Polytunnel design 'restrictions', any ideas?

Maybe? The pipe is round 15mm , and would cut easily but not sure it would have structural integrity after cutting channel in that but I could test it out - I know they make 22mm, but I had the 15mm laying around and wanted this to be recycled and cheap. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

Thanks for info - I am sure I will get there , but hopefully won't waste any materials along the way or think of a better solution the minute I actually finish building it (which is often my way on projects)

 

Perhaps I'm missing something, but are you getting hung up on a tunnel design and using the plastic pipe because you have it? What's wrong with a wooden cold frame structure, with a hinge up lid and have half the front hinge down for access, or have the front panels slot in/out for access.

You could quite easily make a wooden frame with the polythene attached. A hinged top and slot in front panels shouldn't be difficult for someone capable of DIY. Slot in front panels could easily lift out and be placed out of the way. A plain opening lid will fold up against a fence.

 

True -I may be getting hung up on that design. I have the pipe and it seems like that would be the most straightforward build. I also had the thought that in the heat of summer, I could take off the poly and replace with mesh. But I guess that could equally apply to a cold frame

However , I have lots of wood around , and could just build it higher than previously planned and frame that with polythene, then the access could be a drop down front and lift up lid.

That really is food for thought and I am very grateful for that alternative way of looking at it.

Thanks everyone!

 

In the good old days there was a product called Claritex that may have suited your application. Basically a steelwire mesh covered in a clear plastic film , it had rigidity in two dimensions and was flexible; it could be rolled.
However I've not seen it or anything equivalent for some time. Have others knowledge of its availability or similar ?

 

Er, just to throw a spanner in the works, are neighbours going to have a view of old, flappy polythene after a while?

 

I like the sound of the bread bin idea, but also a wooden frame would work too. I "build " this round my lemon trees every Autumn and take it away for summer.
The front panels are hinged doors and open outwards.

 

Thanks I will have a search

 

Why would that be? If I secure it well enough and it's thick enough (which I think it is) , wouldn't it be fine for a year, 2 or more?

And if it rips, it's not fit for purpose, so I would just take off and replace.

 

That's looking good! I like it

 

I’m glad that you sound like a responsible neighbour. I have a neighbour who is not so responsible and I have to look at, and support with stakes, their dilapidated 6’ tall, 200’ long panel fence which they claim to be too poor to replace with new even though they have just spent over £100,000 on an extension.

 

I think my neighbours have bigger things to worry about than my (theoretical, future potential) flapping poly tunnel. (or even a 'low cloche' haha)