Imagine living in an ecological apartment where you can also be part of something bigger. That's the idea behind The Farmhouse, a housing development based on vertical farming and the power of the community to fulfill this very purpose.

The proposal, crafted by architects Chris and Fei Precht, is an innovative and ecological solution aimed at reducing the pollution generated by the food industry. It also represents an opportunity to explore the potential of communities working towards a collective purpose in an urban environment.

 

 

The Farmhouse – For Connected Living

The housing project proposed by the Prechts originates from their experience living in the mountains of Austria, where they grow their own food and work with their neighbors to acquire other provisions. The Farmhouse draws inspiration from this lifestyle but elevates it to new heights, offering the comfort of city living.

This eco-friendly high-rise is designed with prefabricated A-frame cross-laminated timber (CLT) modules. The duplex typology allows for open spaces on the first floor, including a living room and kitchen, along with orchards and private or communal gardens providing access to natural light and ventilation. The second floor accommodates the bedrooms and bathrooms.

The CLT structure consists of 3 layers per module: a finished interior with electrical and plumbing; an intermediate layer for insulation; and an exterior with landscaping elements and water supply.

The Farmhouse stands out for its sustainability, incorporating features such as the treatment and use of greywater and rainwater for irrigation, as well as composting sites to help fertilize the soil. The second floor also includes a market with food produced by the inhabitants themselves.

Due to its modular nature, The Farmhouse can be adapted over time, according to the needs of its residents. This allows for construction as high as permitted by local regulations, as well as repairs in line with the Design for Disassembly and Adaptability (DfD/A) ideology, reinforcing The Farmhouse’s strong commitment to sustainability as an example to follow.

 

 

A Sustainable Community

What sets The Farmhouse apart is its groundbreaking approach to integrated vertical farming, designed to address the rapidly growing urban population and the need to produce food locally, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting, preserving, and packaging.

Vertical farming is at the heart of The Farmhouse project. Chris and Fei Precht argue that integrating agricultural systems into residential buildings can revitalize the food cycle, foster greater connection with food, and decrease the distance between farm and table. This approach also addresses environmental challenges by reducing the need for land use in agriculture and shortening supply chains.

“I think we miss this physical and mental connection with nature, and this project could be a catalyst to reconnect ourselves with the life-cycle of our environment,” notes Chris Precht, commenting that the project could even spur citizen participation in farming.

More than just a housing development, The Farmhouse aspires to be a sustainable community. The foundation of the project includes public programs such as farmers’ markets and storage spaces that embrace the urban landscape, fostering collaboration and mutual support among residents. The choice of sustainable materials, such as cross-laminated timber, and environmentally friendly agricultural practices also contribute to strengthening the environmental awareness of the residents.