jcbehre

3.45 FAR affordable apartments with underground farm increases urban density to reverse displacing gentrification while providing 73% of energy demands, conservatively, with helio-centric sustainable design. 103% of energy demands could be met with reasonably optimistic advances in technology. 

Assuming 23.5% flexible monocyrstalline solar panels, this 3.45 FAR mixed-use housing/farm development utilizes 110,000 sq ft of solar panels to produce 2.5 MW, covering 73% of the energy needs, assuming 69 kWh/m2 and 16,000 sq ft of solar thermal. Without solar thermal requirements, it would power 102% of the electricity. Once triple junction solar cells become more economical, which is projected to happen during the lifetime of the building, it’s theoretically possible to power 173% of the electrical needs.  Ultimately, the mixed-use residential/industrial/commercial model of affordable housing and farm-to-table city food is the most efficient, high quality model of living sustainably. Not only will the food taste better and not kill you with pesticides, but the housing units will feature an increased amount of daylight and decreased energy bill. Rather than gentrifying the area, pushing people out for high square footage luxury apartments, this apartment mixes a combination of luxury penthouse units with 3 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms, 1 bedroom and studio apartments, keeping up with the NYC real estate market while reversing discriminatory housing practices.

2.5 acres of real estate provide 5 acres of grow space in all seasons without pesticides and 90% less water. As climate change threatens the food supply of 2 billion people by 2050 according to the UNHCR, this farm aims to create more food with fewer resources, bringing peace and security to a growing planet. The fully automated farm replaces a parking lot for a Frito-Lay distributor in Newtown Creek, Brooklyn, damaged by hurricane Sandy. It could grow cauliflower, tomatoes, soybeans, hemp, coral and even the potatoes to be distributed next door. The truck parking is relocated underground in a fully automated system, where minimal human contact means added protection from pandemics. With projected population growths and subsequent shortages of water, sand and steel, this farm uses these resources only where necessary. Sustainably sourced glulam, recycled polycarbonate and recycled steel rely less on these dwindling resources and can be produced to store carbon and plastic waste within the building.

The EDEN farm module can flat pack into a 30′ fairing, then redeploy in LEO for construction. From the 15′ square, the floor/ceiling members unfold, then the walls lock in place; then, the growth bed racks unfold from the wall assembly, then the LED lamps. The growth beds are added thereafter, and cultivated by a fully automated system. Water and electric are hidden behind the wall assembly and disconnect from the growth beds when necessary.