Circular Sustainablity Loop

Food, waste, energy & water cycle

The community uses eco-friendly techniques where the by-products of one process act as a raw material for another process, in a looped manner attaining a circular sustainability framework. Using this method, waste was not only effectively treated but also used to generate energy or to cultivate crops.

Some of the waste treatment systems used here were biogas systems, Compost toilets and bioconversion processes. Using the bioconversion process, the domestic organic wastes are fed to worms & larvae. These larvae were fed to fishes. The water containing fish excreta were circulated on the aquaponics system.

Site Plan

The building typologies were predominantly zoned based on the topography and the existing land use. The lowest surface of the site (which is at the centre) was converted into a water body. The road network was formed based on the valley lines in the site hence the runoff water will reach the central water body without any water inundation. Once the road networks are drawn the neighbourhoods were located accordingly. Public spaces which can be accessed by the people outside the community were placed near the entrance for easy access.

Dwelling Units

With the intent to reduce the carbon emission in the construction process, vernacular materials and Sustainable building techniques were used. Masonry walls are made on poured earth concrete which effectively uses construction debris with the excavated earth. In our case, a subterranean room was made and the earth dug were used for the construction. Lime which was a local material was used for the plastering work. Since the site was surrounded by hillocks, rubble stones were predominantly used for structural and aesthetic purpose.

Solar Kitchen

With space for Aquaponics & Grey water treatment

One of the major income-generating factors for the community is the solar kitchen. The Solar kitchen is not only open for the community residents but also the people outside the community. The vegetables and fruits are cultivated within the community using Aquaponics & Urban agriculture.

Aquaponics, Bio conversion & Livestock

The Domestic food waste and animal excreta were fed to larvae and worms. These well-fed forms were later fed to fishes in a separate tank. The fish tank water which contains the fish excreta matters were circulated to the vertically stacked plants. The plants absorb the mineral and nutrients from the water using their roots. This process yields more and occupies less space.

Waste water Treatment

Both the black & grey water is treated & reused for gardening and other domestic purposes. The treatment process includes Imhoff tanks, Septic baffled reactor tank & infiltration pond.