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Single-Span Tunnel Greenhouses
A single-span tunnel greenhouse is one standalone arch covered with plastic film. It is the simplest, lowest-cost greenhouse to build, and for many growers it is the first step into protected cultivation. It protects crops from wind, rain and sudden temperature swings, but it offers only basic climate control.
Single-span tunnelWhat is a single-span tunnel greenhouse?
FANGCHENG supplies single-span film greenhouses on hot-dip galvanized steel frames, in custom sizes, packed for export.
It is a standalone structure with one roof span, covered with PE or PO film. Each unit works on its own and is not connected to the next. The words tunnel greenhouse, polytunnel and single-span greenhouse are used for the same idea. Its main job is to extend the season and shield the crop from weather.
Standard specifications
5 m to 10 m.
1.5 m to 2.5 m.
1.0 m, 1.2 m or 1.5 m.
Hot-dip galvanized steel pipes, joined with dedicated galvanized fittings.
High-transparency film, with black-white, grid and green-white options, plus insect net or shade net.
Manual roll-up film on both sides, with insect netting.
These are standard values. Width, length and height can all be customized.
Within these ranges, the crop usually sets the numbers. A low eave suits low crops and keeps cost down, while staked tomatoes or cucumbers want the higher end. A wider span gives more planting rows per tunnel but asks more of the arches in wind.
Single-span tunnel frameHow it is built
The frame is galvanized steel, usually in an arch shape that is stable and sheds water. Film in PE or PO is lightweight and flexible, and can have UV-resistant or anti-drip features. Construction is straightforward and does not need heavy machinery. Foundations can use ground anchors or simple concrete bases, depending on the soil.
Choosing width, height and length
Width.
A wider span covers more ground per tunnel, but needs stronger arches and handles wind less well.
Height.
Taller eaves give more headroom and air volume, which helps with temperature swings and with taller crops.
Length.
Long tunnels are cheap per square meter, but need good access and ventilation at both ends.
Arch spacing.
Closer arches are stronger and cost more steel. Standard options are 1.0 m, 1.2 m and 1.5 m.
Roll-up sidesVentilation and the inside climate
A single-span tunnel relies mainly on natural ventilation. Side roll-ups let fresh air in and hot air out, and are operated by hand. This works well in mild or warm climates and for crops that do not need tight control. Daily management depends on observation and experience, not on automation.
On a sunny morning a closed tunnel warms quickly, so the habit of opening the sides early matters more than any gadget. On cold evenings, closing them in time keeps the heat gathered during the day. A simple log of outside weather and inside temperature teaches you a tunnel within a season.
Doors, vents and end walls and foundations
Doors, vents and end walls
End walls carry the doors and end vents. A sliding or hinged door at each end gives easy access and lets air flow through the length of the tunnel. Insect netting on the vents keeps pests out. Plan the door size for what you will drive or push through.
Foundations: ground anchors or concrete
A light tunnel can sit on ground anchors in firm soil. In loose soil or high wind, simple concrete bases give a better hold. We advise from your soil and wind.
Advantages and limits
Advantages
- Low investment
- Simple operation
- Easy expansion unit by unit
- Low maintenance
Limits
- Temperature and humidity follow the weather and manual operation
- Film has a limited life and needs replacing
What a single-span tunnel costs: the drivers
- Span and length, which set the amount of steel and film
- Eave height and arch spacing
- Film type, and any insect or shade net
- Doors, end walls and roll-up gear
- Foundations: ground anchors or concrete
- Freight to your site
A tunnel is the lowest-cost greenhouse we build, and most of its price sits in steel and film. We quote per project from your size and site.
Who should choose a single-span tunnel
- Small and medium farms
- First-time greenhouse growers
- Seedling production and seasonal planting
- Training, trial and demonstration projects
- Projects that will upgrade to multi-span later
The common thread is a need to start well without a large investment. A tunnel lets you test a crop, a market and a growing method under cover, while keeping the risk small.
Single-span or multi-span?
Single-span greenhouses focus on simplicity and flexibility. Multi-span greenhouses are better for commercial production and long-term operation, because they hold one larger, more stable climate and let you control ventilation, shading and cooling centrally. If you expect to grow quickly, ask us about both.
See the multi-span greenhouse.
Seedlings under filmCrops
Vegetables, seedlings, herbs and short-cycle crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy greens suit this type. It is also used for edible fungi, fruit, flowers and breeding.
Short-cycle crops suit a tunnel best, because each crop finishes before the season swings too far. Long crops that stay in through hot summers or cold winters need more ventilation or protection than a basic tunnel gives.
Keeping a tunnel in good shape
Common single-span problems
Overheating in summer: add side and end ventilation or shade
Condensation dripping on the crop: use anti-drip film and keep it tight
Water pooling at the base: improve drainage around the tunnel
Film damage from wind: check fixings and tension
A row of tunnelsPlanning the upgrade to multi-span
Many growers start with a tunnel, then move to a connected greenhouse once the crop pays. If that is your plan, tell us at the start. We can suggest span widths and column spacing that carry over, so the move does not mean starting again.
Several tunnels or one larger house? A row of tunnels gives separate climates, which helps when you grow different crops or want to stop a disease from spreading. Each tunnel has its own walls and doors, so the cost per square meter rises as the area grows. Past a certain size, one multi-span house uses land and steel more efficiently.
If you are unsure, start with the crops you know and leave space beside the tunnels. That keeps both options open.
Common questions
Straight answers. If yours is not here, ask us.
Vegetables, seedlings, herbs and short-cycle crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy greens.
High-quality greenhouse film typically lasts two to four years, depending on climate and UV exposure.
Yes. Basic ventilation is provided by roll-up sidewalls and end vents.
Yes. The simple structure allows fast installation, and the tunnel can be relocated if required.
Each tunnel stands alone. If you want one connected space, a multi-span greenhouse is the right choice.
Yes. Length is customized to your land, and ventilation at the ends is planned for longer tunnels.
Get a single-span tunnel for your farm
Send your location, crop and area. We reply within 24 hours.
Consultation and project proposals are free.
What to include
- Location
- Your crop
- Planned area
- Reply within 24 hours
