When a new greenhouse was built in the United Kingdom earlier this October, the construction team made great use of the latest techniques for installing screen cloths, along with a detailed manual and instructional videos. It's the very first project in the UK to use ValkScreenVision 2.0, a system where the screen cloth is pulled in "automatically" with the help of fabric strips.
The preparatory work for the project, carried out on-site by a greenhouse builder from the Westland region, was supplied by SchermNed. Bart van der Plas and Martin Hartsuiker explain how it all came together. Bart, who works as a planner and project preparer, says: "We were awarded the contract for this new greenhouse build, and we're not just delivering the materials, we're also providing extra support."
3D
That extra support includes 3D assistance during the design and preparation phase of greenhouse construction. While some greenhouse builders still work in 2D, Debets Schalke made the switch to fully 3D design years ago. This requires a partner who can think and operate at the same level, and according to them, SchermNed is exactly that.
For this particular project, Martin Hartsuiker, a drafter and project preparer, was responsible for creating the 3D drawings. He calls it "a hobby," because he genuinely enjoys doing it. At the office in Naaldwijk, they jokingly refer to it as "gaming," thanks to the special mouse used with the design software. The program allows them to convert 2D drawings into 3D models. "This way we can look at and develop every little detail," Martin explains. "The great thing about working in 3D is that you can view the entire system from every angle. And once that's done, it's just a small step to turn it into a clear instruction manual."
© SchermNed
Easier work
The team installing the screen cloth at the site in early October made full use of the manual and the accompanying videos. Martin explains: "The customer is very happy with it." SchermNed provides a kind of booklet that not only explains the installation process but also includes QR codes. "The installers can scan these codes to watch short clips of the individual components, shown clearly from all angles," Bart adds. "The videos also demonstrate how each part should be assembled," his colleague Martin continues.
This level of service from SchermNed, on top of supplying the materials, is not standard in the industry. ValkScreenVision 2.0 is already being used around the world, but local installation teams are not always familiar with the technology. That's where a clear manual really helps. The British installation crew working on this first UK project happens to be highly experienced, Bart says, but even for them, the extra support makes a difference. "It just makes the job easier."
Preventing mistakes
Martin recalls how, in the past, teams would sometimes discover on-site that they needed to drill extra holes or that certain wires didn't line up properly. "Thanks to the 3D drawings, we can now see in advance exactly where the wires should go, so there are no issues once we're on-site," he explains. Working in 3D also has big advantages when ordering and preparing materials. "You can literally check every single bolt before it leaves the warehouse," says Martin.
Providing a full 3D manual isn't yet common practice in the greenhouse industry. "At SchermNed, we want to make it our standard for all our own projects," Bart says confidently.
Innovation with roller screen
The British project is innovative in more ways than one. Not only is it the first in the UK to use ValkScreenVision 2.0, but it's also the first to use a VGV system for the safe installation of roller screens. With this new setup, the screen installer can first use aerial work platforms to safely mount the profiles in the trusses. Only later, once that's done, are the screens carefully pulled into the façade.
Safety is a major benefit of this new method, Bart emphasizes. "Thanks to ValkScreenVision 2.0, there's far less need to work above the crop."
The new roller installation technique also helps keep the screens clean, since installation can be delayed until after the dust and debris from construction have settled. This way, growers start with a spotless, properly installed system that's both safer and more efficient.
© SchermNed
Positive feedback
The grower for whom the new greenhouse is being built chose Svensson for the screen fabric, Ridder for the motors, and Van der Valk Horti Systems for the screen installation systems—all combined with SchermNed's delivery and service. "We're providing a complete package for this project," says Bart. "That includes everything from sales, design, and delivery to a full installation manual and on-site guidance during assembly."
In principle, SchermNed's work is finished once the materials and manual have been delivered. In practice, though, the company chooses to stay involved even after that, just like with the current UK project. "We regularly receive photos from the site and remain available for any questions," Bart explains. "It's also great to hear positive feedback from the UK about our preparatory work. That kind of appreciation really motivates us," he and Martin conclude.
For more information:
SchermNed B.V.
Tel.: +31 (0)174 62 22 14
[email protected]
www.schermned.nl