Skip navigation

8 DESIGN TIPS FOR YOUR CANNABIS CULTIVATION FACILITY
Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive industry news, how to’s, giveaways and more. Sign up @ Newsletter.

With the recent October 17th legalization laws, there have been a huge increase in cannabis growing facilities all across the province.

While a number of fruit and vegetable farmers have either switched over or added cannabis to their crop production, there is still a huge rush to enter the industry as supply shortages have already been forecasted within the first year!

When planning for your indoor cannabis cultivation facility, optimizing your resources will be crucial to success. As the market continues to grow, the growing spaces that are most efficient will be the ones that come out on top.

To help you along, here are a few insider tips to optimize your cannabis facility:

TIP #1 – Develop a Plan for your Cannabis Facility:

Every element of your design will impact your workflow. Moreover, it will affect your productivity.

By prioritizing a fully-detailed planning phase at the beginning of your facility build, you can account for all of your options and variables before making any concrete decisions.

TIP #2 – Keep Separate Rooms for Separate Purposes:

Many first-time growers mistakenly pursue the “large warehouse” approach.

With one large room, any problems that may arise (such as bugs or fungus) will be exposed to your entire production line. Consequently, you could risk losing the entire crop.

By keeping each phase of your growing process limited to a separate, isolated room you can effectively reduce the risk of any cross-contamination.

TIP #3 – Build for Efficiency:

Plan your layout to follow the assembly-line of the production phases. This strategy will help your team navigate the workflow process with ease and organization. For example, it may be helpful to keep the mother room next to the cloning room. Alternatively, keep the trimming room next to the drying room.

Think about your typical order of operations and develop a floor plan that will support a forward-moving workflow.

TIP #4 – Implement Clean-Room Protocols:

Another great way to optimize your site design with functionality is to implement full clean-room protocols.

Therefore, you should consider using disposable gowns and booties while allowing limited access into the production areas.

To accommodate access and visibility to inspectors, investors or staff – a strategic solution is to install viewing windows along the corridors of your facility. Point-of-entry technologies (such as air curtains) may also be a wise investment in protecting your product.

TIP #5 – Expand Productivity with Vertical Shelving:

Vertical shelving has been a major productivity hack for indoor agriculture. With incredible holding power, these installations are able to support plants, water reservoirs, fans, hoses and other specialized equipment.

By simplifying the workflow, cannabis facility growers have been able to maximize their productivity and in turn, their profitability. To learn more about handy design tips, check out our article Retail design tips that increase sales.

TIP #6 – Switch to LED Lighting:

While the industry becomes bigger, growers will continuously seek out new ways to efficiently cultivate their product.

HVAC and lighting bills are typically the costliest business expenses. Therefore, cannabis cultivators use LED lighting to reduce their expenses by roughly 50%. It will also help with energy efficiency.

TIP #7 – Consider a Monitored Control System for the Cannabis Facility:

There will often be times where your growing facility is left unattended.

Investing in a centralized system that controls fans, cooling, lights, heaters and an alarm system will give you the peace of mind you need while offsite.

As these expensive crops require very specific conditions. Having monitored access to your centralized control system will keep you in control of any spontaneous changes.

TIP #8 – Hire the Right Contractor:

Finally, be sure to hire the right contractor for the job.

While quality, pricing and reliability are critical qualities to look out for, you will also benefit from working with a team. Specifically, one that is well-versed in the contracting industry.

As the build conditions of your cultivation facility can have a major impact on the growing potential of your product, the experienced support will help align you for success.

INTERESTED IN BUILDING/RENOVATING A CANNABIS CULTIVATION FACILITY? WE’VE COMPLETED OVER 600 PROJECTS. EXPERTS AT OUR MISSISSAUGA LOCATION CAN BE CONTACTED AT (905) 696-0486 OR [email protected] FOR MORE DETAILS.