Library · Structures, greenhouse & energy
Greenhouse Layout Designer.
Greenhouse Interior Layout Designer
Beds, paths, benches, and headhouse. The 70% utilization-rate target. Plus top-down visualization.
Layout principles
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Target ≥70% growing space | Below this, greenhouse is more workshop than production. Most efficient designs hit 75-80%. |
| Path width: 2 ft minimum, 3 ft for cart access | Cart access mandatory if moving plants/equipment frequently. Wider = more wasted space. |
| Bed/bench width: 4 ft from one side, 6 ft from both sides | Reach limit = 2 ft from each side. Wider beds become unworkable. |
| End paths and turnarounds | 3-4 ft at each end for equipment turning. Required for any cart-based system. |
| Headhouse if > 500 sqft greenhouse | Work surface for transplanting, mixing, supply storage. Saves time + protects crops from supply trash. |
| Propagation in shaded / cooler corner | Lower light + lower temp suits seedlings. North wall in northern climates. |
| Heating equipment in headhouse / mechanical room | Keep growing space dedicated. Separate room reduces dust + heat-stress on crop areas. |
Bench types comparison
| Bench type | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wood + hardware cloth | $$ (DIY $20-50/lin ft) | Hobby; small farm; replaceable |
| Galvanized expanded metal | $$$ ($30-60/lin ft) | Commercial; long-lasting; drainage |
| Concrete block + plywood | $$$ ($25-50/lin ft) | Permanent; thermal mass benefit |
| Rolling benches (Dutch tray) | $$$$ ($60-150/lin ft) | Commercial; eliminates aisle; +25% growing space |
| Ebb-and-flow flood tables | $$$$ ($80-200/lin ft) | Hydroponic propagation; sub-irrigation |
| Movable benches (caster wheels) | $$$ ($40-80/lin ft) | Flexible reconfiguration |
Common greenhouse zones
| Zone | Typical % of space | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 50-70% | Crop-specific; main revenue area |
| Propagation | 5-15% | Cooler, shadier, higher humidity |
| Hardening-off | 5-10% | Cooler still; close to exit doors |
| Headhouse / work | 5-15% | Tools, supplies, transplanting bench, electrical panel |
| Pathways / aisles | 15-25% | 2-3 ft typical; 4 ft for cart access |
| Mechanical | 2-5% | Heater, pumps, sometimes outside structure |
Free under CC BY 4.0. Cite as "OAT Greenhouse Interior Layout Designer (openagriculturetechnology.com)".