GrowSpan Greenhouse Structures unveiled its New state-of-the-art Venlo glass greenhouse at the company’s Dyersville, Iowa campus. Ask Your Greenhouse Specialist About Visiting.
GrowSpan Greenhouse Structures’ campus Venlo stands as a full-scale demonstration of the company’s approach to modern commercial greenhouse design. Spanning nearly one acre, the facility represents a significant investment in research, engineering and infrastructure, reinforcing GrowSpan’s long-term commitment to advancing controlled environment agriculture.
The greenhouse features approximately 25,000 square feet of dedicated growing space housed within a tall, open structure designed to promote uniform light distribution and a consistent internal climate. Constructed from hot-dipped galvanized steel and clad with 4 mm glass on all sides, the Venlo allows roughly 90% of natural sunlight to enter the growing area. Its increased roof height and expansive interior help create a more homogenous environment compared to other greenhouse designs, supporting efficient crop production across multiple partitioned bays.
Beyond its scale, the Dyersville Venlo was designed to function as both a production facility and a working showcase. GrowSpan uses the greenhouse daily to evaluate growing systems, environmental equipment and operational workflows, while also demonstrating what is possible for mid to large-scale commercial growers seeking high-performance greenhouse solutions.
GrowSpan’s Campus Venlo Glass Greenhouse Includes:
- Large-scale, high-performance design compared to more traditional structures
- Approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of dedicated growing space to support high-output cultivation
- Hot-dipped galvanized steel frame, clad with 4 mm glass for durability and 90% light transmission
- Automated climate control systems, including vertical sliding windows, motorized climate screens, hydronic heating, LED lighting and high-pressure fogging equipment
- GrowSpan Climate Controlled Corridor positioned along gable end reduces insect filtration, while optimizing temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels
- Three specialized growing zones separated by partition walls to produce lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes
- High-efficiency deep water cultivation and suspended gutter growing systems
Watch GrowSpan’s Campus Venlo Project Come To Life
Designed as a Working Growing Environment
Inside the greenhouse, the growing area is divided into three distinct zones using partition walls, which enables GrowSpan to showcase multiple cultivation strategies within a single structure. Each zone is tailored to the needs of specific crops and growing systems, demonstrating how Venlo greenhouses can be adapted to diverse production goals.
In the first zone, lettuce is grown using a deep water cultivation system with above-ground ponds and polystyrene rafts. The second and third zones utilize suspended gutter cultivation systems with drip irrigation and leachate collection, supporting the production of tomato and strawberry crops.
The greenhouse is equipped with advanced climate control technology to enable year-round, energy-efficient production. Systems include HAF and AHU fans, vertical sliding windows, hydronic heating, LED lighting, high-pressure fogging equipment and much more. These components allow GrowSpan to fine-tune temperature, humidity, airflow and light levels with precision, creating stable growing conditions throughout the year.
An attached, two-level headhouse adds more than 10,000 square feet of supplemental space to the facility. The lower level contains areas for harvesting and processing, mechanical equipment and storage, while the upper mezzanine includes office and conference space, along with a viewing platform overlooking the three growing zones. The headhouse was designed to support efficient daily operations and provide visibility into the greenhouse, without compromising plant biosecurity.
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GrowSpan's Campus Venlo Headhouse Includes:
- Over 10,000 sq. ft. of supplemental space connected directly to the greenhouse
- Pre-engineered metal construction with insulated walls and roof to enable year-round use
- Two-level design that accommodates both production and administrative functions
- Dedicated areas for harvesting, processing, mechanical equipment and storage on the lower level
- Climate-controlled cooler with two temperature zones to support post-harvest handling and storage
- Upper mezzanine with office and conference space facilitates daily operations and collaboration
- Integrated viewing platform overlooking the three greenhouse growing zones
- Layout designed to improve workflow efficiency, while maintaining plant biosecurity
- Concrete foundation and floor system with integrated in-floor heating
Engineered for Efficiency, Durability and Performance
From the earliest design stages, GrowSpan engineered the Venlo using CASTA design software to ensure the structure delivered exceptional strength, efficiency and environmental performance, without unnecessary material use. By modeling this specific project in CASTA, GrowSpan’s engineering team was able to tailor the greenhouse design precisely to its size, configuration and intended application.
CASTA made it possible to analyze how different design choices would affect structural integrity, light transmission and climate uniformity. This approach helped reduce excess steel, while maintaining the durability required to withstand harsh weather over time, resulting in a greenhouse that balances long-term reliability with an ideal price-to-quality ratio. At the same time, CASTA ensured that structural efficiency did not come at the expense of growing performance. The final design supports superior light penetration, stable environmental control and consistent conditions throughout the greenhouse.
As the only U.S.-based manufacturer of Venlo greenhouses, GrowSpan’s campus Venlo project showcases the company’s ability to design, manufacture and operate advanced commercial greenhouse systems. The greenhouse stands as a clear reflection of GrowSpan’s integrated capabilities and technical expertise.
Looking to building your own GrowSpan Venlo Glass Greenhouse? Request a Quote today to speak with a Greenhouse Specialist.
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