrysanthemums' growth and quality. We achieved this by using strong, narrow coverage profiles."
Outer view
Specific requirements and solutions
In developing the coverage, Technokas and BOAL Systems opted for a broad base. It offers many modifications and possibilities. These can make the greenhouse specific for cultivation optimization. "We've taken the project's large surface area into account. That's at various points in the roof and walls," says Sander.
"That places distinct demands on loads, material selection, and fastening. Technokas, and we, considered and gave extra thought to tailor-made solutions. That's for the grower and his crop. Examples of this are the roof and section sizes. As well as air window configuration, condensation drainage, and dilation effect."
Greenhouse roof
Entirely integrated mesh vents
Holland Gaas provided the mesh cassettes for the greenhouse's coverage air vents. This mesh system allows good ventilation, even with a small opening. Holland Gaas worked closely with BOAL Systems. So, it could guarantee an efficient, quick-to-fix vent mesh system. "The vents are fitted with mesh. They also placed mesh on the outside of the air handling units. That keeps insects out. The growers, therefore, have to use fewer pesticides," explains Maurice.
Thirty-five air handling units
Together, these partners built a long, modern greenhouse for 'Het Nieuwe Telen'. It's equipped with hoisting heating and 35 air handling units. "It's a climate system like those other chrysanthemum growers have asked us to realize," concludes Maurice. The Ugrand chrysanthemum greenhouse is 104,000m2. That makes it the largest one-piece greenhouse that Technokas has built.
Text and photos: Technokas