JAMES GROTE
This building is for independent urban farmers and apprentices. The objective of the building is both to provide the community with locally grown and sustainable produce, and to teach urban farming.
The building is formed from a traditional pitched roof structure with two large volume cuts. These removed sections become open air spaces enclosed by a polycarbonate sheathing. The spaces are designed for urban farming and for communal activities. The urban farm is based on aquaponics, meaning that fish and plants exchange nutrients to support each other. The building includes necessary infrastructure to circulate water between the fish tank and the hanging plants.
The volume cuts create additional facades on the interior of the building. Each facade has openings and balconies formed by geometric shapes. The balconies provide additional space for urban farming, further the indoor/outdoor component of the design, and create a communal “porch” culture.
The building includes three floors. The first floor is comprised of a commercial space facing the street, a shared kitchen/living area for residents, and a space for packaging CSA boxes that will be distributed within the community. The second and third floors function as sleeping quarters and intimate sitting areas for the resident farmers and apprentices. The apprentices primarily sleep in communal bedrooms, while the resident farmers have their own private apartments.
The building is formed from a traditional pitched roof structure with two large volume cuts. These removed sections become open air spaces enclosed by a polycarbonate sheathing. The spaces are designed for urban farming and for communal activities. The urban farm is based on aquaponics, meaning that fish and plants exchange nutrients to support each other. The building includes necessary infrastructure to circulate water between the fish tank and the hanging plants.
The volume cuts create additional facades on the interior of the building. Each facade has openings and balconies formed by geometric shapes. The balconies provide additional space for urban farming, further the indoor/outdoor component of the design, and create a communal “porch” culture.
The building includes three floors. The first floor is comprised of a commercial space facing the street, a shared kitchen/living area for residents, and a space for packaging CSA boxes that will be distributed within the community. The second and third floors function as sleeping quarters and intimate sitting areas for the resident farmers and apprentices. The apprentices primarily sleep in communal bedrooms, while the resident farmers have their own private apartments.
First Floor Floorplan
Second Floor Floorplan
Third Floor Floorplan
East Elevation
South Elevation
Axon 1
Axon 2