Multi-span greenhouses: cost, specification and how to get comparable quotes
A multi-span greenhouse joins several film-covered bays under one structure, linked at the gutter. It is the usual step up from single tunnels when a grower needs a larger, more uniform climate without the cost of a Venlo glasshouse.
As an indicative planning band, a commercial multi-span film greenhouse costs about USD 50–120 per m² of covered area for structure and installation, or roughly USD 0.5–1.2 million per hectare. Single tunnels sit around USD 25–50/m² and Venlo glass around USD 150–350/m². Land, earthworks, climate systems beyond basic ventilation, packing and working capital are extra.
When multi-span is the right choice
- You need more than about one hectare under a single, uniform climate.
- Your crop and market justify better ventilation and gutter height than tunnels, but not glass.
- You want to phase the build: bays can usually be added later if the layout allows.
Specification points that change the price
- Gutter height and bay width — taller structures buffer climate but use more steel.
- Roof and side ventilation area, insect netting and, in hot climates, pad-and-fan or fogging.
- Cover: single or double inflated film, diffuse film, and expected replacement cycle.
- Design loads for wind, snow and crop wire, which must match the site and local code.
- Irrigation, fertigation and drainage scope — often quoted separately from the structure.
What to ask every supplier
- The same written scope and design loads, so offers are comparable line by line.
- What is included: foundations, erection, ventilation motors, controls, gutters and drainage.
- Lead time, installation supervision and warranty on structure and cover.
| Structure | Per m² | Per hectare |
|---|---|---|
| Single tunnel | 25–50 | 250,000–500,000 |
| Multi-span film | 50–120 | 500,000–1.2 million |
| Venlo glass | 150–350 | 1.5–3.5 million |
Planning ranges for structure and installation only, not quotations. Same bands as the commercial greenhouse cost guide; site, wind and snow loads, steel prices and climate equipment move the total.
Request multi-span greenhouse quotes in 3 steps
- 1. Describe the site, area (ha), crop and climate.
- 2. A sourcing specialist reviews the brief and confirms scope.
- 3. Compare offers from qualified independent suppliers on one specification.
Questions about a multi-span project?
Message a SeedMatchGroup specialist on WhatsApp. Supplier names stay confidential until an introduction is approved.
FAQ
How much does a multi-span greenhouse cost per hectare?
Indicatively about USD 0.5–1.2 million per hectare for structure and installation, before land, earthworks, climate equipment beyond basic ventilation and working capital.
Is multi-span the same as multi-tunnel?
Yes in practice: both describe several film-covered bays joined at the gutter. Suppliers use different names; compare the specification, not the label.
Does SeedMatchGroup build greenhouses?
No. SeedMatchGroup is a supplier-neutral RFQ platform for commercial projects from USD 250,000. A specialist reviews your brief before suitable suppliers are approached.