HomeAlcomij UKMore space, better insulation and more light in the greenhouse with ClearSpan

Alcomij ClearSpan

A greenhouse concept designed for the use of multiple screens, enabling a more controllable climate.

More space, better insulation and more light in your greenhouse with ClearSpan

Do you work with multiple screens and run into limitations in terms of space, layout or energy consumption?
ClearSpan helps you design your new greenhouse more efficiently and make better use of the available volume and systems, without compromising your crop and with increased control over your greenhouse climate.

Get in touch

The greenhouse is evolving. Is your layout keeping up?

In modern horticulture, the use of multiple screens is increasing rapidly. Where a single screen used to be sufficient, growers now often operate with two, three or even four screens.

This is a logical development: growers want more control over energy consumption, light levels and greenhouse climate. However, most traditional greenhouse layouts are not designed to support this shift.

As a result:

  • reduced effective growing area
  • limited flexibility for technical installations
  • higher energy demand

ClearSpan: an alternative approach to space utilisation

ClearSpan addresses this challenge by rethinking the greenhouse layout.
Instead of positioning screens at the truss level, they are integrated above the truss as part of the structure. This keeps the space below free and more efficiently usable.

This results in a greenhouse in which:

  • the effective growing area is increased
  • the insulation performance of the structure is improved
  • light loss with multiple screens is reduced


In specific configurations, this can lead to approximately 2.5% higher light transmission*, depending on the number of screens applied.

 * Based on a configuration with four screens on an 8-metre truss, compared to a standard solution according to the IDT calculation methodology.

“The key advantage is that even with multiple screens, maximum light transmission is maintained.”

Sven Vitters - Van Amelsvoort Kassenbouw

How does ClearSpan work?

The effectiveness of ClearSpan is based on the structural integration of screen systems into the greenhouse construction.

By positioning the screens above the truss:

  • the greenhouse climate becomes more stable and more controllable
  • the lower greenhouse volume remains unobstructed and more effectively usable
  • the combined screen layers improve the overall insulation performance
  • light interception is minimised, increasing light transmission to the crop
  • technical installations and cultivation processes remain more clearly separated


The concept is therefore not based on adding more components, but on optimising spatial organisation.

What are the benefits of ClearSpan for your operation?

Increased effective growing area

By structurally integrating the screens above the truss, the lower greenhouse volume remains unobstructed. This increases layout flexibility and improves the effective utilisation of the available growing volume.

Improved insulation performance

The position of the screens creates an air cavity (buffer zone), enhancing the thermal insulation of the greenhouse. Additionally, cold air drop during venting is reduced, resulting in lower heating demand.

Reduced light loss

The application of multiple screens typically leads to increased light interception. By positioning the screens above the truss, this effect is reduced. In certain configurations, this may result in up to approximately 2.5% higher light transmission.

Greater flexibility for technical integration

The truss remains more available for installations such as lighting, heating and other systems. This enables more efficient positioning and improved coordination between technical systems.

Is ClearSpan suitable for your operation?

ClearSpan is primarily applicable for growers who:

  • operate with multiple screen systems (2, 3 or 4 layers)
  • actively control energy consumption and climate conditions
  • aim to optimise greenhouse layout efficiency
  • seek to maximise the effective use of their growing capacity


In single-screen configurations without plans for expansion, the added value is more limited. However, the adoption of multiple screen systems is expected to become more common within the sector.

“Ultimately, the real gains are in the climate and the crop – that’s where you see the impact in practice.”

Jeroen Noordermeer - Steur Advies

Looking ahead in greenhouse design

The ongoing development towards multiple screen systems and more advanced climate control requires greenhouse concepts that are aligned with these changes. ClearSpan addresses this need with a layout that is not only suitable for current applications, but also prepared for future requirements in cultivation and energy efficiency.

Want to learn more about ClearSpan?

Curious what ClearSpan can mean for your greenhouse or cultivation strategy? We are happy to think along with you.

Get in touch

Frequently asked questions

For growers:

Does ClearSpan really deliver results, or is it mainly theoretical?

ClearSpan has been developed based on a concrete demand from the market and is supported by calculations, including light gain based on the IDT calculation method. The concept is now about to be applied in a first practical project, allowing the effects to be demonstrated in daily cultivation practice. We are happy to share these insights in a personal conversation.

 

Can ClearSpan be implemented in my existing greenhouse?

No. ClearSpan is an integrated concept that forms part of the greenhouse design and is applied in new-build projects. The decision to implement ClearSpan is therefore made early in the construction process, together with your greenhouse builder or advisor.

 

For which type of cultivation is ClearSpan relevant?

ClearSpan is particularly relevant for growers using multiple screens and actively managing energy, light and climate. If you operate with a single screen and have no plans to expand, the added value is more limited. Want to know if it fits your situation? We are happy to think along with you.

 

Is ClearSpan eligible for subsidies?

The improved insulation makes the concept suitable within current subsidy schemes for greenhouse horticulture sustainability (SIGF). Whether your specific situation qualifies depends on your operation and plans. We are happy to help you assess this.

 

For greenhouse builders and installers:

Does ClearSpan make the construction process more complex?

ClearSpan requires a different approach to integration, with screens installed above the truss. This requires attention during the design and construction phases, but offers structural advantages: screen installations integrate seamlessly, independent of truss and column spacing, and no additional intermediate support within the truss is required. We are happy to collaborate to ensure smooth implementation in your project.

 

How do multiple screens perform when placed closely together? Is there a risk of wear or malfunction?

This is exactly the type of question we focus on as a structural specialist. Ensuring reliable movement of multiple screens in close proximity is a key aspect of ongoing development, and we carefully address this before practical implementation. We are happy to discuss how this is managed on a project-specific basis.

 

Are we tied to a specific screen supplier with ClearSpan?

In principle, no. ClearSpan is a structural concept within the greenhouse design and is not tied to a single screen supplier. We work with you to determine the configuration that best fits the project.

 

What does ClearSpan offer me as a greenhouse builder?

ClearSpan allows you to offer growers a distinctive greenhouse design that responds to the growing demand for multiple screens, improved insulation and efficient space utilisation. By freeing up the truss for other technical systems, additional design flexibility is created within the greenhouse.