What is the difference between a semi-closed greenhouse and a traditional greenhouse?

A traditional greenhouse controls the climate largely through natural ventilation via roof vents. A semi-closed greenhouse also uses mechanical ventilation, positive pressure and air treatment. As a result, the greenhouse climate is less dependent on outdoor conditions and can be kept more stable.

How does a semi-closed greenhouse contribute to energy efficiency?

Because less heat and supplied CO₂ are lost through open vents, energy and CO₂ can be used more efficiently. Technologies such as air mixing and heat recovery can further optimize energy use. The actual savings depend on factors including the climate, greenhouse design, crop and energy supply.

Does a semi-closed greenhouse result in higher crop yields?

A semi-closed greenhouse can create conditions that support stable and predictable production. A more consistent climate and more precise climate control can contribute to crop growth, quality and production reliability. The final yield remains dependent on factors including the crop, cultivation strategy, location and operational management.

When is a semi-closed greenhouse an attractive option for a large-scale horticultural project?

A semi-closed greenhouse is particularly attractive when climate control, energy efficiency, water use and production reliability are important factors in the business case. For large-scale growers and investors, the local climate conditions, available energy sources, crop and desired production output should therefore be assessed together. KUBO tailors Ultra-Clima® to these specific conditions.

What is the difference between a semi-closed and a fully closed greenhouse?

A semi-closed greenhouse combines mechanical ventilation with limited natural ventilation options. A fully closed greenhouse has no roof vents and relies entirely on air conditioning. KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® is a semi-closed system that provides optimal climate control without the high costs associated with fully closed climate systems.

How much energy can I save with a semi-closed greenhouse?

Research shows energy savings of up to 18.5% compared with conventional greenhouses. The exact savings depend on the location, crop, heating system and energy sources. KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® also achieves more than 25% lower CO₂ emissions per kilogram of produce.

Which crops are suitable for a semi-closed greenhouse?

Semi-closed greenhouses are highly suitable for fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, as well as ornamental crops and specialty crops. KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® technology is optimised for five to six crop types that together account for 95% of the fruit and vegetable market.

How does positive pressure affect crop protection?

Positive pressure of 10 to 20 pascals causes air to flow outwards when doors are opened. This makes it more difficult for insects and spores to enter. KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® system effectively keeps pests out and significantly reduces the need for chemical interventions.

Can I use residual heat in a semi-closed greenhouse?

Absolutely. Semi-closed systems work very well with low-grade heat at around 40°C. This creates opportunities to use residual heat from industrial processes or power plants. KUBO has completed projects in which these low-cost heat sources significantly reduce energy costs.

What is the main limiting factor for crop growth in winter?

Light is the primary limiting factor during the winter months. In the Netherlands, greenhouses receive only 10–15% of summer light levels in December. This directly limits photosynthetic capacity. KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® optimizes the use of available light by creating stable climate conditions that minimize crop stress.

How much energy can be saved with modern greenhouse systems?

Semi-closed greenhouse systems can save up to 18.5% in energy compared with traditional Venlo greenhouses. KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® achieves this through heat recovery, efficient cooling and smart ventilation systems that recycle heat instead of releasing it outdoors.

Can I grow year-round without fossil fuels?

Yes, this is possible with the right infrastructure and strategy. KUBO’s CO₂-negative cultivation strategy combines residual heat, efficient climate control and smart CO₂ utilization. This results in a cultivation system that captures more carbon than it emits while maintaining high yields.

How can I prevent pests in my greenhouse without chemicals?

Semi-closed greenhouse systems use positive air pressure to keep insects out. KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® creates a physical barrier against pests. Combined with biological pest control and good hygiene practices, this makes pesticide-free cultivation achievable for many crops.

What does switching to high-tech greenhouse horticulture cost?

The initial investment in an Ultra-Clima® greenhouse is higher than in a traditional Venlo greenhouse. However, lower operating costs, higher yields and reduced energy consumption result in an attractive long-term return on investment. KUBO provides tailored advice to help you find the best balance for your specific situation.

Ultra-Clima® greenhouse

KUBO developed the Ultra-Clima® greenhouse to give growers greater control over their growing environment. The concept came first. The term “semi-closed greenhouse” was adopted only later. Ultra-Clima® combines overpressure, mechanical ventilation, climate air mixing, heat recovery, efficient cooling and dehumidification, and the reuse of air and CO₂. The result is a stable, controlled climate designed to use energy more efficiently.

A greenhouse where tomato plants are grown in long, vertical channels. The plants are lush and green, with a mix of red and green tomatoes hanging from the vines. A person is seen tending to the plants, possibly monitoring their growth or performing maintenance tasks.

Energy savings

Up to ~18.5, depending on factors such as design, location, system use (heating, ventilation, heat recovery), and energy source.

Pest control

Ultra-Clima® greenhouse systems effectively keep insects out and reduce the need for chemical interventions.

Water efficiency

The Ultra-Clima® greenhouse conserves water through closed-loop irrigation, and precise climate control.

Higher yield

The Ultra-Clima® greenhouse maximizes crop production through optimal climate and resource control.

CO₂ reduction

Research shows that the CO₂ emissions per kilogram of tomatoes in an Ultra-Clima® greenhouse are more than 25,4% lower than with traditional cultivation methods.
Read more about our CO₂-negative growing strategy →

Designed for any climate

The Ultra-Clima® greenhouse is designed for year-round, high-efficiency crop production anywhere in the world and proven results in every climate zone.
View our projects →

The image depicts a person, whose face is not visible, wearing a blue outfit and gloves, harvesting tomatoes from a greenhouse. The tomatoes are red and ripe, and they are being picked from the vine by the person's hand.

GHARS

A spacious greenhouse with a high ceiling and transparent, translucent material for the panels. The greenhouse is lined with a wire grid, and within it, there is a cultivated field of young plants or crops. The plants appear healthy and are growing in neat rows.

BrightFarms

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Roof of a traditional Venlo glass greenhouse with several open ventilation windows.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes! Thanks to the Ultra Clima concept, the greenhouse enables year-round cultivation by maintaining an optimal and homogeneous climate inside, regardless of the weather outside. This ensures that all your plants thrive under consistent, ideal conditions.

The Ultra Clima greenhouse is suitable for almost any type of crop thanks to its adjustable and optimized climate system. Whether you want to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, or even tropical plants, the greenhouse provides the ideal temperature, humidity, and ventilation to ensure healthy growth and consistent yields throughout the year.

Yes! We offer comprehensive support to help you get the most out of your Ultra Clima greenhouse. This includes detailed user manuals, step-by-step guides, and expert advice on climate management, crop selection, and maintenance. Our customer service team is also available to answer questions and provide guidance whenever you need it, ensuring your greenhouse operates efficiently and your plants thrive year-round.

The price of an Ultra-Clima® greenhouse depends on the size, model, and optional features you choose, such as climate control systems, automation, or additional accessories. We offer tailored solutions to fit your needs and budget. Contact us for a personalized quote and guidance on the best configuration for your greenhouse project.

Company

Ultra-Clima® greenhouse

Why choose the Ultra-Clima® greenhouse?

Energy savings

Pest control

Water efficiency

Higher yield

CO₂ reduction

Designed for any climate

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

GHARS

BrightFarms

From Our Knowledge Base

What is a semi-closed greenhouse?

How semi-closed greenhouses increase yields

What limits year-round yields in traditional greenhouses?

Answers backed by decades of greenhouse expertise

Frequently asked questions

KUBO Greenhouse Solutions

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