Greenhouse Design Project for Silan Farm
Greenhouse Design Project for Silan Farm
Submitted by:
BSABE 4 – 2 (Old)
Submitted to:
INTRODUCTION
Greenhouses come in various forms, they all feature extensive surfaces covered with
translucent materials that retain heat and light. Different types of materials can be used for
greenhouses, such as polycarbonate, plastic film made of polyethylene, or glass panes. The
greenhouses will vary depending on the materials used and the heating system, which is
beneficial for plant cultivation (Gardening Channel, 2021). Further, greenhouses are practical
modification techniques for farmers and gardeners since they fulfill several essential functions.
Plants may be grown in a controlled environment, which can serve as protection from pests
and in different weather conditions. This is particularly crucial in regions with severe climatic
conditions when the surroundings are unfavorable to plant development (Vernon, 2021).
Temperature, intensity of light and shade, fertilizer application, air humidity, and irrigation are
important variables that may be managed.. Greenhouses can increase food production in
unfavorable circumstances by improving an area of land's growth characteristics, such as a
short growing season or low light levels (Davis, 2023).
In designing a greenhouse structure, there are several factors that need to be
considered. It is important that the structure must adhere to the local construction regulations.
The design of a greenhouse should aim to maximize light transmission while offering sufficient
support. It should also provide the maximal air exchange for cooling and avoid heat loss. In
line with this, the greenhouse structure design should also pave the way for automation.
Particularly, the driveways and sidewalks must be wide enough to fit carts and machinery. It
should also allow irrigation systems like irrigation boom by designing the greenhouse bay
widths accordingly. Moreover, the support for the structure and dispersion of load to the
ground must be provided by a well-designed foundation. It is possible to bolt supports to the
foundation. In addition, the greenhouse may also be sustained by vertical beams set above
concrete footings (Evans, 2014).
This project was solely aimed at designing the greenhouse with the standards,
developing agricultural infrastructures in line with the Philippine Agricultural Engineering
Standard, and showing the importance of adhering to particular infrastructure for improving
agricultural productivity and sustainability.
METHODOLOGY
In this project, the students were tasked to design a greenhouse for the selected farm.
Students followed a particular method, which is planning and execution. In planning, they
visited the selected farm for an interview and site visitation. Upon site visitation, the students
evaluate the materials available on the site that can be used for building a greenhouse, and
using the tape measure, the students can get the dimensions of the farm location. Further, the
students listed down the gathered data and the specifications from the interview. Since the
students have proper knowledge of the Philippine Agricultural and Engineering Standard
regarding the structure, they used the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 415 of
2001 as their guidelines in designing the selected infrastructure.
Additionally, this project includes figures, tables, cost estimation, and computations to
show and interpret the gathered data easily. The students utilized computer-aided design
(CAD) softwares to design the selected infrastructure for the farm which were Autocad and
SketchUp. Nevertheless, the students ensured that the data collected and information
included in this project were cited properly.
Farm Information
This figure shows the allotted area in the Silan Agri Farm where the designed
greenhouse structure will be constructed. During the site visitation the students visited the
farm to conduct an on-site evaluation and interview regarding the design of the greenhouse.
During the interview the students learned that the owners wanted to create another
greenhouse for the nursery since their first greenhouse will be turned into an hydroponics
area. The new greenhouse will be located near the papaya plantation.
The floor plan for the proposed greenhouse design for Silan Farm is shown above. It
is shown that the greenhouse has an overall dimensions of 11 m x 7.4 m, will have an entrance
of 1.2 meters, and will be composed of 8 workbenches inside. The main purpose of the
greenhouse is a nursery which will grow vegetables and papaya before transplanting. There
will be four (4) 4.8m x 1.5m benches which do have access for both sides and four (4) 4.8 m
x 0.9m benches that are 100 mm away from the side walls to allow air circulation space. The
walkways inside will have a width of 0.8 meters, except that near the entrance which is at 1.2
meters.
Figure 4. Front Elevation Plan
The front elevation for the proposed greenhouse design for Silan Farm is shown above
and is composed of several parts. First is the gable height which is at 2.5 meters and the eave
height which is at 2 meters. This also shows the length of the greenhouse at a total of 11
meters and its entrance located in the middle with the width of 1.2 meters. The main material
for the structure is metal pipes to ensure that it will be more stable and can withstand strong
winds.
Figure 6. Side Elevation Plan
The side elevation plan of the proposed greenhouse design for Silan Farm is shown
in the figure above. This shows the overall width for the greenhouse which is at 7.4 meters
which is divided into 2.5m, 2.4m, and 2.5m through the use of metal pipes. This also shows
the gable and eave height, while also giving the glimpse for the footing which is at a depth of
0.4 meters.
Figure 8. Foundation Plan
Figure 5 shows the foundation plan for the proposed greenhouse design for Silan Farm
and is divided in two types. The foundation will distribute the load from the steel frame to the
soil to ensure that it can endure the overall weight of the greenhouse. Also, it helps to resist
the force from the wind, rain and even natural disasters. First is the one to be used in the
footing which is composed of a 50 mm gravel bed with steel matting of 16mm diameter round
steel bars. Lastly, the one to be used in the floor which is made up of 50 to 100 mm thick
gravel bed which limits the growth of weeds and drainage of excess water.
There will be two types of sprinklers that will be used for the proposed greenhouse
design for Silan Farm, as shown above. First one will be used on the 4.8m x 1.5m benches
which will use 7 sprinkler heads with 1.5m wetted diameter, and the other one will use 11
sprinkler heads with 0.9m wetted diameter which will be used on the 4.8m x 0.9m benches.
This section presents the 3D layout of the design of the greenhouse made using
SketchUp, and was rendered. Using 3D designs, one may experiment with multiple layouts
and see the project from various perspectives.
Figure 11. Other Views of the Design
This figure shows the developed 3D layout of the greenhouse structure design for Silan
Agri Farm. It presents some random views of the structure to see exactly what it looks like
when it is constructed. All these images vividly present the visual appeal, innovations, and
creative elements for the design of the greenhouse structure.
Cost Estimation
The table below shows the cost estimation for the construction of a greenhouse in
Silan Agri Farm. This includes the items, quantities, unit, unit cost of the construction, and total
cost. It facilitates accurate resource allocation, provides an adequate foundation for financial
control, and enhances the profitability and effectiveness of the project.
The table below shows the cost estimate of the materials needed in constructing the
proposed greenhouse structure and irrigation system. The total cost for the greenhouse and
irrigation system resulted in Php 69,075.88 and Php 11,189.83, respectively with 5%
overhead, contingency and miscellaneous amount of Php 4,013.29. Thus, the resulting total
cost of the project amounts to Php 84,279.00.
COST ESTIMATE
I. Greenhouse Structure
A. Foundation and Footings
B. Steel Frame
C. Roofing
200 µm Polyethylene UV
176 𝑚2 36.63 6,446.88
Plastic Sheet
D. Walls
*Black Nylon Shade Nets 1 roll 5,495.00 -
E. Benches
Welded Wire Mesh
8 pcs 440.00 3,520.00
(4𝑓𝑡 × 8𝑓𝑡)
Figure 15. Automated Irrigation Systems (Sprinkler Irrigation System and Ebb Flood/Flow
System)
CONCLUSION
In this project, the developed plan for the construction of a new greenhouse structure
at Silan Agri Farm was shown and specified. This mainly focuses on the design and technical
considerations of the greenhouse structure. Using the gathered measurements of the existing
greenhouse at the farm, both 2D and 3D layout of the design were created. Also, the best
system of irrigation which will be suitable for the new greenhouse structure was identified
which is the sprinkler irrigation system. Further, to determine if the developed plan is
economically feasible, a project cost estimate was also presented which amounts to Php
84,279.00. Lastly, there are recommending automation and control measures for the better
operation of this newly-designed greenhouse structure which are ebb and flood system, shade
nets, smart microclimatic control system, and automated irrigation system.
The idea of the Silan Agri Farm to incorporate additional greenhouse structure in their
area is beneficial for them due to several reasons. They can increase the length of the growth
season for their crops by regulating the indoor environment and shielding crops from
unfavorable weather conditions like extreme heat, cold, wind, or rainfall. Also, they can lessen
the need for chemical pesticides by preventing pests and diseases and improving the quality
of their crops including its flavor, color, and nutritional content. Most importantly, they can
ensure better crop yields by creating an environment where plants can flourish and produce
more.
REFERENCES
Chen, T., Lee, M., Hsia, I., Hsu, C., Yao, M., & Chang, F. (2022). Develop a Smart
Microclimate Control System for Greenhouses through System Dynamics and
Machine Learning Techniques. Water, 14(23), 3941. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.3390/w14233941
Davis, R. (2023). Greenhouse Gardening: Unlocking Its Importance and Benefits. Grow Food
Guide. Retrieved from https://growfoodguide.com/greenhouse/
greenhouse-and-its-importance/
Evans, M.R (2014). Greenhouse Management: Basic Design and Construction. Retrieved
from https://greenhouse.hosted.uark.edu/Unit01/Section05.html
Gardening Channel. (2021). 13 Top Greenhouse Gardening Benefits and Uses. Gardening
Channel. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningchannel.com/top-green
house-gardening-benefits/
Vernon, J. (2021). Why Do Plants Grow Better in a Greenhouse. Hartley Botanic. Retrieevd
from https://hartley-botanic.com/magazine/plants-grow-better-
greenhouse/
UMass Amherst (n.d.) .UMass Extension Greenhouse Crops and Floriculture Program
.Retrieved from https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/fact-sheets/rainwater-
harvesting
APPENDICES
I. Computations
A. Sprinkler Design
Total Dynamic
Basic Irrigation Information Sprinkler Irrigation System
Head and Power
For 1.5 m Wetted
Type Fixed
Diameter
Operating Pressure
200 Hf
(kPa) 0.11
Hd 20.39
Wetted Diameter (m) 1.5 Ha 20.42
Mist
Static Spreader Ho/Hn
Sprayer 20.61
Sprinkler Discharge For 0.9 m Wetted
35
(lph) Diameter
Sprinkler per Lateral 7 Hf 0.23
# of Laterals 4 Hd 20.39
Lateral Capacity (lph) 245 Ha 20.45
Manifold Capacity (lph) 980 Ho/Hn 20.91
B. Material Estimation
● Foundation and Footings
Number of concrete hollow blocks (CHB) - 2 layers:
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑡 & 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑟 = 11 𝑚 × 0.4 𝑚 × 2 = 8.8 𝑚2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 = 7.4 𝑚 × 0.4 𝑚 × 2 = 5.92 𝑚2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 14.72 𝑚2
Using 12.5 CHB per square meter:
12.5 𝐶𝐻𝐵
𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐻𝐵 = (14.72 𝑚2 ) ( 𝑚2
) = 184 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐻𝐵 (10 × 20 × 40 𝑐𝑚)
● Steel Frame
For 6 cm Ø pipe:
Required length = 46.4 meters
Available in the farm = 30 meters
Total length needed = 16.4 meters
For 5 cm Ø pipe:
Required length = 120 meters
Available in the farm = 30 meters
Total length needed = 90 meters
For 3.5 cm Ø pipe and 1” Ø pipe:
Required: 4 pieces of 2.5 m length 3.5cm Ø
Required: 16 pieces of 4.5 m length 1” Ø
Available pipes with diameter of 1”, 3 cm, 3.5 cm and utilization of truss
For RSB 16mm Ø:
Needed: 4 pieces of 6 m length of 16mm Ø
● Benches
Welded wire mesh for benches
Required: 16 pieces of 4𝑓𝑡 × 8𝑓𝑡 welded wire mesh
Available on the farm: 8 pieces of 4𝑓𝑡 × 8𝑓𝑡 welded wire mesh
Total wire mesh needed = 8 pieces of 𝟒𝒇𝒕 × 𝟖𝒇𝒕 welded wire mesh
Angle Bars (6 m) (For sides)
Required Length: 97.6 m = 98 m
98 𝑚
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑟 = 6 𝑚/𝑝𝑐 = 16.33 𝑝𝑐𝑠 = 17 𝑝𝑐𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠
0.80
0.80 7.40
0.80
1.20
S FLOOR PLAN
SCALE 1:1
NOTES:
1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE INMETERS (m), UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
2. READ THIS DRAWING IN CONJUCNTION WITHARCHITECTURAL DRAWING
GABLE HEIGHT
2.50 1.20
EAVE HEIGHT
2.00 2.50 2.40 1.20 2.40 2.50
GROUND
0.40
S FRONT ELEVATION
SCALE 1:1
NOTES:
1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE INMETERS (m), UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
2. READ THIS DRAWING IN CONJUCNTION WITHARCHITECTURAL DRAWING
2.50
GROUND
0.40
NOTES:
1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE INMETERS (m), UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
2. READ THIS DRAWING IN CONJUCNTION WITHARCHITECTURAL DRAWING
A B
11.00
7.40
FLOOR: 50 - 100 mm
GRAVEL BED
S FOUNDATION PLAN
SCALE 1:1
NOTES:
1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE INMETERS (m), UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
2. BROKEN LINES REPRESENT THE CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS (CHB) WITH
DIMENSIONS OF 10x20x40 cm (WxHxL)
3. READ THIS DRAWING IN CONJUCNTION WITHARCHITECTURAL DRAWING
GROUND
0.40
0.20
6 - 16 mm Ø RSB
0.40
6 - 16 mm Ø RSB
0.40
FOOTING DETAILS
S SCALE 1:1
11.00
SPRINKLER IRRIGATION
S SCALE 1:1
NOTES:
1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE INMETERS (m), UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
2. READ THIS DRAWING IN CONJUCNTION WITHARCHITECTURAL DRAWING