Farm-to-table dining has officially made the transition from the “I did it before it was cool” hipster movement into the mainstream. The problem is, space limitations in cities around the world mean the farm can only be so close to the table. But Beladon, a Dutch property development firm, has plans to bring farms from the country to the big city.
Most large cities around the world are situated near bodies of water that provide open spaces in land-strapped areas. Floating Farm is Beladon’s plan for taking advantage of these spaces. A pilot project is currently being constructed in Rotterdam’s Merwehaven Harbor on a floating concrete platform that, when completed, will hold 40 cows whose milk will be used to make yogurt, cream, and cheese.
The multistory floating structure will house the cows on the second story. This area will be a garden-like environment that provides high animal welfare standards. The roof will have a rainwater collection system and PV panels. On the story below the cows will be collection bins for manure and urine, which robots will collect throughout the day (robots will also milk and feed the cows). The manure will be used as fertilizer to help grow new fodder for the cows.
See Also: Curtain walls go circadian
The entire process will create a self-sustaining closed circle. Think of it as a less majestic version of the circle of life.
The main-level factory floor will have spaces for LED grass production, dairy production, water purification, and manure and urine processing.
A spiral staircase will connect to the cow habitat above and act as a visitor lookout. A gangway will connect to a cow pasture back on land.
The pilot project is designed for cows, but the plans theoretically could be adapted to allow for producing poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
Beladon estimates the farm will produce more than 200 gallons of milk and yogurt a day when fully functional.
Related Stories
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Visual energy model database demystifies net-zero design
Diamond Schmitt Architects’ ecoMetrics tool allows its designers to quickly analyze solutions based on models from 44 LEED-certified projects.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Reusable infection control barriers ease hospital renovation
Clark Construction Group pilots the Edge Guard system on the Fair Oaks (Va.) Hospital reconstruction project.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Novel construction approach speeds K-12 school projects
The Folia system uses pre-engineered components to deliver school buildings at 20% less cost.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Mobile emergency room arrives just in time for Alabama hospital
The MED-1 Mobile Hospital Unit serves as a lower-cost solution during construction of new ED.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Durable coffeemaker brings a bit of comfort to job sites
The CoffeeBoxx is lightweight rust proof, dust proof, water resistant, and ultra durable.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Reclaimed wood paneling adds color to retail and hospitality projects
Colorburst panels are available in four stock options—Robin Egg Blue, Viridian Green, Haute Pink, and Cascade White—as well as custom colors.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Biophilic pods beat the shade when it comes to outdoor cooling
The Xylem concept by CallisonRTKL regulates outdoor thermal comfort through shading, air movement, water circulation, and a vegetated roof.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Mini-grant R&D program pays off in a big way for AE firm
Created through funding from Little’s LaceUp program, the Center for Building Performance has helped the design firm win 14 new jobs since its inception.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
At Beyer Blinder Belle everyone’s seeing RED
The firm’s R&D initiative inspires its designers to develop ideas that could positively disrupt the practice.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Virtual care facility serves remote patients, may reduce readmissions
Mercy’s new high-tech medical center equips its medical professionals to deliver care at the bedside of patients anywhere.