At ARK, we specialize in providing sustainable greenhouse solutions designed to empower businesses, farmers, and communities alike. Our clear membrane solution has been in use since the early 1980s, with great success in regions such as Japan, Eastern Europe, and most famously, in the Eden Project greenhouse in the U.K. It has proven to be significantly more durable than polycarbonate and plastics, while also providing better light transmission across a broader spectrum compared to glass.
We combine cutting-edge technology with time-tested agricultural practices to create innovative, durable, and energy-efficient greenhouses. Whether you’re a large-scale grower, a small business, or a community-driven agricultural project, ARK’s solutions can revolutionize the way you cultivate crops and manage your resources.
Top 3 Reasons for the ARK / Sprung Greenhouse
Quality:
- 50-Year Warranty on Aluminum and 10-30 Year Warranty on Membrane: ARK greenhouses are built to last, offering long-term reliability and minimal maintenance.
- Durable and Resilient: Capable of meeting hurricane winds, hail, and high snow load conditions. Sprung Structures are insurable for these severe weather events, ensuring protection and peace of mind.
- Fire Retardant and Meets Stringent Fire Codes: Our greenhouses meet the highest standards for fire safety, ensuring protection against fire risks.
- Energy Efficiency: Thanks to superior air tightness (without chalking) and patented cooling and heating solutions, ARK greenhouses deliver the lowest operating costs in the industry.
Delivery:
- Fast Construction: From order to completed manufacture in just three weeks, ARK offers unparalleled speed, building 1500 sq. ft. per day for the fastest time to revenue capture.
- Year-Round Construction: ARK structures can be constructed at any time of year, providing flexibility to fit into any project timeline.
- Customizable Height: With a gothic shape peak height ranging from 21′ to 60′, ARK greenhouses are customizable to meet your specific needs for maximizing revenue per square foot.
Key Benefits of the Clear Membrane:
- 60-94% Light Transmission (depending on thickness chosen): Enables high yields and improved crop quality, especially with UV light that acts as natural radiation, reducing pests and pathogens.
- Durable Mechanical Strength: Resistant to high winds, snow loads, and hail.
- No Degradation or Yellowing: The material does not degrade or yellow over time.
- Easy to Repair: The membrane can be easily patched with clear membrane patches.
The Sprung Advantage: Unmatched Openness and Durability
Openness: The Sprung Structure (our building supply partner) offers unique clear spans and design, providing more open space for greenhouse environments.
Sprung Structure’s airtightness is another key feature. Thanks to the design of its building envelope, Sprung Structures provide exceptional air tightness. SAIT was responsible for testing and analyzing several Sprung Structure installations, and in each case, the results exceeded building standards set for thermal loss.
The accompanying graph illustrates testing performed in Canada, the US, and around the world. Conventional greenhouse structures typically see heat loss double as wind speed increases from 0 to 1 miles per hour, making Sprung’s airtight design a major advantage for energy efficiency.
For further details, visit Sprung Advantage.
How ARK’s Clear Membrane Revolutionizes Greenhouse Farming
While the clear membrane has numerous advantages, it hasn’t been widely adopted in greenhouses due to a few factors:
- Initial Cost: The clear membrane tends to be more expensive than traditional materials like polycarbonate or polyethylene. However, a full construction cost comparison often shows the clear membrane’s superior cost-effectiveness over time (see cladding comparison whitepaper for further details).
- Installation Complexity: Initially, the clear membrane installation was more complex, requiring different structural support systems to accommodate its unique properties. However, ARK / Sprung has fully adapted the clear membrane to fit into their fast and efficient construction process.
- Limited Awareness: Many greenhouse operators are unfamiliar with the benefits of the clear membrane, which limits its adoption.
- Maintenance Considerations: Some greenhouse owners prefer materials that they perceive to be are easier to replace or repair in sections rather than requiring a full replacement. However, ARK / Sprung offers repair kits and the ability to replace specific sections of the membrane.
Despite these challenges, the clear membrane’s long lifespan, self-cleaning properties, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions make it an attractive option for those seeking durable, energy-efficient greenhouse solutions.
ARK’s Warranty and Maintenance Support: Reliability You Can Count On
ARK / Sprung utilizes an extruded military-grade aluminum substructure, which offers superior durability and an indefinite life expectancy. The aluminum I-beam with membrane retainer is engineered to endure extreme weather and environmental conditions.
For greenhouses installed on existing rooftops, the combination of aluminum and tensioned fabric offers durability while remaining lightweight, minimizing the need for structural upgrades. A structural engineer’s report can be provided to ensure the suitability of the existing roof.
Insurance and Risk Mitigation with ARK Greenhouses
One significant advantage of using ARK is the ability to obtain insurance for greenhouses. This is a crucial requirement for many growers and can be a condition for securing bank financing. Insurance companies are often hesitant to cover traditional greenhouses due to the high risk of environmental damage from factors like hail, snow, wind, and fire. However, Sprung Structures provides all necessary documentation and certifications to prove its greenhouses meet the highest standards and can withstand the most severe conditions.
Additional Resources on Clear Membrane Solutions
For more information on the benefits of using clear membranes in greenhouses, visit the following links:
Enhance Efficiency and Sustainability with ARK’s Energy-Efficient Greenhouse Solutions
ARK Structures also offers energy-efficient systems, including heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions, helping to reduce operational costs and improve overall efficiency.
ARK Greenhouse References and Case Studies
- The 90,000 sq. ft. ARK greenhouse cannabis grow facility in Pueblo, Colorado, complete with an automated light deprivation curtain for the flowering stage, highlights energy efficiency and temperature control.
- Aurora Anguilla Resorts use ARK greenhouses for hydroponic produce grown for their five-star hotel guests.
For more information on the use of ARK Structures in Alberta, Canada and worldwide, please refer to our case studies.
Looking to revolutionize your farming or greenhouse operation with cutting-edge, sustainable technology?
ARK’s clear membrane solutions offer unmatched durability, energy efficiency, and superior crop yields. Whether you’re a farmer looking to increase productivity, an entrepreneur aiming to build a resilient agricultural business, or a community initiative focused on sustainable practices, ARK is here to help.
Contact us today to learn how our innovative solutions can take your greenhouse to the next level!