NP Structures will unveil its new Constant Tension Retractable (CTR) Roof System (Patent Pending) at IPM Essen, where the company will be exhibiting in Hall 7, Stand 7A28.2.
Developed to give growers ultimate control over natural light and airflow, the CTR roof system has been engineered for precision adjustment, rather than simple open-and-close operation. A constant-tension roll-off mechanism allows the roof to be positioned anywhere along its travel and held securely in place, even in changeable or windy conditions.
By maintaining constant tension, the system delivers a wider effective vent opening, reducing component requirements and overall cost. With the roller tubes positioned at the ridge when closed, venting starts at the apex, evacuating the hottest air first. This minimises the degree of opening needed to reduce internal temperatures and results in a more stable, predictable temperature response, even in variable wind conditions.
This approach enables growers to fine-tune environmental conditions throughout the day, adapting precisely to crop requirements, weather patterns, and seasonal variation.
“The CTR system has been in development and testing for 3 years and is now ready for deployment into commercial nurseries,” says Jack Wolfenden, Director at NP Structures. “The need for such a system was put to us from our long-standing customers who are looking ways to achieve both protected and un-protected conditions without needing double the footprint and labour needed to move stock. We looked closely at what was already available, then pushed the engineering further by focusing on achieving constant, controlled tension - something that has always been central to our identity as a greenhouse manufacturer."
By providing instant access to natural light and airflow, the CTR roof allows crops to be hardened off in situ, reducing the need to move plants, allocate additional hardening-off space, or increase labour. The durable roof covering offers 84.4% light transmission, supporting strong crop development while allowing exposure to be moderated as conditions change.
“What really stood out during development was how much control over temperature we can achieve,” adds Jack Wolfenden. “The automation paired with the ability open the roof in increments from the ridge down to the gutter really helps with finding the perfectly balanced climate for your crop.”
Visitors to IPM Essen will be able to see a live demonstration model of the CTR system on the NP Structures stand, showing how the roof can be positioned and held at multiple points along its travel.
IPM Essen Hall 7 | Stand 7A28.2
