Drivhuse

Drivhus is a structure, typically consisting of a frame and transparent glazing, designed to create a controlled environment for growing plants. The main purpose is to allow abundant sunlight while maintaining warmer temperatures and higher humidity than outside, protecting crops from frost, wind, and pests and enabling cultivation outside the normal outdoor season.

Construction and materials vary. Common frames use aluminum, wood, or galvanized steel, while glazing options include glass, polycarbonate, or plastic film. Floors may be concrete, gravel, or soil. Climate control combines heating (gas, oil, electric, or heat pumps), ventilation (roof and side vents or exhaust fans), irrigation, shading, and insulation to improve efficiency and yield.

Types range from small hobby greenhouses attached to homes to large commercial facilities and research greenhouses. They can be freestanding or connected in multi-span configurations. Glass or polycarbonate glazing provides durability and light transmission, while plastic films are cheaper but require more frequent replacement. Drivhuse extend growing seasons and can support year-round production of vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals, particularly in temperate climates.

Historically, greenhouses appeared in Europe from the 16th to 18th centuries and evolved with improvements in frame technology and heating. The modern drivhus often emphasizes energy efficiency, with insulation, automated climate control, and sustainable heating systems shaping contemporary use in horticulture and urban farming.